What’s the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

Now that’s a question we hear a lot!  The words "dietitian" and "nutritionist" are often used interchangably, but they are not the same.  A dietitian is a Registered Dietitian, which means the person has a degree — that’s what the initials R.D. mean after someone's name.  All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.  Only an R.D. has the training and the knowledge to give you expert personalized advice based on current nutrition science.

Getting an RD title takes a lot of work. Registered Dietitians are food and nutrition experts who have to follow specific educational and professional requirements from an accredited program to attain their title, including a bachelor’s degree, completion of a Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) program, which includes classes in biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology plus a dietetic internship for a minimum of 900 hours. Before becoming an RD, you also have to pass a standardized national exam and complete continuing education credits to maintain your title — meaning RDs have to stay abreast of current trends and issues. If you’re interested in becoming a registered dietitian, check out full requirements through the American Dietetic Association.

For the most part, nutritionist is not a licensed title. There is, however, something called a certified nutrition specialist, CNS, which is a licensed nutritionist. This title does not require intensive clinical hands-on training. Check out the requirements. There is also something called a CDN, which is a Certified Dietetic Nutritionist. This title is also licensed, and requires specific educational and professional requirements to attain. But not all states require you have it to practice.

Hope this helps to clear up any confusion!