FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DIETITIAN AND A NUTRITIONIST?

Yes.  Registered Dietitians (RDs) are specialists in food and nutrition, who can offer special advice and counseling.  Many people who call themselves “nutritionists” have not met the same rigorous standards as those who have completed a Registered Dietitian program.  Registered Dietitians (RDs) are trained in the nutritional sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition pathophysiology, medical nutrition therapy, and nutrition counseling). The title “RD” is a legally-credentialed title, which means it can only be used by practitioners who have met the professional and academic requirements to qualify for it. The requirements include a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited United States college or university, and course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE) or the American Dietetic Association, and completing a 6-12 month CADE-accredited supervised practice program.