National Nutrition Month: Dietitian vs. Nutritionist
- Mar 10, 2016
- 4 min read
Many people use the words "dietitian" and "nutritionist" interchangeably. Although the two terms refer to related professions, they are very distinctive. The largest difference between the two is the legal restrictions and protections that each title holds.
Dietitian
Definition: food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria:
Completed a Bachelor's Degree at a US accredited university or college and the coursework was accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A person may also complete a 3 year degree and go on to receive their Master's of Nutrition.
Completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice internship program. This requires a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice time at a variety of agencies and facilities including: food service, health care, and community agencies. These programs typically run from 6-12 months in length.
Passed a national credentialling examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Some states also require licensing or certification through the state itself.
Completed continuing professional education, of 75 units every 5 years, to maintain registration.
Dietitians may use the credentials "RD" for "Registered Dietitian" or "RDN" for "Registered Dietitian Nutritionist." Some dietitians may also have additional specialized practice certifications that are awarded through the CDR or other medical and nutritional organizations. These include: pediatric nutrition, renal nutrition, sports dietetics, nutrition support, diabetes education, and eating disorders. Approximately 50% of RD/RDNs hold advanced degrees.
College Coursework: Dietitians study a wide variety of subjects throughout their schooling, in addition to required core classes. An ACEND accredited program typically includes coursework in:
Foodservice Management
Food and nutrition sciences
Medical nutrition therapy
Anatomy and physiology
Chemistry - biochemistry, organic chemistry, general chemistry
Biology
Microbiology
Buisiness
Psychology
Communications
Economics
Sociology
Regulation: All dietitians have met national/international standards for professional legislation. The title of "dietitian" is protected by lawn in many countries. It may not be used by anyone who has not met the minimum qualifications.
Work: Dietitians are able to translate the science of nutrition into everyday, useful information about food. They have special skills to be able to translate medical terminology and information for the general public to be able to more easily understand. They can work in a variety of employment settings including:
Hospitals, HMO's, or other health-care facilities such as nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and dialysis centers. Here they educate patients about nutrition and administer Medical Nutrition Therapy as part of the health-care team.
Foodservice operations including schools, correctional facilities and day-care centers. Here they oversee all of the food purchasing, preparation, and safety as well as manage staff.
Sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs, where they educate clients about the connections between food, fitness, and overall health and wellbeing.
Private practice where they may work with a health care team or in their own buisiness. They may consult at other buisinesses on the side or bring in their own clients for outpatient counseling/therapy.
Community and public health settings including food banks, Extension programs, WIC, and public health departments where they monitor, teach, and advise the public on nutrition matters to help improve the quality of their lives and overall health through healthy eating habits.
Universities and medical centers where they may teach dietetics students and other science majors about the science of food and nutrition.
Research areas in food and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or universities by conducting experiments to further the field of nutrition.
Safety: RD/RDNs are members of a professional body and are, therefore, held accountable for their conduct and their care. They have a code of ethics that must be upheld and they are responsible to that code.
Nutritionist
Definition: a non-accredited person who may have completed a short course of study in nutrition. The title may be self-given without completion of a course of study.
Regulation: The title of "nutritionist" is not protected by law in almost all countries, so people with differing levels of knowledge can call themselves a "nutritionist."
The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (CBNS) offers nutritionists the opportunity to become certified with the credential CNS or "Certified Nutrition Specialist." To become a CNS, nutritionists but complete an advanced degree in a related discipline from an accredited college, complete 1,000 hours of practical experience, pass a certification examination, and complete continuing professional education to maintain the certification. CNS is a protected title.
Work: Nutritionists work in a variety of settings, some similar to a dietitian. They may provide support in general nutrition and healthy eating as well as behavioral issues surrounding foods. Some may work as dietitian assistants or as journalists. Others may have their own practices where they provide nutrition therapy to individuals.
Safety: Since the title "nutritionist" can be used by many unqualified people to describe their involvement in nutrition-related practice, you should be very cautious when choosing a qualified nutrition professional.
Given this, it is important to be aware of who you are choosing to receive nutrition information from. Check into the person's education to determine if they are truly qualified to be giving advice.
Remember: all dietitians are nutritionists, but not every nutritionist is a dietitian.
Resources:
1) "Qualifications of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist." Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 16 January 2014. http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/learn-more-about-rdns/qualifications-of-a-registered-dietitian-nutritionist. Accessed 10 March 2016.
2) "Distinguishing Between Dietitian vs Nutritionist." nutritionED.org. http://www.nutritioned.org/dietitian-vs-nutritionist.html. Accessed 10 March 2016.
3) "Dietitian vs Nutritionist." DC Metro Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. http://eatrightdc.org/dietitian-vs-nutritionist/. Accessed 10 March 2016.
4) "What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?" Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. http://www.eatrightpro.org/resources/about-us/what-is-an-rdn-and-dtr/what-is-a-registered-dietitian-nutritionist. Accessed 10 March 2016.
5) "What is the Difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietician?" Nutrition Science Degree. 2016. http://nutritionsciencedegree.org/what-is-the-difference-between-a-nutritionist-and-a-dietician/. Accessed 10 March 2016.
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