Registered Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: The Key Differences
When people are passionate about nutrition, their journey to reach their goals will often lead them into the hands of a professional. However, even though many nutritionists claim to be professionals, Registered Dietitians are the only ones who are truly qualified to work with clients and deliver nutritional guidance. Period. The reality is—the terms “Registered Dietitian” and “nutritionist” can’t be used interchangeably!
These terms are HUGELY mislabeled. So, today, we will take a look at the key differences between a Registered Dietitian and a nutritionist. By shedding some light on these differences, we can get a good understanding of how Registered Dietitians and nutritionists don’t hold the same levels of credibility, expertise, and value. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Registered Dietitian vs. Nutritionist
Navigating the world of nutrition can actually be very complex, but it doesn’t have to be. The most commonly spoken of careers are Registered Dietitians and nutritionists. But, it is super important to know that they are not equal AT ALL.
In every way, Registered Dietitians are superior to nutritionists for many, many reasons. So, this is why knowing the similarities, differences, and responsibilities is key to your own career in nutrition. Because potential clients will question how your program is worth more than nutritionists they find, and you’ll need to have a good answer. Luckily, the reason your guidance is more valuable than a nutritionist’s is obvious.
While both Registered Dietitians and nutritionists are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles through an intentional diet, it is important to notice that nutritionists DO NOT have the same qualifications, standard of care, and education that RDs do to actually help clients achieve the life change they’re seeking.
In many ways, this is incredibly damaging to the nutrition industry and society as a whole. The lack of education and formal training could mean clients don’t reach their goals, their situation worsens, or they give up on the idea of healing through food altogether. All of which, is not just bad for business, but it’s bad for humanity! Whether a client is looking to manage health conditions, shed a few pounds, or optimize their fitness, a Registered Dietitian should be the only place they consider for guidance.
RDs often hold advanced degrees and must complete a rigorous dietetic internship. Nutritionists on the other hand can have varied backgrounds ranging from self-study, no education at all, or one free online class. As you can see, there’s a HUGE contrast here.
In essence, knowing the similarities and differences between these two professions can help the public understand why you, as a Registered Dietitian, make such a difference.
What is a Registered Dietitian?
A Registered Dietitian is a well-educated, seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. They are armed with nutritional expertise fostered by years of education, training, and assessment that sets them apart as the most qualified people to help clients achieve optimal health. RDs elevate the standard of care and TRULY change people’s lives with the science and psychology behind their work. All that’s to say, the biggest thing that sets a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) apart from a nutritionist is the EXTENSIVE schooling, training, and evaluation they undertake to earn this title.
These dedicated professionals undergo a comprehensive educational process accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the Commission on Dietetic Registration which includes 1,000 hours of supervised practice. Often, they will achieve, at the minimum, a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics. However, most of the RDs you know will have advanced degrees! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics helps to further support professional development. RDs are at the forefront of translating scientific research into practical and helpful nutritional advice. In fact, The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) talks about just how important registered dietitians are in promoting exceptional health and preventing illness. Seriously, you are a BIG DEAL!
Not only are RDs equipped on the knowledge side of things, they're actually informed on how you genuinely care for people. Registered Dietitians work to create a nurturing, warm, and supportive environment while helping their clients achieve their desired nutrition goals. It’s one thing to KNOW about nutrition, but RDs actually know how to communicate to clients and support them as they embark on their health journey. But with an RD a client knows they’re not just getting fed (no pun intended) a flashy sales pitch or internet trend, they’re getting their guidance from someone who follows strict guidelines and regulations to execute only evidence-based practice that are in-line with the latest advancements in the field of nutrition. These clients can know they are truly getting the best care.
Above all, RDs bring a wealth of invaluable knowledge to the table. They are healers, creators, life changers, and so much more.
What Does a Registered Dietitian Do?
Registered Dietitians play a really important role in promoting health and preventing long-term conditions through the art of proper nutrition. They have a huge range of job descriptions, and they are very different from nutritionists because of their specific qualifications and industry standards. Here are some of the key things registered dietitians do:
Assessment and Evaluation: Looking at dietary habits and finding where improvement can be made. Conducting assessments and looking at things like age, health status, medical history, and lifestyle.
Nutrition Planning: Developing personalized nutrition plans to address medical conditions, health goals, or dietary restrictions. Providing guidance on food choices, portion control, and meal timing.
Medical Nutrition Therapy: Working with people dealing with medical conditions to create individual plans to ease side effects and improve health. Collaborating with allied healthcare professionals to optimize overall patient care and outcomes.
Education and Nutrition Counseling: Educating clients on the role nutrition plays in overall health. Offering support to clients while making lifestyle changes.
Community and Public Health: Conducting programs in schools, communities, and workplaces to promote healthy eating habits. Participate in campaigns and public health initiatives.
Research and Development: Engaging in research to keep up to date with the latest evidence-based practices and nutritional science.
Food Service Management: Managing and overseeing food service operations in schools, healthcare facilities, and other institutions.
In many places, the dietitian title is actually legally protected! This means that only people meeting specific professional and educational criteria can use it. RDs have a much broader scope of practice and often work out of their own private practice.
Requirements To Be a Registered Dietitian
Becoming an RD isn’t easy, but it’s worth it! It involves quite a large combination of education, training, and practicals. Plus, you have to pass a national exam. Here are the key requirements.
Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics or Nutrition
You must get a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in dietetics, or nutrition. This will usually take up to four years to complete. Your degree could be another major but in order to complete the requirements and paperwork needed to pursue a dietetic internship most RD2be’s end up completing a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, as a result.
Supervised Internship or Coordinate Program Completion
After you’ve obtained a bachelor’s degree, you need to complete a supervised internship or coordinated program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This is often referred to as a dietetic internship or DI.
State Licensure
Some states may require you to have a state license, and this will vary between states. Others may have certification as opposed to licensure.
Continuing Education
To maintain your RD status, you MUST engage in continuing education to stay up to date. This can range from conferences, workshops, or additional coursework. Some RDs will even go on to study more and take on advanced degrees.
What is a Nutritionist?
A nutritionist can be well educated. Unfortunately, however, in most cases nutritionists are self-proclaimed experts who make money delivering advice they’re really not qualified to deliver. They provide guidance on food and dietary choices to impact a client’s health or goals. In many cases this is done even when they do not have the background or education to back up their advice, because unlike RDs, nutritionists aren’t well-regulated. There are no requirements to call yourself a “nutritionist.”
The qualifications and standards will vary greatly. While some will undergo formal education, most won’t. They often provide advice backed by social trends and personal experience.
There’s no regulation stating that nutritionists must further their education or stay up-to-date in the world of nutrition. Individuals need to do their due diligence when looking into nutritionists as their qualifications vary greatly from those of an RD. The bottom line is that there is no such thing as a licensed nutritionist and RDs are the standard of care in the field of nutrition.
It is important to note: a Registered Dietitian can and may choose to be called a nutritionist. You may even see RD’s referring to themselves as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. This is each clinicians personal choice. However, a nutritionist is NOT a Registered Dietitian or a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Again, it is important for the public to be aware of these differences and check the credentials.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
A self-proclaimed nutrition expert or self-proclaimed nutritionist might offer the services I’ll list below. Many individuals in the public may be considering a nutritionist to help them in these areas–but they should NOT be. If someone is offering these services—they should always check credentials and education as well ask ask themselves why they’re not hiring an RD instead.
Nutritional Counseling
Wellness Programs
Meal Plans
Educational Programs
Fitness Nutrition
Sports Nutrition
Product Development
Requirements To Be A Nutritionist
The requirements to become a nutritionist vary GREATLY from those to become a Registered Dietitian. Some states will require aspiring nutritionists to have some sort of certification and training, while others don’t need anything at all. As you can see, the educational requirements, background, certifications, and training differ HUGELY!
This is a HUGE red flag and the exact reason I’m sharing this post with you today!
It's my hope that this post helped to shed light on the very real and important differences between a self-proclaimed nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian.
Whether you’re trying to explain the difference to your friends and family or to a future client, keep this post in mind! You might even consider saving it to your favorites for easy sharing.
If you're a Registered Dietitian or a Registered Dietitian to Be with dreams and aspirations of starting your own practice so our collective voice and impact can change the world, I would love to invite you to apply to work with me today, to get started on your journey!