What’s a Registered Dietitian and how is it different from a nutritionist?

In short, “every Registered Dietitian is a Nutritionist, but not every Nutritionist is a Registered Dietitian.” 

Registered Dieititans are regulated health care professionals with licensure and credientials  (RDN/LDN) that are regulated by law. 

To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN as the proper credentials), you need the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 
  • Coursework examples:
    • Basic Science: biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, anatomy 
    • Nutrition Science: clinical and community nutrition, food regulations 
    • Food Science: food production, food science and technology 
• Complete 1200+ hours of an accredited dietetic internship 
• Pass a national RDN board exam by the Commission on Dietetic Registration 
• Maintain registration by completing 
• Effective 2024: Master’s Degree Mandate 

For more information regarding licensure, check out the FAQ on EatRight.org. 

For all additional questions and inquires, please sent to may@nutritionhappens.com