What is the difference between a registered dietitian (RD) and a nutritionist?
The American Dietetics Association defines a registered dietitian (RD) as “a food and nutrition expert who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential ‘RD.'” A registered dietitian has a minimum four-year bachelor’s degree and has completed an internship through an accredited program. There is no legal definition for the term nutritionist. A nutritionist, however, is commonly defined as a person who advises people on dietary matters relating to health, well-being and optimal nutrition. These individuals have not received the same specialized, formally accredited tertiary education and training as a registered dietitian. Some registered dietitians may refer to themselves as “nutritionists” because the public is likely to understand and recognize the term, but the credential to look for is the RD.
