What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
With so many nutrition professions, it can be difficult to understand how they differ. This is especially the case for nutritionists and dietitians. The terms dietitian and nutritionist may sound similar, but there are significant distinctions: their expertise, experience and education are very different.
The field of dietetics is highly regulated. There are strict guidelines that professionals have to meet. To become a credentialed Registered Dietitians (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN), there are specific requirements:
- An approved program for a bachelor or more advanced degree in dietetics from an accredited university, including required specific science courses.
- An internship in a recognized/approved internship program.
- Passing the national CDR Exam.
- To maintain their status, RDs must also complete continuing education requirements as outlined by the CDR and their state’s regulatory board.
A dietitian therefore has specialized training in food and nutrition.
There are two boards that can certify nutritionists:
- The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists credential (CNS).
- The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNBC).
Requirements for this degree include:
- A master’s degree in nutrition
- Certified practice experience
- A national exam
For over thirty years I have worked as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist a well as a New York State Certified Dietitian Nutritionist, helping patients with diverse issues: diabetes , cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, digestive difficulties and disorders, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, weight loss, and more. Nutrition is a science, and those with highly specific medical nutrition needs can’t just google what they need. That’s why reaching out to a Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) or certified nutrition specialist (CNS) matters.
It is unfortunate that anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. They apply their interest in diet or nutrition to anything from running a food blog to working with clients. But only someone who has one of the following recognized credential RD, RDN, CNS, CNBC can provide evidence-based medical nutrition therapy and nutritional counseling tailored to meet an individual’s needs.
As stated by the Cleveland Clinic “Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, but dietitians have specialized training”.
References
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (n.d.). Licensure summary of statues to follow.
American Nutrition Association. (n.d.). Board for certification of nutrition specialists.
