Dietitians vs. Nutritionists: Similarities and Differences

Published on: December 14, 2023

There's no denying the impact of nutrition and healthy eating (or lack thereof) on a person's health and wellness. Just as the right diet and nutrition can help fuel the body and keep it healthy, a poor diet could lead to chronic illness, obesity and other serious health problems. Across the United States, poor dietary choices are fueling a public health crisis—especially considering high rates of obesity and diet-related illnesses like type 2 diabetes and health disease.

Perhaps more than ever, there is a need for experienced nutritionists and dietitians to promote healthy eating, nutrition therapy and other habits to help the general public. But what exactly is the difference between dietitian and nutritionist? Contrary to what you might believe, these terms should not be used interchangeably.

With a better understanding of the similarities and differences between these fields and what it takes to work as a clinical nutritionist versus registered dietitian, you can determine which field of study may be right for you.

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What Is a Nutritionist?

A nutritionist specializes in the use of food and nutrition to improve overall health and wellness. These professionals may be responsible for assessing the health and nutritional needs of a client as well as making recommendations for dietary changes and nutrition plans.

In certain cases, a clinical nutritionist may also assist clients in creating nutrition/meal plans to manage ongoing health conditions. For example, a client with type 2 diabetes may work with a nutritionist to create a meal plan to manage the disease and its symptoms.

Nutritionists work in a variety of settings, ranging from cafeterias to government offices to nursing homes and hospitals. Sometimes, nutritionists may work for themselves, offering independent counseling to clients.

What Is a Dietitian?

A dietitian is a recognized medical professional also focused on diet and nutrition to promote health and wellness while managing chronic health conditions in the process. 

Dietitians can help with anything from meal planning to making nutritional recommendations for a client's specific goals, whether it be losing weight, gaining weight or keeping a chronic condition in check.

Dietitians may fall into the category of registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). These professionals hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and likely additional training beyond that.

Nutritionist vs. Dietitian: Similarities and Differences

Oftentimes, the terms "nutritionist" and "dietitian" are used interchangeably. While it's true these two types of professionals both help clients improve their health and wellness through proper diet and nutrition, it is important to note they are not the same from a professional standpoint.

By understanding the similarities and differences between dietitians and nutritionists, you can determine which career path may be better suited to your needs. Likewise, if you're ever needing dietary or nutritional guidance, you can better decide the type of professional you should see.

Similarities

Both dietitians and nutritionists have expertise in nutrition and the impact diet can have on overall health and wellness. These professionals may assist with things like meal and diet planning for their clients along with promoting a healthy lifestyle. Dietitians and nutritionists may both be subject to continuing education requirements to work in the field. It is also worth noting that all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.

Differences

Dietitians and nutritionists help clients improve health and wellness through healthy eating. However, that's about where the similarities end between these professions. There are numerous key differences between the work of dietitians and nutritionists—as well as differences in the credentials and requirements to work in these fields.

For instance, dietitians are required to become licensed and registered to work anywhere in the United States. This means having a bachelor's degree from an accredited dietetics (or similar) program in addition to completing supervised practice hours and committing to a code of ethics.

Likewise, dietitians are required to pass a national exam and may have to obtain a license (though this can vary from one state to the next). On the other hand, nutritionists do not have to meet these education and training requirements. Of course, many employers still require nutritionists to have a bachelor's degree or similar credentials.

There are also differences between dietitians and nutritionists in terms of where they are most likely to be employed. Typically, nutritionists work in hospitals and healthcare settings, although some may work in a freelance capacity seeing their own independent clients.

Dietitians, however, are more likely to work in both private practice and government or public health. Because dietitians are highly trained and experienced in the science behind healthy eating, they may be hired for education and research roles, too.

Job Outlook for Nutritionists and Dietitians

No matter if you are interested in becoming a clinical nutritionist or a registered dietitian, the good news is that the job outlook for both practices looks promising. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for dietitians and nutritionists is expected to grow 7 percent between 2022 and 2032 alone. That's faster than the national average for all occupations.

How to Become a Nutritionist or Dietitian

The exact path you'd need to take to begin working as a nutritionist or dietitian depends on a few factors, including the state where you wish to practice and the exact job title to which you aspire.

As a clinical nutritionist, you may not be required to hold a formal degree in a related field to legally practice in most states. However, if you aim to get hired by a hospital or other facility, there's a good chance most employers would still prefer applicants with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a similar field.

If you wish to work as an RD or RDN, on the other hand, you need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field as well as about 1,000 hours of clinical practice. In addition, beginning in January 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration requires all aspiring dietitians to hold a minimum of a master's degree. Regardless of degree, all RDs and RDNs must also pass a national licensure examination.

Whether you aim to work as a nutritionist or dietitian, you may also need to complete continuing education requirements to keep working in the field. RDs, for example, must complete a certain number of continuing professional education units every five years to keep their licenses active.

Ultimately, the right path for you (nutritionist versus dietitian) hinges on how much education, training and certification you are willing to complete to start out in the field. If you're looking to start working and making a difference in clients' lives as soon as possible, a career as a nutritionist may be ideal. If you seek to expand your credibility and career opportunities, though, then spending a little more time to become an RD or RDN may be worth it. Regardless, you can feel good knowing you could help people lead happier and healthier lives through either path.

Interested in Studying Nutrition and Health?

As you can see, there is a bit of overlap between the work of a nutritionist and a dietitian. Both are deeply involved in promoting healthy eating habits to help people lead healthier lives. However, working as a registered dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionist does require some additional training and specialization.

If you feel called to explore health and nutrition as part of your professional path, Husson University Online has degree programs and certificates tailored to you. This includes our new Nutrition and Health program, designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as a nutritionist or dietitian.

Learn more about Husson University’s online degree programs by getting in touch today—or take the first step by filling out an online application!

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