I'm curious about the relationship that exists between the RD and IBCLC
credentials.  I've been working toward IBCLC as a direct-entry type (LLL
background), planning to work for myself in private practice.  Lately I've
also had the itch to return to school and have been researching which
"field" would best suit my long-term goal AND my interests.  (Incidentally,
this itch has, indeed, stemmed from the IBLCE's new SoP and the feeling that
SOME other credential would behoove me, but now that the seed's been
planted, I'm excited about the thought of returning to school.)  I have
absolutely NO desire to enter the nursing field or anything of the sort. 
But I *do* have interest in nutritian in general and, from what I've been
able to glean, it might actually be a perfect marriage.  It is my
understanding that, as a RD I would have the ability to bill insurance
companies for my services (and that this...or any...credential might
actually make life as a private practice IBCLC easier in general).  And
obviously, what would human nutrition and breastfeeding be without each other?

Additionally, I'm in Washington State.  I've asked this question of their
licensing body, but have not received a response; perhaps someone here might
have some insight to share.  There are two nutrition credentials recognized
by the state, one as a Registered Dietician, the other as a Certified
Nutritionist.  What is the difference between the two?  From what I can tell
of their website, the Nutritionist is not required to sit for a written exam
or to have served any sort of internship/apprenticeship, but they ARE
required to have a master's degree or higher in human nutritian (or similar
field).  The dietician must have passed a written exam and served an
internship OR have CDR registration (which, as I can see, is passing an exam
and serving and internship), but they're only required to have an
undergraduate degree.  Do they practice the same?  Are they legally
recognized as being able to conduct themselves in the same manner?  Do you
suppose that the Dietician is required to serve a clinical internship and
pass the exam is a substitute for the more advanced education of the
Nutritionist?

If you have these two credentials (RD or CN and IBCLC), would you kindly
speak to your experience and how the two fields work together?  Even if you
don't have these credentials but do have knowledge or an opinion on the
matter, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Thanks so much for your help!
Melissa

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