Are all Nutrition Professionals Created Equally?
Often I am asked about the differences between nutritionists and dietitians, and this is an extremely fair question as the landscape is quite large!
Some states will not allow you to use the terms “nutritionist” or “dietitian” unless you have earned a certain degree, completed a lengthy internship, taken a comprehensive exam, and earned a license or specific certification. Other states, like Texas, restrict use of the term “dietitian,” but allow anyone to call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their education, certification, or training.
Let's begin by getting into the details!
The Differences Between Dietitians and Nutritionists
Nutritionists vs Dietitians
While dietitians and nutritionists are both experts in nutrition, there are some key differences to take into account when evaluating the nutritionist v dietician question. Let's break them down, noting that these are generalized definitions. We'll tackle the specifics later in the article.
Nutritionist Definition
A nutritionist is a healthcare professional who specializes in helping people make better food choices and improve their overall health through diet.
They may take a conventional, alternative, functional, and/or integrative approach to health care and health conditions, depending on their training.
They can have various educational backgrounds, certifications, or licenses, but there's no standardized process.
The term "nutritionist" is regulated in many, but not all states. As mentioned, some states will allow anyone to call themselves a nutritionist.
Nutritionists focus on healthy eating advice and wellness, offering guidance on what to eat, what to avoid, and how to meet your nutritional goals.
Whether you want to lose weight, manage a health condition, or simply eat more healthily, a nutritionist can provide personalized nutrition counseling and support to help you achieve your dietary objectives.
Dietitian Definition
A dietitian, also known as a registered dietitian nutritionist, is a nutrition expert with standardized educational background and credentials.
Registered dietitians are important players in the conventional medicine world, and their education and training is based on federal nutrition guidelines and other resources set forth by the USDA.
They've completed standardized educational programs, internships, and exams.
They're often licensed or registered, depending on the state.
Dietitians are experts in parenteral nutrition, and as such are often found working in clinical settings such as hospitals and outpatient clinics.
Whether you're dealing with a medical condition, aiming for a specific dietary goal, or simply looking for nutrition guidance, a registered dietitian can provide you with personalized nutritional advice.
The Different Types of Nutrition Specialists
Let’s break down some of the titles, certifications, and roles that exist among dietitians and nutritionists. These are listed in descending order based on their requirements and training.
Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
A Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is the highest and most advanced certification available for personalized nutrition therapy, and many CNS practitioners have additional training and practice in functional and integrative medicine. Most CNS practitioners spend the bulk of their careers working one-on-one with clients or with groups, however, they can be found working in education, research, clinics, hospitals, schools, and community agencies. This certification requires:
Master’s degree in human nutrition from a regionally accredited university,
Completion of a 1000-hour supervised practice experience,
Passing score on the national board exam administered by the American Nutrition Association, and
Completion of 75 hours of continuing professional educational requirements for re-certification once every 5 years.
These professionals are like your nutrition maestros, possessing advanced training and certification in the field of nutrition, with 1000 hours spent in a competitive internship program. CNSs have advanced training in human physiology and are experts in deciphering the intricate relationship between diet and health, making them go-to resources for comprehensive nutritional advice.
With a focus on evidence-based nutrition, Certified Nutrition Specialists are skilled in creating tailored dietary plans and providing expert guidance on nutrition-related matters. Whether you're striving for improved health, managing a medical condition, or seeking to optimize your dietary choices, CNSs are your trusted partners on the journey to better nutrition. They offer deep insights, personalized strategies, and a wealth of knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your diet and overall health.
A Functional Medicine Nutritionist is a CNS practitioner with additional formal training and practice in functional and integrative medicine. They take a holistic approach to health, and may have diverse educational backgrounds, including degrees in nutrition, naturopathy, or related fields, often with additional training in functional medicine from an accredited program.
Clinical nutritionists practicing functional medicine are focused on finding the root causes of health issues and using nutrition as a key tool. They look at the whole person, considering lifestyle, genetics, medical history, and environmental influences in their recommendations, which often extend beyond dietary changes, including lifestyle modifications and supplements to promote overall well-being and address chronic conditions and other health concerns.
Registered Dietitian (RD)
Registered Dietitian (RD) roles are wide and diverse, and registered dietitians may be found working with clients or managing food service operations in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, cafeterias, local and state governments, and private practice. RDs have followed a structured and accredited path. This certification requires:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited dietetics program,
Completion of a 1000-hour supervised practice experience,
Passing score on the national board exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and
Completion of 75 continuing education hours for re-certification once every 5 years.
Registered Dietitians are trained in evidence-based nutrition and how food impacts your health. They are medical professionals that can create personalized dietary plans, provide medical nutrition therapy, manage different health conditions, and provide nutrition education.
Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)
The CCN credential supports practicing personalized clinical nutrition services with clients in hospital and clinic settings. In some cases, this credential may enable a practitioner to sit for a licensing exam in certain states. This certification requires:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with coursework in core sciences and nutrition,
Completion of a supervised 900-hour internship,
Completion of an online post-graduate Clinical Nutrition Program, or alternatively, completion of a graduate degree (master's) in human nutrition,
Passing score on the CCN certification exam, and
Completion of 40 continuing education hours every two years and retake of the certification exam once every five years.
CCN nutrition experts are like the nutrition detectives who excel in decoding the complex relationships between diet and health. With a deep understanding of how nutrition impacts specific medical conditions, CCNs are equipped to offer targeted guidance. Whether you're dealing with diabetes, heart disease, or other health challenges, CCNs can provide tailored nutritional strategies to help you on your path to wellness. They're your go-to pros when you need nutrition advice with a clinical twist.
Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition (BCHN)
The BCHN credential supports those who work in clinical and community settings, but who do not intend to practice standardized medical nutrition therapy. They may focus on factors which impact the wellness of the whole person, and these can include influences from the body, mind, spirit, emotions, lifestyle, and environment. This certification requires:
Completion of a post-secondary holistic nutrition program approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP),
Completion of 500 hours of professional experience,
Passing score on the board exam offered by the NANP, and
Completion of 30 continuing education hours once every two years.
BCHN specialists are like the nutrition architects, crafting comprehensive wellness plans that consider the interconnected aspects of health. With a focus on the whole person, BCHNs take into account not only what you eat but also lifestyle, emotional well-being, and environmental factors.
A holistic approach enables a BHCN nutritionist to create personalized nutrition strategies that promote overall vitality and balance. Whether you're seeking to improve your overall well-being or address specific health concerns, BCHNs are your trusted guides on the path to a more holistic and healthful life.
Certified Health Coach
There are several organizations that provide nutritionist certifications in health coaching. Requirements may include completing an approved training program, completing a certain number of health and wellness coaching sessions, and having a minimum of an associate degree. Certified health coaches typically focus on educating clients about nutrition and physical activity, and they assist them in setting and meeting goals for general wellness.
These professionals are like your wellness partners, focusing on guiding and supporting you in making positive lifestyle changes. Armed with specialized training and certification in health coaching, they're experts in helping you set and achieve your health goals. They consider various aspects of your well-being, including exercise, stress management, sleep, and overall lifestyle choices to help you in achieving a healthier and more balanced life.
American Fitness Professionals Association Certification (AFPA)
The AFPA certificate and credential supports personal trainers that have completed high school or some undergraduate coursework, and it is offered after completion of online courses and an exam – often within six months or less. Titles can include Health Coach or Nutrition Specialist, and they often train to work with youth, adults, and seniors in the fields of weight management, wellness, and sports nutrition.
Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC)
This certificate supports personal trainers that are wanting to align dietary recommendations with exercise routines. Nutrition coaches require a high school diploma or GED before sitting for the NASM-CNC exam offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. NASM-CNCs must retake the exam every two years to maintain their credential.
Certified Nutrition Consultant (CNC)
This is an entry-level credential for a nutritionist seeking to gain legitimacy early in their career. A high school diploma or GED are required to sit for the CNC exam offered by the American Association of Nutritional Consultants.
In Summary
As you can see, not all nutritionists are not created equally. When choosing a nutritionist to work with, especially for more complicated nutritional or medical concerns, it is important to inquire about their education, training, and experience.
While some food and nutrition experts are focused on helping their clients with healthy eating habits, others are in the practice to prescribe nutrition therapy for eating disorders and other serious medical conditions.
I hope this article clears up the differences between nutrition health professionals for you. And if you're in need of nutritional counseling for yourself or loved one, contact me!
