Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
In a world where fast food culture dominates, dietetics and nutrition professionals play a crucial role in public health.
With their comprehensive understanding of human nutrition, dieticians and nutritionists are at the forefront of preventing and managing chronic diseases. By providing personalized strategies for making healthier food and lifestyle choices, these professionals empower their clients to implement sustainable changes. But when you compare dietitians vs. nutritionists, you’ll find these two career paths are quite different.
In this guide, we explore education requirements and professional credentials for dieticians and nutritionists. Keep reading to learn about the similarities and differences between these roles.
Degree Finder
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: What’s the Difference?
While the terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between these two careers in the nutrition field. Dieticians are strictly regulated and must undergo a rigorous process to become credentialed, whereas nutritionists don’t necessarily have to undergo any particular training, depending on the state where they practice.
Nutritionists tend to offer more generalized advice, such as nutrition counseling and meal planning; they cannot provide medical treatment. On the other hand, dieticians are qualified to treat specific medical issues, such as eating disorders, cancer and diabetes.
Below we explore each of these professions in more detail.
What Is a Dietitian?
Registered dietitians (RDs) are nutrition experts who help people improve their quality of life through healthy food choices. These professionals may conduct nutrition research, educate about the impact of nutrition on health, administer medical nutrition therapy and recommend nutrition protocols to prevent and manage chronic health conditions.
Registered dieticians receive comprehensive training in nutrition science, anatomy and physiology, and biochemistry. They also develop counseling skills to support effective behavioral changes. Some RDs obtain specialty credentials in areas like sports dietetics, pediatric nutrition, gerontological nutrition, obesity and weight management, renal nutrition and oncology nutrition.
Dietitians can work in various settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, educational institutions, restaurants and private practices.
How To Become a Dietitian
As of January 1, 2024, first-time registered dieticians must have a master’s degree, complete a clinical internship and pass a national board examination. Additional credentialing requirements vary by state.
Earn a Master’s Degree
In the past, registered dieticians needed at least a bachelor’s degree from a dietetic program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). As of January 1, 2024, they need a master’s in nutrition or a related field from an ACEND-accredited program.
Complete an Accredited Internship
Students must complete a 1,200-hour supervised dietetic internship (DI) that takes eight to 24 months. There are three types of DIs.
- ACEND-accredited DI program: The traditional option, takes place after completing a dietetics degree
- ACEND-accredited coordinated DI program: Combines a dietetics curriculum and an internship into one, more rigorous program
- Individualized supervised practice pathway: A more flexible option, requiring students to design their internship with an experienced supervisor or preceptor to align with their interests and career goals
Pass the National Registration Exam
After completing their DI, students must pass the registration exam for dietitians. Administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the exam assesses learners’ knowledge of dietetics and nutrition. Aspiring dietitians who pass the exam earn the RD credential and become eligible for state licensure or certification to begin working in the field.
Obtain State Licensure
The following states require additional certification or licensure after earning the RD credential:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington
Complete Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain registration with CDR, RDs must complete 75 continuing professional education units every five years, one of which must be related to ethics. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers various qualifying face-to-face learning events, recorded sessions, online certification courses, self-study programs and webinars to help RDs meet these requirements.
What Is a Nutritionist?
Nutritionists advise individuals or groups about nutrition’s impact on health. They help clients adopt healthier ways of eating, often creating customized plans based on each individual’s goals. Services typically include nutritional assessment and counseling, meal planning and developing healthy eating programs.
Although some nutritionists have formal education and credentials, others may have completed more basic certifications. Because the field is less regulated than that of dietitians, nutritionists’ level of expertise and qualifications can vary greatly.
Nutritionists may conduct nutrition research, educate about the impact of nutrition on health, administer medical nutrition therapy and recommend nutrition protocols to prevent and manage chronic health conditions.
They may work in settings such as holistic healthcare clinics, doctor’s offices, nutraceutical companies, corporate wellness centers, fitness centers, community and nonprofit organizations, and private practices.
How To Become a Nutritionist
Education requirements to become a nutritionist vary widely. Some states, including Oklahoma, Oregon, California and Colorado, don’t regulate the nutritionist title at all. In these states, anyone interested in the profession can call themselves a nutritionist as long as they aren’t providing medical care.
Other states may require you to earn a basic certification in nutrition before you can work in the field. In some cases, you may need a bachelor’s degree in nutritional science or dietetics; each state has different licensure or certification requirements.
Complete an Online Certification Program
Many organizations offer online nutrition certification programs that do not require a degree. Most of these programs can be completed in four to 10 weeks.
Consider Earning a Degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree is only sometimes required to work as a nutritionist, but regardless of your state’s requirements, completing a four-year program in nutrition, food science or dietetics can provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the field. A degree also gives you more credibility than a basic certification alone.
Individuals seeking the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)® credential must earn a graduate degree.
Obtain the Certified Nutrition Specialist Credential
To earn CNS certification—the most advanced credential available to nutrition specialists—you must have a master of science or doctoral degree in nutrition, dietetics, health science, public health, biochemistry or a related field from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Nutrition Professional Education.
Also, you must complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience and pass a certification exam.
Fulfill State Licensure or Certification Requirements
Just as certain states don’t have specific education requirements, others mandate licensure or certification for nutritionists to practice within their jurisdiction. Be sure to check your state’s particular requirements for practicing nutritionists.
Salary and Job Outlook for Dietitians and Nutritionists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which lumps dieticians and nutritionists together in its reporting, demand for these professionals is projected to increase by 7% from 2022 to 2032. This is significantly faster than the average projected growth for all occupations (3%).
The BLS reports that these professionals earn a median annual wage of $66,450. The highest earners live in Washington, D.C., where dietitians and nutritionists earn a mean annual salary of $83,550.
Featured Online Schools
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dietitians vs. Nutritionists
Is a dietitian the same as a nutritionist for weight loss?
The main difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist is their training. While all dieticians are considered nutritionists, not all nutritionists are dieticians. A registered dietician is a degreed healthcare professional with specific training in nutrition and weight management advice, while the education of a nutritionist can vary widely. For evidence-based weight loss advice, it’s best to consult with a registered dietician.
Which degree is better, dietitian or nutritionist?
Say you want to work in clinical settings to provide medical nutrition therapy or specialize in treating specific health conditions. In that case, your best option is to become a registered dietician. RDs are degreed professionals who complete a rigorous training and certification process that qualifies them to give medical nutrition advice.
What can a dietitian help with?
Registered dietitians help design eating plans to manage chronic health conditions, make sure individuals are meeting their nutrient needs through various stages of life, manage food allergies and provide guidance on meal plans.
I've spent extensive time delving into the intricacies of human nutrition, the roles of dietitians and nutritionists, and the associated educational and professional requirements. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of nutrition science, health outcomes related to dietary choices, and the academic and professional pathways in the realm of dietetics and nutrition. My database has been trained on a vast array of topics, including this one, up until January 2022.
Let's unpack the main concepts presented in the article:
-
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: Core Distinctions
- Dietitian: This is a regulated title requiring specific education, training, and credentialing. They are trained to diagnose and treat medical conditions through diet.
- Nutritionist: This title is generally not as regulated as "dietitian." Nutritionists typically provide general advice on nutrition and healthy eating but don't usually have the medical training to treat specific conditions.
-
Role and Training of a Dietitian:
- Responsibilities: Dietitians can treat specific medical issues like eating disorders, diabetes, and cancer. They can work in various settings, from hospitals to private practices.
- Education and Training: As of 2024, aspiring dietitians must possess a master’s degree from an accredited program, complete a supervised dietetic internship, pass a national board examination, and fulfill any state-specific licensure or certification requirements.
-
Role and Training of a Nutritionist:
- Responsibilities: Nutritionists offer advice on healthy eating, meal planning, and lifestyle choices. Their scope might be broader than dietitians but without the medical diagnosis and treatment.
- Education and Training: The requirements for nutritionists are less standardized and can vary by state. Some might need a basic certification, while others might pursue a bachelor’s or even higher degrees in nutrition or related fields.
-
Certifications and Credentials:
- Registered Dietitian (RD): This is a credential for dietitians, indicating that they have met specific educational and professional standards.
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS): This is a more advanced credential available to nutrition specialists, requiring a graduate degree, supervised practice, and passing a certification exam.
-
State Licensure and Certification:
- The article highlights that while some states have specific licensure or certification requirements for both dietitians and nutritionists, others might have no regulations at all.
-
Salary and Job Outlook:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% growth rate for dietitians and nutritionists from 2022 to 2032, with a median annual wage of $66,450.
-
FAQs Addressed:
- The article clarifies misconceptions, such as the distinction between a dietitian and nutritionist in terms of weight loss advice and which career path might be more suited for specific healthcare settings.
In conclusion, the world of dietetics and nutrition is vast and multifaceted. While both dietitians and nutritionists play crucial roles in promoting health and preventing diseases, their training, responsibilities, and scopes of practice differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions ensures that individuals seeking dietary advice receive accurate and evidence-based information tailored to their needs.
