What’s The Difference Between A Dietician And Nutritionist?

The terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” are frequently used interchangeably. Dietitians and nutritionists are food and diet professionals that assist people in maintaining good health and preventing or treating illnesses. Despite the fact that these two occupations are unmistakably related, they have unique characteristics.

Dietitians and nutritionists are both nutrition professionals that have researched the effects of diet and dietary supplements on health. Although both are healthcare professionals, the terms should not be used interchangeably. For individuals who want to call themselves “registered dietitians” rather than “nutritionists,” for example, there are significantly more regulations in place. What these two careers have in common is that those who pursue them are passionate about using their knowledge of food and diet to help their clients improve their overall health.

Let’s have a look at the different qualifications a dietitian or nutritionist may have.

What is a Registered Dietician?

A dietitian is a specialist in dietetics, which is the study of food and its impact on health. A dietitian will frequently work with a client to modify their nutrition in response to a medical condition or personal goals.

A dietitian is a board-certified food and nutrition specialist in the United States and many other countries. They have advanced degrees in nutrition and dietetics, which is the study of food, nutrition, and its effects on human health.

Dietitians get the skills to deliver evidence-based medical nutrition therapy and nutritional advice suited to an individual’s needs through intensive training.

They can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, research organizations, and local communities, to name a few.

Education and Licensing Requirements

A person must meet the standards set forth by governing bodies such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) in the United States or the Dietitians Association of Australia to gain the credentials of Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) 

In some countries, people can also gain the designation of “registered nutritionist,” which is similar to “registered dietitian” and needs certification by a regulatory authority.

These are the professional organizations in charge of dietetics in their various nations.

To be clear, the terms RD and RDN are interchangeable. RDN, on the other hand, is a relatively recent designation. Dietitians have the option of using either credential.

Dietitians-in-training must first get a bachelor’s degree or equivalent credits from a recognized university or college program in order to obtain these credentials.

This usually necessitates a bachelor’s degree in science, which includes biology, microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology, as well as more specific nutrition curriculum.

To be eligible for the RD board test in the United States, all dietetics students must have a master’s degree before January 1, 2024.

All dietetics students in the United States must apply for and be matched with a competitive internship program certified by the Accreditation Council for Coursework in Nutrition and Dietetics in addition to formal education (ACEND).

Internships of a similar nature may be required in other countries.

Internships often expose students to 900–1,200 unpaid supervised practice hours throughout the four domains of practice, reinforced by in-depth projects and case studies outside of those hours.

Before completing the internship, the student must normally pass an exit exam that mirrors the topic of the board exam. They will be eligible to take a board examination if they have completed these requirements.

Finally, a dietetics student who passes the national board exam can seek to become a registered dietitian in their country.

Licensing Requirements

National board certification is required for dietician credentials.

Furthermore, dietitians are required to be licensed in 13 states, including Rhode Island, Alabama, and Nebraska. The remaining states either do not regulate or provide state certification or optional licensure for this profession.

Additional requirements, such as completing a jurisprudence exam, may be a part of the licensing procedure. This is to guarantee that dietitians follow a code of ethics in order to protect the public’s safety.

Dietitians must also maintain their professional growth by earning continuing education credits, which allows them to stay current in an ever-changing area.

What Is A Nutritionist?

Although their educational background closely parallels that of a dietitian, people in some countries may translate their title as “nutritionist” rather than “dietitian.”

In the United States, the term “nutritionist” can refer to someone with a wide range of nutrition credentials and training.

Before a person may call oneself a nutritionist in more than a dozen states, they must meet certain requirements. Accredited certifications also confer titles such as Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS).

Those who earn these certificates are allowed to perform medical nutrition therapy and other parts of nutrition care in most states.

RDs and CNSs are granted the same state license, known as a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) license, in many states such as Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

Anyone interested in diet or nutrition can call themselves a nutritionist in states where the term is not regulated. These folks could use their passion for nutrition in a variety of ways, like creating a food blog or working with clients.

Following the advice of uncredentialed nutritionists, on the other hand, could be hazardous due to their lack of competence and training in medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling.

Before consulting a nutritionist, see if your state has any restrictions on who can use this designation.

Degrees And Credentials Required

A nutritionist does not need a degree or credentials in the states that do not regulate the term. All you need is an interest in the subject.

The CNS or RD credential may be necessary in states that require licensure.

CNS credential holders are advanced-degreed health professionals who have taken additional coursework, completed supervised practice hours, and passed an exam administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists.

Other Nutritional Experts

Another organization that offers certification for the designation of a certified clinical nutritionist is the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CCN). Other types of nutritionists, such as health coaches and holistic nutritionists, don’t need to go through as much training. The American Council on Exercise or another recognized body may simply demand a few weeks of training to become a health coach.

Before sitting for a certification exam sponsored by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board, holistic nutritionists who specialize in functional nutrition must finish a course certified by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, followed by 500 hours of practical experience.

The qualifications for licensure can differ from one state to the next. Some states only allow registered dietitians to practice, while others only allow nutritionists who have been qualified by one of the boards listed above.

Take Away

Dietitians and CNSs are board-certified, qualified food and nutrition professionals who have had considerable training and formal education.

Dietitians and nutritionists, such as CNSs, may need to satisfy additional qualifications to practice depending on where they live.

Dietitians and CNSs can work in a variety of contexts, including hospitals, academic institutions, and food service management, to name a few. Some work with specific demographics, such as youngsters, athletes, cancer patients, and those with eating issues.

Meanwhile, in the United Jurisdictions, some states regulate the term “nutritionist,” while others do not. As a result, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist in many states.

Though it’s easy to get these titles mixed up, keep in mind that experts holding the titles “RD” or “CNS” have earned advanced degrees in nutrition.