Both nutritionists and dietitians specialize in nutritional sciences. Both professions focus on helping individuals and groups of people make healthy decisions to manage underlying medical conditions or improve overall wellness.
The main difference between the two career paths is that dietitians have demonstrated meeting certain criteria through educational competencies and passing the credentialing exam. Dietitians need to undergo approved academic studies and more rigorous training and pass a national credentialing exam to call themselves registered dietitians (RDs) or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). In contrast, there are fewer steps to becoming a nutritionist. Dietitians, therefore, have certain professional abilities and privileges that non-regulated nutritionists do not have. A nutritionist has many more regulations and less ability to provide nutritional advice.
Work Responsibilities
Nutritionists and dietitians both work with groups and with individuals one-on-one, teaching about general nutrition and the effects of food choices on health. Different states set different regulations regarding what nutritionists can do, but in general, they can help clients learn about food and nutrition. They may also develop meal plans, either for individuals or in some states, patients in a hospital. However, nutritionists usually cannot provide medical nutritional counseling or diagnose or treat illnesses.
In contrast, a registered dietitian is a credentialed professional. In addition to doing everything a nutritionist can do, an RD can provide medical nutritional therapy and counseling. Dietitians can help diagnose and treat certain illnesses. For example, an RD may provide nutrition-based treatments to diabetic patients or develop nutrition plans in a clinic setting. An RD can also develop nutrition plans for athletes.
Additionally, dietitians often work closely with mental health professionals to screen patients for eating disorders. They may develop nutrition plans for patients who are struggling to overcome an eating disorder or another health condition, such as substance abuse.
When considering the question, What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian? you should also examine the typical work environments of a nutritionist vs. dietitian. Although there are some differences regarding what nutritionists and dietitians can do, both can work in similar settings.
Many nutritional science professionals work in clinical settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, other long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics. Others work for government agencies, including state health departments, private facilities, school districts, professional sports organizations and research centers.
Some other common employers for nutritionists and dietitians include:
- Government agencies, including health departments
- Nursing homes and other residential care facilities
- Outpatient care centers
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you might consider launching your own wellness company, providing nutritional counseling to health-minded individuals in your community.
Academic Requirements
Another way to examine the question, “What’s the difference between a dietitian and nutritionist?” is to take a look at the academic requirements for these different roles. One of the main academic differences is that the requirements for nutritionists vary depending on the jurisdiction, whereas the requirements for dietitians are more standardized across states. In addition, another difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist is that aspiring dietitians must generally achieve a higher level of education.
Certifications
Specific requirements for nutritionists vary widely from one state to the next. In many states, the use of the title “nutritionist” is not regulated. In other states, an aspiring nutritionist must obtain certain certifications in order to practice. Before you choose a nutritional sciences program to enroll in, it is best to check the requirements for the state in which you plan to practice.
Getting a Degree To Become a Dietitian
Before becoming a registered dietitian, an individual must meet the criteria set, in the United States, by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). An aspiring RD must complete an accredited nutritional sciences or dietetics degree. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, aspiring dietitians must also have a master’s degree.1
After completing most of your coursework, aspiring dietitians must also complete an accredited dietetics internship (DI). These internships allow you to develop in-depth skills and knowledge across all dietetics competencies. Expect a minimum of 1,000 practice hours working under supervision.2 After that, dietitians need to pass the national board credentialing exam and obtain state licensure to practice as an RD or RDN.
