Licensed Nutritionist vs Registered Dietitian

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When trying to find someone to help improve health through nutrition, the terms “nutritionist” and “dietitian” are bound to come up. Knowing the difference between the requirements for each title and what each can and cannot do – like medical nutrition therapy – enables you to choose the best professional to assist you in achieving your goals.

In this article, you’ll discover what training is required for each title, what the person holding the title is qualified for, and how to decide which professional is the best choice to help you.

What Is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?

A Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a highly trained nutrition expert. In order to become an RD, a person must receive a minimum of a Master’s degree with courses including classes in nutrition science, obtain hundreds of hours of supervised practice, and pass a national certification exam.

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Many registered dietitians receive advanced training in conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or digestive system concerns.

RDs are medical professionals and are a part of their client’s medical team. They can work in clinical nutrition settings like hospitals and provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT). One of their primary roles is to guide patients in improving their medical conditions through nutrition and lifestyle changes.

How Are Licensed Nutritionists and Registered Dietitians Different?

The terms “registered dietitian” and “registered dietitian nutritionist” are protected titles. This means only people who meet the rigorous requirements discussed above can call themselves an RD or RDN.

The term “nutritionist” is not a protected title. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of the amount or type of training they have had. Some nutritionists have extensive training; others have only read a few books on nutrition or taken a course that lasts a few hours.

Some states require RDNs and/or nutritionists to be licensed like other medical professionals. In other states, only RDNs are licensed, while nutritionists are not. However, many states do not require licensure, meaning anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” and provide nutrition services without formal training.

Registered dietitians are the only nutrition professionals who can provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT)—more about MNT is below.

How Are They the Same?

Both registered dietitians and nutritionists help clients eat healthier and improve overall health.

Both can work in community and public health, schools, gyms, sports organizations, private practice, and more.

What Can a Dietitian Do That a Certified Nutrition Specialist Cannot?

MNT focuses on managing and improving diseases using nutrition interventions. RDs can legally offer MNT, while nutritionists usually cannot provide this service (see more in “Scope of Practice” below).

What Services Does a Registered Dietitian Offer?

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)

MNT is a specific type of nutrition therapy focused on nutrition education and improving eating and other lifestyle factors such as sleep and stress management to prevent and manage diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. RDs can provide MNT under state licensure regulations.

Because of a registered dietitian’s extensive education and the rigorous requirements to receive their certification, they are uniquely qualified to work with patients with chronic conditions.

When working with patients on MNT, RDs create tailored nutrition and lifestyle plans that address each patient’s needs while managing their disease and improving their health.

Many insurance providers will only cover services provided by registered dietitians.

Clinical Expertise

The education an RD receives provides a deep understanding of:

  • Human physiology
  • Nutrition science
  • How nutrition affects health

While most people think nutrition is simply about what you eat, it encompasses much more. The nutrition work RDs do looks at how food affects the biology and biochemistry of the body, health, and specific diseases and medical needs.

In some states, RDs are the only people who can offer nutrition counseling.

What Services Do Nutritionists Offer?

Nutrition Counseling

Nutrition counseling is what nutritionists primarily provide. They usually start by assessing the client’s health and nutritional needs. They then offer personalized dietary plans and advice focused on helping their clients develop healthy eating habits and improve their overall health.

Scope of Practice

Scope of practice refers to the services a healthcare professional can legally provide, and these services vary by state.

Clinical or licensed nutritionists may offer nutrition counseling and meal planning. However, more complex nutrition counseling, such as medical nutrition therapy, may not be provided by nutritionists due to state licensure requirements.

Potential clients can search their state and “nutrition license requirements” to determine what licensure requirements exist in that state.

Conclusion

Which is right for you – a registered dietitian or a nutritionist? Before choosing, determine what kind of nutrition counseling you need. If it is medical nutrition therapy or clinical nutrition, then your search should be limited to registered dietitians.

You can find a few nutrition specialists you might like to work with and review their education, training, and certifications. If you’re looking at working with a nutritionist rather than a registered dietitian, you should ensure they have extensive training in nutrition and human physiology, which is necessary to provide nutrition counseling.

Our practice has many qualified registered dietitians ready to help you improve your health and achieve your goals. Contact us and get started today.

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