Instructor in a lab coat presents a model to a group of medical staff seated around a conference table.

Strengthening Clinical Nutrition Teams Amid an RDN Shortfall


Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are critical to healthcare, providing medical nutrition therapy and improving outcomes across clinical and community settings. But a growing shortage is emerging as program enrollment declines while demand rises.

The Workforce Crunch

The U.S. is projected to need more RDNs, yet new graduates entering the field have dropped by 32% in recent years. This has led to a staggering 44% workforce gap, creating difficulties in recruitment, longer hiring times, and increased reliance on temporary staffing. Rural areas and competitive job markets face the biggest hurdles, while burnout and work-life balance issues impact retention.ext

Strengthen your team.

Reach out today

Innovative Solutions from Sodexo 

To combat these challenges, Sodexo began to rethink nutrition care delivery by leveraging the full potential of all nutrition and dietetics professionals. Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTRs) and Certified Dietary Managers (CDMs) have the credentials to support RDNs with patient screening, nutrition education, therapeutic diet provision, staff training and monitoring, and performance improvement.
  • Two figures representing a doctor and patient with medical symbols above them.

    Expanded roles for NDTRs and CDMs

    Redefining job descriptions to include more clinical responsibilities, patient education, and quality improvement work.

  • Two medical professionals discussing nutrition with a carrot on a tray.

    Team-based care models

    As part of Sodexo’s Clinicia™ offer, clinical teams work collaboratively, allowing RDNs to focus on complex cases while NDTRs/CDMs handle foundational nutrition care. 

  • Mountain path leading to a peak with a flag inside a circular emblem.

    Career development

    Creating clear pathways for NDTRs and CDMs to advance toward RDN credentials, supported by academic partnerships and training programs.

Loading component...

Bottom Line 

By empowering NDTRs and CDMs to practice at the top of their skills, Sodexo’s innovative staffing model strengthens nutrition care and helps overcome industry-wide workforce shortages. This collaborative approach ensures RDNs focus on advanced clinical care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.  

Loading component...

Loading component...

Loading component...