From my practice I’m getting a lot of questions from the clients, about the difference between dietician and nutritionist.

Let’s talk today about this issue.

As a holder of different licenses and being a student of the Master’s program applied nutrition and dietetics, I can confidently state that a nutritionist and a dietitian are two different professions with different areas of expertise, although there may be some overlap in their roles. While both professions deal with food and nutrition, the scope of their work is different and the same at the same time. Really hard to understand from the first point of view.

Base in very simple words:

Dietician – is a Doctor with the Medical degree, who works with clinical issues.

Nutritionist – doesn’t have the full completed Medical degree, basically nutritionist can’t prescribe you any medicine, but it doesn’t mean that nutritionist knows less or has lower practical qualification as Dietician.

Let’s clarify those differencies: while nutritionists may not always be required to have specific licensure or certification, many do hold degrees in nutrition therapy, applied nutrition, or a related field. For example, Arizona State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a focus on dietetics, which prepares students for careers as registered dietitians, but also offers a Nutrition Communication and Behavior Change track, which provides students with knowledge and skills to work as nutrition educators or consultants.

Having a degree in nutrition can certainly provide nutritionists with more in-depth knowledge of the science of food and nutrition, as well as practical skills in developing nutrition plans and promoting healthy eating habits. Nutritionists with a degree in nutrition therapy or a related field may have a deeper understanding of the physiological processes involved in digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients, as well as the complex relationships between diet and health.

However, it is important to note that having a degree in nutrition does not necessarily make someone a dietitian. In most countries, including the United States, becoming a registered dietitian requires completing specific education and training requirements, as well as passing a national certification exam. Dietitians are also held to strict standards of professional conduct and are required to participate in ongoing professional development.

In terms of the tasks that nutritionists and dietitians may perform, while dietitians are trained to manage complex medical conditions and provide specialized nutrition therapy, nutritionists with a degree in nutrition therapy or a related field may also have the skills and knowledge to work with clients with specific health conditions or dietary needs. They may also be involved in research, education, or public health, and may develop nutrition programs and policies to promote healthy eating habits in a variety of settings.

In conclusion, while a degree in nutrition therapy or a related field can provide nutritionists with more in-depth knowledge of the science of food and nutrition, it is important to note that becoming a registered dietitian requires completing specific education and training requirements, as well as meeting strict standards of professional conduct. Nevertheless, nutritionists with a degree in nutrition may have the skills and knowledge to work with clients with specific health conditions or dietary needs and may be involved in a range of activities related to food and nutrition.