What is the Difference between Nutritionist and Dietitian

There are three main differences between a Dietitian and Nutritionists and they revolve around the definition of the terms, the education, as well as the legal protection. 

1. Definition of Dietitian and Nutritionists 

Dietitian

A Dietitian is a qualified, professional person who provides counseling or medical nutrition therapy for individuals pertaining to their health, nutritional status, and well-being. 

So that is a definition in a nutshell condensed form. 

Nutritionist

A nutritionist on the other hand [is] anyone who studies food and nutrition or nutritional sciences and also seeks to prevent nutritional deficiency. 

All dietitians are nutritionists so that definition of nutritionist also is applicable to a dietitian, but however; since all dietitians are nutritionists not all nutritionists are dietitians.

2. Education Difference of Dietitian and Nutritionist

Dietitian

Educationally dietitians are required at this present time to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree.

At this time dietitians are required to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree and they have to complete specific coursework that is approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

Additionally, after completing this coursework a dietitian has to go through an approved internship and has to meet certain amount of hours and then after that internship is finished then they sit for the boards from the Commission on Dietetic registration.

That is the education of a dietitian at this present time. 

Nutritionist

A Nutritionist may be someone who holds a bachelor's, master's, or even a doctorate degree in nutrition. 

Now notice their coursework is not approved by any type of board like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for dietitians is. 

It can be any coursework in nutrition.

Additionally, some nutritionists don't even have a formal education anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. 

3. Legal Protection

Dietitian 

The term "registered dietitian" which is what I am it's protected by law. Not everyone can call themselves a registered dietitian.

Nutritionist

A nutritionist, on the other hand, depending what state you're in; someone that has a PhD and then someone that you know just studies nutrition on their own depending what state you live in can both be called a nutritionist. 

Now some states do protect that terminology "nutritionist" and some states require nutritionists to go to like a board and get an occupational license where they are certified legally. 

The term nutritionist it's kind of it's touch-and-go it can get a little sketchy, but with registered dietitian it's concrete, you know what you're getting, you know the background and it's more solid. 

When you see the term nutritionist do not get all excited look for that RD that registered dietitian right behind that name it explains a lot. 

Additionally, if you're seeking counseling or advice or medical nutrition therapy from someone make sure that it is a registered dietitian because a lot of people can call themselves nutritionists.