DIETITIAN
VS
NUTRITIONIST
A.
A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a nutritionist that has been accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The titles “RD,” “Registered Dietitian,” and “Dietitian” are highly regulated in the United States. In order for someone to become a RD, he or she must have a master’s degree in nutrition, complete a 1200-hour dietetic internship, and pass a national registration exam. A nutritionist, on the other hand, can be anyone as the term “nutritionist” is not regulated in any way. Nutritionists may have a four-year degree, they may have completed classes for an online certification, or they may have no training at all. Therefore, every Registered Dietitian is a nutritionist, yet not every nutritionist is a Registered Dietitian.
There are more nutrition enthusiasts than ever before and lots of nutrition advice to choose from. What works for one person may be inappropriate, ineffective, or even dangerous for another person. That is why formal clinical training and credentials are so important. Since nutrition is not one-size-fits-all, it must be VERY individualized. RDs are food and nutrition experts who are highly trained and qualified to identify each person's unique needs using evidence-based research.
Q.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REGISTERED DIETITIAN AND A NUTRITIONIST?
A.
A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a nutritionist that has been accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The titles “RD,” “Registered Dietitian,” and “Dietitian” are highly regulated in the United States. In order for someone to become a RD, he or she must have a master’s degree in nutrition, complete a 1200-hour dietetic internship, and pass a national registration exam. A nutritionist, on the other hand, can be anyone as the term “nutritionist” is not regulated in any way. Nutritionists may have a four-year degree, they may have completed classes for an online certification, or they may have no training at all. Therefore, every Registered Dietitian is a nutritionist, yet not every nutritionist is a Registered Dietitian.
There are more nutrition enthusiasts than ever before and lots of nutrition advice to choose from. What works for one person may be inappropriate, ineffective, or even dangerous for another person. That is why formal clinical training and credentials are so important. Since nutrition is not one-size-fits-all, it must be VERY individualized. RDs are food and nutrition experts who are highly trained and qualified to identify each person's unique needs using evidence-based research.
CRITERIA TO EARN THE RD CREDENTIAL
Completed a minimum
of a master’s degree
at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college with coursework accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.
Completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
Dietetic internship programs will typically run six to twelve months in length.
Passed a national examination
administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Complete continuing professional educational requirements
to maintain registration.
