What’s the Difference Between a Dietitian and a

Nutritionist?

You may be wondering what defines true expertise in nutrition.

Perhaps you have heard the terms “nutritionist” and “dietitian” and are confused by
what they mean.

What a dietitian does

In the United States and many other countries, a dietitian is a board-certified food and
nutrition expert. They are highly educated in the field of nutrition and dietetics — the
science of food, nutrition, and their impact on human health.

Through extensive training, dietitians acquire the expertise to provide evidence-based

medical nutrition therapy and nutritional counseling tailored to meet an individual’s
needs.

They are qualified to practice across a span of settings, including hospitals, outpatient
clinics, research institutions, or local communities, to name a few.

What a nutritionist does

In some countries, people may translate their title as “nutritionist” rather than “dietitian,”
though their educational background closely resembles that of a dietitian.

In the United States, the title “nutritionist” may encompass individuals with a broad
range of credentials and training in nutrition.

In over a dozen states, certain qualifications must be met before an individual can call
themselves a nutritionist. Additionally, accredited certifications grant titles like Certified
Nutrition Specialist (CNS) (8).

In most states, those who receive these certifications have the authority to practice
medical nutrition therapy and other aspects of nutrition care.
In many states, such as Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and
Pennsylvania, RDs and CNSs are granted the same state license, usually called a
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) license.

In states that don’t regulate the use of this term, anyone with an interest in diet or
nutrition may call themselves a nutritionist. These individuals may apply their interest in
nutrition to anything from running a food blog to working with clients.

However, because uncredentialed nutritionists typically lack the expertise and training
for medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling, following their advice could be
considered harmful (9Trusted Source).

The bottom line

Dietitians and CNSs are credentialed, board-certified food and nutrition experts with
extensive training and formal education.

Depending on where they live, dietitians and nutritionists like CNSs may also need to
meet additional requirements to be licensed to practice.

Dietitians and CNSs can apply their expertise across a range of settings, including
hospitals, academic institutions, and food service management. Some specialize in
working with specific populations, such as children, athletes, or those with cancer or
eating disorders.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the term “nutritionist” is regulated by certain states but
not others. Thus, in many states, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.

Though these titles can sometimes be easy to confuse, remember that professionals
with the titles “RD” or “CNS” have advanced degrees in nutrition.