Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: What’s the Difference?

Are you interested in a career in nutrition but don’t really understand the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?

Comparing them is kind of like comparing apples and oranges. While they’re similar in a lot of ways, two key differences include the education and credentials required to do each job.

One key similarity, however, is the demand for nutritionists and dieticians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth for these professionals from 2022-2032. That outpaces the 3% national average for all jobs.

Understanding the differences between each role is the first step to picking the career that’s right for you.

Dietitians are credentialed through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and are food and nutrition experts who use the science of nutrition to promote health, prevent disease, and manage medical conditions. Dietitians have a wider scope of practice than nutritionists; namely, they can provide medical nutrition therapy in clinical settings.

A master’s degree in nutrition (or dietetics) is now the minimum education requirement for licensure as a registered dietitian (RD) with CDR. RDs who were already licensed before Jan. 1, 2024, do not need to earn a master’s degree to reinstate their registered status.

Like dietitians, nutritionists help clients meet health goals. They tend to focus on general education and address food behavior. Unlike dietitians, education and credentialing requirements for nutritionists vary widely by state.

In some states, there are no regulatory restrictions on who may provide nutritional advice. This means your free-spirited uncle who uses moon water to cure the hiccups and has strong opinions about sourdough starters could fashion himself a non-licensed nutritionist and start billing clients tomorrow (at least, in Michigan and Arizona).

However, many states (and employers) have stricter guardrails and require certified nutritionist specialists (CNSs) to earn at least a bachelor’s degree, certification, and in some cases, licensure. Nutritionists who go on to get a master’s degree can compete for clinical roles with better pay, more responsibility, and a broader scope of practice.

Dietitians and nutritionists have many job responsibilities that overlap, making their roles appear similar. However, the required education and credentials between the two can vary greatly.

Here’s a chart to help you see the differences.

If you are interested in providing medical therapy or clinical healthcare, becoming a registered dietitian is probably your best bet. Certified or clinical nutritionists can, however, work with clients in outpatient settings in some settings, but this is less common for nutritionists.

In either case, you’ll need to meet rigorous education requirements, complete an internship, and pass certification exams. If you’re interested in public health, fitness, or wellness coaching, becoming a nutritionist might be just the thing.

In any case, the more education or certifications you have in the field, the more job opportunities you’ll have access to. Additional education and certifications may also increase your earning potential.