Nutrition

What’s the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
Written by Michelle L. Ulrich, MS, RD
May, 2012

The words "dietitian" and "nutritionist" are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. Registered Dietitians (R.D.) are your most credible source for nutrition information. They are food and nutrition experts.

Receiving the Registered Dietitian (R.D.) title requires extensive education and hard work. Only a Registered Dietitian has the training and knowledge to give you expert, personalized advice based on current nutrition research. Registered Dietitians have to follow specific educational and professional requirements from an accredited program to attain their title. First, they must receive a bachelor’s degree at a US regionally-accredited university or college and complete course work accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Next, they must complete a Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) program. This program includes classes in biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology, as well as a dietetic internship for a minimum of 900 hours with rotations in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service systems management. Before becoming an R.D., you also have to pass a standardized national exam. A Registered Dietitian must also complete continuing education credits to maintain their title and keep abreast of current trends, topics, and issues in the field.

Feel free to also visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website for further information about Registered Dietitians: www.eatright.org

- Michelle L. Ulrich, MS, RD