BASIC REQUIREMENTS
a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)
b. Education and Supervised Practice
(1) The individual must have earned a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent and fulfilled each of the following criteria:
(a) Completed a didactic program in dietetics accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
(ACEND), formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE).
(b) Completed an ACEND accredited or approved supervised practice program. Supervised practice programs are post baccalaureate degree programs that provide supervised practice experiences which meet the eligibility requirements and
accreditation standards of ACEND. Completion of a coordinated program in dietetics fulfills the requirements of a supervised
practice program. Time spent in a dietetic internship or supervised practice program does not qualify as creditable experience.
(2) Individuals who have earned college and/or university degrees outside the United States and its territories also must have their transcripts evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation service to determine if their degree is equivalent to a degree granted by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Validation of a foreign degree does not eliminate the need for verification of completion of didactic program, dietetic internship, or coordinated program requirements.
The completion of ACEND didactic program requirements and at least a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited
college/university or foreign equivalent are necessary for eligibility to enter an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
c. Registration/Certification. All applicants must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing branch of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Advanced Level Practice Dietitians must possess a minimum of one advanced practice credential relevant to the area of practice, (e.g. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC), Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR), Board Certified
Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG), Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), or Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO)).

Grade Determinations:

• GS-7 Dietitian (Entry Level)

(a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
(b) Assignment. Employees at this grade are closely supervised and competency in progressively complex tasks is monitored by supervisor. Employees at this grade level serve in a developmental position.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the
following KSAs:
1. Basic knowledge of principles and practices of dietetics and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).
2. Ability to provide nutrition care utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to patients, family members and/or caregivers considering psycho-social issues and age-appropriate, evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines.
3. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with patients, family and/or caregiver, and other professional healthcare providers (e.g., tailoring to audience and use of medical terminology).
4. Ability to plan and organize work consisting of multiple tasks and priorities under direct supervision.
5. Basic knowledge of, and ability to use, current information technology operations, software, hardware, terminology, security requirements, and capabilities.
6. Knowledge of basic food production and service for various populations which incorporates principles of sanitation, safety, and menu planning within a healthcare environment.
7. Knowledge of educational concepts, methods, and the ability to execute existing education and training activities for Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) employees.

• GS-9 Dietitian (Developmental Level)

(a) Experience or Education. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or education equivalent to 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or master's degree from an accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field.
(b) Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve in either clinical or food service systems management dietitian positions. It is expected that they receive guidance from higher-level orsupervisory staff members. Employees at this grade are under general supervision. Progressively complex tasks are monitored by supervisor. Employees at this grade level serve in a developmental position.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the
candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Ability to plan and organize work of considerable difficulty and responsibility, under general supervision.
2. Knowledge of various food preparation and delivery systems within a healthcare environment.
3. Knowledge of educational concepts, methods, training materials, and resources and the ability to develop and conduct
education and training programs for NFS employees.
4. Ability to participate in research studies and conduct performance improvement studies and document findings to evaluate staff, food, supplies, equipment, and service, in order to improve the efficiency of the operation.
5. Knowledge of the principles and practices of clinical dietetics including NCP and MNT in order to plan, develop, and coordinate nutrition interventions, including enteral and parenteral nutrition, interdisciplinary care plans, and nutrition education activities that promote Veteran health, wellness and lifestyle management.

• GS-11 Dietitian (Full Performance Level)

(a) Experience or Education. At least 1 year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level, or education equivalent to 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field.
(b) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as staff dietitians at the full performance level. Registered dietitians are responsible for independently planning, developing and directing all nutrition care activities (e.g., food service and/or clinical nutrition). Registered dietitians serve as important members of the interdisciplinary team of care providers, and focus on offering exceptional nutrition care and guidance to optimize health. Registered dietitians work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, outpatient centers, residential treatment programs and patient homes. They are responsible for using
evidence-based approaches to develop menus, counsel patients and provide nutrition care.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
a. Knowledge of best practices in the dietetics profession and in scientific literature, including knowledge of research methods, study design, data collection, interpretation of findings, and translation of results into nutrition practice.
b. Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
c. Ability to develop and maintain a system of internal reviews and direct quality control and performance improvement studies.
d. Knowledge of computer software programs relative to food service systems.

References: VA Handbook 5005/80, Appendix G20, Dietitian Qualification Standard

.