The Advanced Practitioner Certification in Clinical Nutrition Provides Opportunities for Validation and Career Advancement for Registered Dietitians

Abstract

This qualitative study explored career impacts of the Advanced Practitioner Certification in Clinical Nutrition (RD-AP) from the perspective of credentialed dietitians. Twelve geographically dispersed RD-APs participated in semistructured interviews ranging from 38 to 67 minutes. Interview data were analyzed using conventional content analysis with an inductive approach. All reported intrinsic benefits of increased confidence, validation, and personal satisfaction, which drove some extrinsic career benefits, including enhanced quality of patient care. The RD-AP credential is an opportunity for career advancement for advanced-level dietitians; however, increased recognition of the credential by stakeholders is needed for the continued growth of the certification program.