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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NUTRITIONIST & A DIETICIAN? WITH REBECCA SNOW

Jan 224 min read

What is the Difference Between a Nutritionist & a Dietician?


As a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) since 2005 and a CNS supervisor since 2014, I’ve had the chance to work closely with both nutritionists and dietitians. Serving on the Maryland Board of Dietetic Practice has given me some unique insights into how these two professions can team up to make a real difference in people’s lives.


But let’s be real—there’s a lot of confusion about the difference between a nutritionist and dietician. So, let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, and maybe even clear up some misconceptions along the way. Spoiler alert: there’s room for all of us!


Education – becoming a nutritionist vs. dietitian:


  • Nutritionists who are board-certified through the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) need to have a master’s degree.

  • Dietitians used to only need a bachelor’s degree, but recent changes now require a master’s degree for new Registered Dietitians (RDs). That said, not everyone currently practicing as an RD had to meet this new requirement.

 

Training – are a nutritionist and dietitian the same thing?


The short answer is no, but there are some key similarities. Both nutritionists and dietitians learn the basics: macro- and micronutrients, biochemistry, counseling, research, and nutritional sciences. 


But here’s where they differ:

  • Nutritionists: More focus on things like writing nutrition assessments, supporting chronic illnesses, personalized and functional nutrition, public health, counseling, and running a practice.

  • Dietitians: They get more into food science, community nutrition, and working with groups or institutions.


Licensure


Licensing can get a little tricky.  Licensing laws vary state by state and not all states provide licensure.  The good news is that both professions have a registration or certification process ensuring a standard practice.  Both nutritionists and dietitians can order labs and accept insurance in states where freedom of practice or they can get licensed.


  • There are 7 states where Nutritionists can not get licensed (as of January 2025).

  • Dietitians can get licensed in all U.S. states that offer it


Titles


  • “Nutritionist” is not a protected title everywhere. In some states, like California, anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” even if they don’t have the credentials. 

  • “Dietitian” is a protected title in all states. You can’t call yourself a dietitian unless you’re licensed.


Where They Work


Both nutritionists and dietitians have a lot of career options:

  • You’ll most often find nutritionists in clinical or group practices, community programs, academia, institutional roles, or even non-profits.

  • Dietitians are more likely to work in hospitals, community nutrition programs, and institutional settings, but also in private practice, and academia.


Numbers in the U.S.


Here’s a surprising stat:

  • Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNSs): About 1,500 licensed.

  • Registered Dietitians (RDs): Around 112,000 licensed.


Nutritionists are just 1.3% of the licensed nutrition professionals out there. So, if you’re a nutritionist, own your unique skills and expertise—you’re in an elite group!


Certifying Bodies


  • Nutritionists: Governed by the American Nutrition Association (ANA).

  • Dietitians: Governed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).


Both groups have corporate sponsors, but their approaches are different:


The AND’s sponsorships have raised some eyebrows – Back in 2012, a survey in the Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition found that 80% of AND members were skeptical about the organization’s corporate sponsorships. 


Fast forward to 2022, and a Cambridge University Press article, titled “The corporate capture of the nutrition profession in the USA: The case of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,” dug deeper. It claimed that some AND leaders have held positions in major food, pharmaceutical, and agribusiness companies while also accepting financial contributions from these corporations. The article even pointed out that AND’s public stances often seemed to align with corporate interests. Definitely something to chew on, right?


Final Thoughts


At the end of the day, it’s not nutritionist vs. dietitian. It’s focusing on the incredible value both nutritionists and dietitians bring to the table. By leveraging what makes each of us unique, we can work together to create healthier communities. So let’s put aside our differences and focus on what really matters: helping people live their best lives!!


Additional Resources




References:


Carriedo A, Pinsky I, Crosbie E, Ruskin G, Mialon M. The corporate capture of the nutrition profession in the USA: the case of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Public Health Nutrition. 2022;25(12):3568-3582. doi:10.1017/S1368980022001835.


Reitshamer, Elise; Steffey Schrier, Margaret; Herbold, Nancie; Metallinos-Katsaras, Elizabeth (2012). "Members' Attitudes Toward Corporate Sponsorship of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics". Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. 7 (2–3): 149–164. doi:10.1080/19320248.2012.704748. S2CID 153386997.



Rebecca Snow has been a CNS Supervisor for 10 years and a clinical nutritionist for 20. She is owner and founder of the Nutrition & Herbal Collective. As a CNS Supervisor, and nutrition mentor, Rebecca gives generously of her wisdom and experience to build up new nutritionists for success. She specializes in chronic illness and has worked in academia, group and private practice.  Come meet the supervisors of our internship for nutrition students, and learn about who they are.


Book a Strategy Call with Rebecca to learn more about personalized mentorship for nutrition students and nutrition graduates. 

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