I’m a registered dietitian, but one of the most common questions I’m asked isn’t actually about food or nutrition. It’s: What’s the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, which causes confusion among people looking for nutrition advice. But there is a clear distinction between a registered dietitian and nutritionist.
This breakdown provides the definition of both terms, the required degrees and training for each and when it’s best to see a dietitian versus a nutritionist.
What is a dietitian?
A registered dietitian (RD) is a nutrition expert with a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program at a college or university. In addition to schooling, a registered dietitian must complete an internship where they’re supervised by an RD, pass a national exam, and fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their credentials.
The terms registered dietitian and registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) are protected and regulated terms that are interchangeable.
Degrees and training required
Students interested in becoming a dietitian study a variety of subjects, such as food and nutrition sciences, foodservice management, business, communication, statistics, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy and chemistry. As of 2024, a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program is required to sit for the RD exam.
Many students study nutrition in undergrad and go onto earn a master’s degree in nutrition, while others have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field and return to graduate school to study nutrition. Either course of study is appropriate, but those who do not have a nutrition background are required to take prerequisite science coursework before entering a graduate program.
After a student completes the necessary coursework, they take part in a supervised practice program, otherwise known as a dietetic internship. This program consists of a minimum of…
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