Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: The Difference
Written by: Jessica Kergosien, Dietetic Intern
The terms Dietitian and Nutritionist are often used interchangeably in today’s wellness-driven world. However, although both professions assist individuals in developing a healthier relationship with food, the education, training, and legalization of each title vary greatly.
Understanding the difference between these two professions can help you make more well-informed decisions when it comes to trusting a provider for nutrition advice, and why referring to a Dietitian might be the best choice to help you receive personalized and evidence-based care.
What is a Dietitian?
Dietitians (also referred to as Registered Dietitians, RDs, or RDNs) are food and nutrition experts. Dietitians combine scientific evidence, nutrition, behavioral science, and social science to promote health, prevent disease, and shape dietary behaviors at the individual, community, and/or population levels. Depending on the Dietitian’s area of practice, they may collaborate or communicate with other medical practitioners, including physicians, therapists, and nurses, to provide well-coordinated, comprehensive care that enhances the overall health and well-being of each client.
Education and Training
Becoming a Dietitian requires extensive education and training:
Master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program
Minimum 1,200 hours of supervised practice through a dietetic internship
Passed the National Registration Exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
Continuing education (CEUs) throughout careers to maintain licensure
Many RDNs also pursue specialty credentials in areas such as:
Sports Dietetics (CSSD)
Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
Renal Nutrition (CSR)
Gerontological Nutrition (CSG)
Oncology Nutrition (CSO)
Eating Disorders (CEDS)
Diabetes Educator (CDE)
And more
Where RDNs Work
Clinics and hospitals: Providing medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and patient education.
Private practice: Offering one-on-one nutrition counseling or consulting for individuals, companies, and other healthcare providers.
Community and public health: Developing programs that will influence healthy eating and access to food.
Research and academia: Advancing nutrition science and training future dietitians.
Corporate and sports wellness: Assisting employees or athletes to maximize their performance with the help of nutrition.
Considering RDNs are licensed healthcare professionals, they can deliver medical nutrition therapy (MNT), a personalized dietary care applied to control or cure medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders.
What is a Nutritionist?
The Nutritionist title is less regulated, and its definition depends on the state. The title can be used by anyone interested in nutrition in some states, with or without any formal education and training. Nutritionists work with patients, families, or communities to enhance healthy eating and wellness. They are more likely to focus on food behaviors and work with individuals in understanding their dietary behaviors while following a balanced meal plan.
However, credentialed professionals such as Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) or certified/clinical nutritionists (CN) do exist.
Becoming a CNS requires:
Master’s or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field
1,000 hours of supervised experience
Only 35 hours of relevant coursework related to the practice of personalized nutrition
Completion of a national board exam
Nutritionists have a broad range of scopes of practice depending on the state. In certain states, any person is free to call themselves a nutritionist, although they may not possess any training, certification, or clinical experience. This is the reason why they cannot treat medical conditions and offer medical nutrition therapy (MNT) unless they are also licensed as dietitians.
Additionally, Nutritionists are typically not covered by insurance, whereas Dietitians receive reimbursement under many health plans. Common Nutritionist roles include Health Coach, Nutrition Educator, and Wellness Consultant.
Where Nutritionists Work
Gyms
Wellness Centers
Private Practice
Online Coaching
The Bottom Line
Although dietitians and nutritionists focus on improving health through food, their qualifications, legal scope, and expertise differ.
A quick way to remember: All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
If you’re looking for personalized nutrition information about a medical concern or just want to ensure you’re getting evidence-based guidance, working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is the safest and most reliable choice!