All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
You may be wondering…
Why is there a difference and how are they different?
What is the difference between Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs)?
What are Licensed Dietitian (LD) and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionists (LDN)?
I had the same questions when I decided to study nutrition.
Registered Dietitian (RD) vs. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Let’s get the easiest one out of the way.
There is no difference between the two credentials. They are identical. When you pass the RD exam, you can choose to use RD or RDN. It’s a personal or organizational preference.
The RDN option was added to better communicate what RDs do to the public.
RD/RDN vs. Nutritionist
RD/RDNs are national board credentials by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and there are many requirements to be met in order to become an RD/RDN.
Complete prerequisite courses before starting an accredited dietetic program by AND, which will take about 2 years. Prerequisite courses include: anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
Complete an accredited dietetic program, which takes about 2 years. The core curriculum includes: cooking, food science, community nutrition, food service, food service management, and clinical nutrition. Elective courses are required to expand knowledge beyond basic dietetics.
Complete an accredited dietetic internship for 1 year that is 40 hours per week. The internship rotations include inpatient, outpatient, community nutrition, and food service. It is optional to pursue a Masters degree at the same time.
After completing the above, you can finally register for the board Registered Dietitian Exam. Upon passing this exam, you become an RD/RDN!
The RD/RDN credentials can only be used by those who have fulfilled all the above.
In contrast, there is no regulation to become a nutritionist. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.
But here is what is a little confusing. A dietitian is not required to use RD/RDN, so some choose to call themselves a nutritionist rather than RD or RDN.
Hence, All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
How to know who are RD/RDN? Dig in a little bit on their website, or look up on Individual Credential Verification on Commission on Dietetic Registration website.
RD/RDN vs. Licensed Dietitian (LD) and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionists (LDN)
Just like RD vs. RDN, Licensed Dietitian (LD) and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) are identical. But there is a difference between RD/RDN and LD/LDN.
RD/RDN is a board credential that can be carried across the country.
“Licensed” is a registration of RD/RDN with the state. Some states require licensure to practice dietetics, but some states don’t. Each state has different requirements and regulations for their scope of practice and licensure maintenance. Also, some states use “Certified” instead of “Licensed”.
RD/RDNs apply for licensure with the state after obtaining the RD/RDN credential. In addition, an RD/RDN can have licensure in multiple states.
The state professional licensure is also searchable. Google “ [state] registered dietitian licensure lookup”
Why RD Instead of RDN for Me?
I don’t have complex reasons.
I struggle with remembering new random letters. I can handle 2 letters. 3 letters are doable but harder.
I feel discouraged when I’m not able to remember something this simple, but it’s my reality. I believe that there are other people like me with letters!
I hope these help!
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