Dietitian vs. Nutritionist

Every time someone calls me a nutritionist I have to giggle on the inside because I know there is a difference between a nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian.

Let me clear some things up for those of you who do not know the difference.

There is a big difference betwixt a nutritionist and a registered dietitian (RD). Although, RDs and nutritionist commonly have similar goals- help people eat better.

In the US, RDs must meet very specific requirements set forth by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). RDs have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or both) in nutrition, dietetics or nutrition sciences. The two agencies previously mentioned work together to ensure all RDs entered the workforce with similar training, competencies, and education throughout their careers.

The degree programs for RDs cover the basic sciences, chemisty, and biochemistry, along with nutritional science, clinical nutrition, and community nutrition. Lifecycle nutrition, food policy, nutritional epidemiology, food service, food science, and more! After they have completed an “internship” (which is most commonly after obtaining their bachelor’s/master’s degrees) they must pass a national registration exam administered by the CDR. Once registered they must also become licensed in the state they plan to work. RDs must remain up-to-date through continuing education every year of their careers, nutrition is an ever changing science.

Many RDs work in the prevention and treatment of disease by providing Medical Nutrition Therapy at hospitals and clinics. There are also many working in the community, food industry, business, journalism, higher education, sports nutrition, etc.

UNLIKE dietitians, the education and training requirements to become a nutritionist vary dramatically depending on state. Nutritionist is not a nationally recognized credential due to the variations. Some states do not even require a licensure or certification for the nutritionist title to be assigned, so literally anyone could say they are a “nutritionist.” Obviously, many nutritionist out there do have training in a field of nutrition, but they don’t necessarily have a degree or training.

Both RDs and nutritionist want to help people eat better, which I am very grateful for… but do your research when nutritional wisdom.

With that being said, I have no qualms with being called a nutritionist because I know my background is there… Soo go ahead and call me your dietritionist ;o)

Qualms I do have with RDs are those not practicing their knowledge and seeking to improve their nutrition continually. We are the experts, we need to be recognized as the health gurus of our areas! Preach it and people leave, practice it and people will begin to follow!

#sartainnutrition #dietitian #nutritionist #health #medicalprofessional