Differences Between a Dietitian and Nutritionist

Dietitians and nutritionists are similar and can help improve your diet.
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Dietitians and nutritionists are both nutrition experts who have studied how diet and dietary supplements can affect your health. Both are considered to be healthcare professionals, but the titles should not be used interchangeably. Dietitians tend to have more education and credentials, but that's not always the case.

Dietitians

A dietitian is an expert in dietetics, a branch of knowledge concerned with diet and its effects on health. A dietitian will commonly work with client to alter their nutrition based on a medical condition and/or individual goals. A registered dietitian has to complete the following in order to gain certification:

  • A bachelor's degree with coursework approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Supervised experience at an accredited healthcare facility, community agency, or food service corporation
  • A national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration

Furthermore, a dietitian must meet continuing professional education requirements each year to maintain board certification.

Dietitians are recognized by the letters "RD" (registered dietitian) or "RDN" (registered dietitian nutritionist) after their names.

Registered dietitians often work in food service or as part of a medical team in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Dietitians are sometimes employed by universities, where they can teach, research, or address public health issues related to diet and nutrition.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also credentials registered nutrition dietetic technicians. Nutrition dietetic technicians typically have an associate's degree and work alongside registered dietitians. They are recognized by the letters "NDTR" (nutrition dietitic technician, registered) after their name.

Nutritionists

In the United States, the title "nutritionist" can be applied to anyone who offers general nutritional advice. Nutritionists are not as regulated as dietitians, and even those who do not have any professional training can legally call themselves nutritionists.

As opposed to dietitians, who are qualified to diagnose eating disorders and design diets to treat specific medical conditions, nutritionists deal with general nutritional aims and behaviors. Nutritionists are often employed in schools, hospitals, cafeterias, long-term care facilities, and athletic organizations.

With that said, many nutritionists have advanced degrees and have passed nutritionist certification boards to obtain the protected title of certified nutrition specialist (CNS). This is especially true for sports nutritionists.

This title must be obtained through the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS). Applicants must have a master's degree in nutrition (or similar field) and at least 1,000 hours of practical experience before they are allowed to sit for the exam.

Only those who have passed the CBNS boards and met the practical experience requirements can legally add the letters "CNS" (certified nutritional specialist) after their names.

Other Nutrition Professionals

The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board is another organization that offers certification for the title of a certified clinical nutritionist (CCN). Other nutritionists, such as health coaches and holistic nutritionists, don't require as extensive a training program. Health coaches may only require several weeks of training through the American Council on Exercise or other reputable organization.

Holistic nutritionists who specialize in functional nutrition will need to complete a course approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, followed by 500 hours of practical experience, before sitting for a certification exam administered by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board.

The requirements for licensure can vary by state. Some states only license registered dietitians, while others license nutritionists if they're certified by one of the above-listed boards.

Employment Opportunities

There are approximately 70,900 professionals employed as dietitians and nutritionists in the United States. From 2018 to 2028, the industry is expected to grow by 11% as corporations, schools, and sports organizations recognize the benefits of improving nutritional behavior.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median expected annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in 2019 is $61,270.

A Word From Verywell

If you want to work with a nutrition professional, the best thing to do is to speak with your doctor about your needs and goals. You would then be referred to a dietitian if your needs are medical (such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer) or a nutritionist if your aim is to lose weight or improve your overall health.

The services of licensed dietitians and nutritionists may be covered by your health insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare. At your first meeting, don't hesitate to ask about the provider's education, credentials, and licensure.

6 Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Qualifications of a registered dietitian nutritionist.

  2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration. Guidelines for credential placement.

  3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Credentialing of RDNs and NDTRs.

  4. American Nutrition Association. Nutritionists & health professionals. Application process.

  5. National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Two credentials to choose from.

  6. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Dietitians and nutritionists. Summary.

By Shereen Lehman, MS
Shereen Lehman, MS, is a former writer for Verywell Fit and Reuters Health. She's a healthcare journalist who writes about healthy eating and offers evidence-based advice for regular people.