March is National Nutrition Month. In the spirit of helping people make informed food choices and develop healthy eating habits, I want to take the opportunity to share how a registered dietitian differs from a nutritionist. The two words are often used interchangeably but there is a stark difference in the type of care provided. It is also a question I get asked often.
A registered dietitian (RD) is a protected credential in the United States. To become an RD, an individual must have met several criteria. The criteria include:
- a master’s degree
- Degree from an ACEND-accredited nutrition program.
- Completion of a supervised practice program/internship (~1,000+ hours).
- Must pass the national registration exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
I completed my master’s degree at Georgia State University (GSU) and received a Master of Science in Health Sciences. While at GSU, I completed more than 1,000 required hours of supervised practice. Those hours were obtained working at Grady Hospital, in a dialysis clinic, supporting local non-profits, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Gwinnett Hospital (now Northside) and in several other environments. After obtaining my master’s and completing the requisite hours, I sat for the national registration exam.
RDs are trained and legally allowed to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The state of Georgia also requires state licensure of RD’s to practice MNT. MNT is an evidence-based clinical service in which nutrition is used to prevent, manage, or treat medical conditions. Examples include diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, eating disorders, GI conditions. Places an RD may work include hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, cancer centers, work wellness programs, dialysis centers, and school nutrition programs. Because of our ability to provide MNT, we may also bill insurance and Medicare for nutrition services.
A nutritionist is not required to obtain the level of education of an RD and may not provide MNT. Additionally, a nutritionist may not accept insurance for their services.
In the United States, what nutritionists who are not Registered Dietitians (RD/RDNs) can and cannot do depends largely on state licensure laws. However, there are some broadly consistent boundaries related to MNT and treatment of disease.
Generally Allowed for Non-RD Nutritionists
Most states allow non-RD nutritionists to provide general wellness nutrition guidance, such as:
- Basic healthy eating advice
- Meal planning for wellness
- Grocery shopping guidance
- Reading food labels
- Weight management coaching
Lifestyle and wellness support
- Sports nutrition for healthy individuals
- Plant-based diet guidance
- General supplement education
- Corporate wellness programs
Public education
- Writing nutrition blogs or books
- Teaching cooking classes
- Speaking engagements about healthy eating
These activities are typically allowed because they are considered health promotion rather than treatment of disease.
Generally, Not Allowed for Non-RD Nutritionists
In states with nutrition licensure or dietetics practice laws, non-RDs usually cannot provide medical nutrition therapy or treat medical conditions with nutrition.
Common restrictions include:
- Diagnosing or treating disease with nutrition
- Providing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
- Billing insurance for nutrition services
- Working in certain clinical settings
- Hospitals, dialysis centers, and many outpatient clinics require the RD credential.
Nutritionists can provide valuable support; however, if you have a medical diagnosis, it is best to work with an RD to receive individualized, evidence-based care. There is a significant amount of nutritional misinformation on social media, and working with a qualified expert can help you make informed decisions that are best for you and cut through the noise.
