difference between a dietician and nutritionist
Nutritionist vs. Dietician?
What is the difference in education between a nutritionist and a dietician? I’ve been searching the web for a clear-cut answer and so far haven’t found much of anything. Thanks!
I get this question a lot.
The term “Dietitian” is a legally protected term. One can’t just call themselves a dietitian. They have to be registered by the American Dietetic Association to use that title. To get registration one must get a bachelors degree or higher in nutrition and dietetics, after which one must get I think it’s 1300 hours of supervised internship hours. After meeting those requirements, they take the exam to get the registration under the American Dietetic Association (ADA). If you pass, you are a dietitian. Then one must also get licensed for the state in which they practise. The ADA has stringent guidelines that one must meet/learn in school especially since there is so many fads in regards to nutrition. It is very scientifically based and proven and there is a lot of research that goes into the curiculum.
To be a nutritionist. Nothing. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist and “teach” people about nutrition. There is no legal requirements that must be met, so a “nutritionist” can teach anything that they believe, whether it is truth or not.
The Difference Between a Dietician and Nutritionist