What is The Difference Between a Registered Dietitian & a Nutritionist?

The Difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) & a Nutritionist

A Registered Dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has at least a Bachelor degree with coursework focused on food and nutrition sciences, medical nutrition therapy, chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, physiology, psychology, sociology and microbiology. All Registered Dietitians complete 1200 hours of supervised practice in various fields, as well as pass a National Boards Exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Registered Dietitians must complete continuing education to maintain their license.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Dietitians credentialed before January 1, 2024 do not need a master’s degree and can hold a bachelor’s degree.

A nutritionist is not a nationally recognized title and there are no guidelines or criteria to call oneself a nutritionist. Many nutritionists go through certification programs. These programs have no governing body and are not regulated. There are no requirements or prerequisites for these programs. There is no minimum level of education or specific coursework.

What is the benefit to working with a Registered Dietitian?

A registered dietitian can provide medical nutrition therapy which is a nutrition based treatment including a nutrition diagnosis as well as therapeutic and counseling services to help individuals with certain disease states, mental health conditions, and much more.

Registered dietitians can provide a greater depth of advice, counseling, and recommendations beyond just what you should eat.

What does RD (or RDN) & LD stand for?

RD (or RDN) stands for Registered Dietitian, which is the national license received after completely necessary coursework, internship and the National Board Exam. LD stands for Licensed Dietitian, which is obtained through the state. Once a dietitian passes the national boards and receives his/her license, that individual can complete a state jurisprudence exam and apply for state licensure.  Some states do not require an LD license. Other states, like Texas, require LD licensure to practice in that state.

What does CEDS & CEDS-C stand for?

As the rate of individuals affected by eating disorders continues to grow, a greater need for qualified, knowledgeable treatment providers in the field exists. The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) has recognized that need by offering an advanced Certification Program to promote standards of excellence within the field of eating disorders, established in 2002 and continually strengthened and updated to maintain its strong reputation in the mental health field. It is iaedp’s mission to promote excellence in competency assessment for professionals in the eating disorders field through offering a rigorous set of criteria for the evaluation of education, training, knowledge and experience. Registered dietitians with the Certified Eating Disorders Specialist credential (CEDS) are experienced nutrition therapists who have met rigorous educational and skill requirements, have accumulated a minimum number of hours of qualifying work experience, have made a commitment to stay abreast of current developments in the field through Continuing Education, and have agreed to comply with the Association's Ethical Principles. Certification is evidence that both the professional and iaedp are diligent in seeking advancement in training, education, research and competency in addressing the complexities involved in the treatment of eating disorders. In addition, both are united in their commitment to the advancement of mental health parity and advocacy for individuals struggling with an eating disorder (reference). CEDS-C means the individual meets the above qualifications in addition to the supervisor qualifications and can provide professional supervision to those looking to become certified.

If you are interested in speaking with a member of our team or scheduling an appointment with one of our dietitians please visit our contact page or click the schedule button below.

What is the Difference Between a Registered Dietitian and A Nutritionist? Dallas Nutritional Counseling, Advice from a Registered Dietitian and Eating Disorder Specialist