The terms "dietitian" and "nutritionist" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meaning and also different professional requirements. What Is a Dietitian?A dietitian is a board-certified food and nutrition expert who is trained to provide evidence-based nutritional counselling and medical nutrition therapy. Whereas, nutritionists specialize in dietetics, which mainly focuses on the relationship between food, nutrition, and health. Anyone can become a nutritionist. While dieticians work in medical environment, nutritionists work mostly in gyms, schools, and often at local clinics.Education and CredentialsWhat does one need to become a registered dietitian or a nutritionist? To become a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), individuals must meet stringent educational and professional standards, including:Formal Education Dietitians must earn a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field. Courses typically include biology, biochemistry, physiology, and specialized nutrition science. As of January 2024, a master’s degree is mandatory in the U.S.Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS): A CNS is a health professional (e.g., doctor or nurse) with advanced degrees who has completed additional coursework, supervised practice, and a certification exam. CNSs are licensed to provide medical nutrition therapy in most states.Supervised PracticeAspiring dietitians must complete 900–1,200 hours of supervised practice through an accredited internship program. This includes training in clinical nutrition, community health, food service management, and research.However, there are no precise constraints on nutritionists, and no formal education or qualifications are necessary to declare oneself one. Because of this lack of consistency, some nutritionists may be unable to provide safe or evidence-based advice.What are the certification programs required to become a dietitian or a nutritionist?For dietitians, they must appear for exams after fulfilling academic and practical requirement. This examination is a national certification exam that helps them earn the RS or RDN credential. However, there are no such requirements for a nutritionist. The term "nutritionist" is less regulated and can encompass a wide range of individuals with varying levels of expertise. In some states, the title requires specific qualifications, while in others, anyone with an interest in nutrition can call themselves a nutritionist.LicenseIn many of the states in the US, the dietitians must hold a state license, which may involve passing additional exams and adhering to professional codes of conduct. Continuing education is also required to maintain licensure.For nutritionists, there is a partially regulated term in some states, but unregulated in others.The types of dieticians: Dietitians can specialize in various fields, they include:Clinical Dieticians: those who work in hospitals, and treat acute and chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancers, or kidney disease.Community Dietitians: They design and implement nutrition programs for public health initiatives. They too can do the same for schools.Food Service Dietitians: They manage large-scale food operation in schools or military bases. They are also responsible for maintaining a uniformed diet plans, especially in army bases.Research Dietitians: They conduct research on nutrition interventions. They are the ones who publish papers, which are then implemented based on the evidences.Sports Dietitians: Help athletes optimize their performance through tailored nutrition plans.