27 Aug What is the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist?

If you’ve ever googled, “nutrition help near me”, your feed probably got filled with a barrage of information – everything from nutrition influencers to clinicians. It’s normal for someone to interchange the words dietitian (or dietician) and nutritionist. That said, there is a clear distinction between the two. Differences lie in training, qualifications, scope of practice, and the type of guidance they provide. 

What is the difference in training?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are credentialed professionals who’ve gone through rigorous education and training to earn that title. 

• A bachelor’s (and now often a master’s) degree in nutrition or a related field 
• Supervised clinical training (called a dietetic internship) 
• Passing a national exam 
• Ongoing continuing education to stay up-to-date 

As dietitians, we’re also licensed in many states, which means we’re legally held to a high standard of care. We can work in hospitals, clinics, food service, community settings—you name it. And yes, we love food just as much as we love helping people.

We are not advocates for cardboard meals!

Nutritionists, on the other hand, can have a wide range of backgrounds. Some may have formal education and certifications, but in many states, the term “nutritionist” isn’t regulated. That means technically, anyone can call themselves one (whether they’ve read a diet book, have done a weekend course, or just want to call themself ‘nutritionist’. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean nutritionists are bad. It simply means that as a potential client, you should ask questions about their qualifications.

Does insurance cover nutritionists and dietitians?

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurance carriers now cover nutrition care provided by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.  Millions of Americans who are at risk for, or suffering from, chronic disease now have access to affordable nutrition counseling. This does not cover nutritionists. Remember,  ‘nutritionist’ is not a medical title.

We are in-network with most insurance plans. Keep in mind that not all plans are equal since nutrition is a specialty. Your plan may not cover nutrition counseling or medical nutrition therapy; moreover, the amount that you owe will depend on the specific health insurance plan you have.

If you have any issues contacting your insurance or are not sure you have the correct information, contact us, and we can help verify coverage.

Should you see a dietitian or a nutritionist?

If you have a medical condition or suspect you have a medical condition (diabetes, eating disorders, cardiovascular problems, an autoimmune disorder etc.), make sure you consult with an RDN – registered dietitian nutritionist. We can help you manage your medical condition and come up with evidence-based diet plans to help you improve your well-being. A nutritionist does not have the training or education and cannot legally provide medical nutrition therapy.

If you are looking for some general, well-informed nutrition advice to help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your diet, and feel better, you can reach out to a nutrition coach. We recommend you dig a little deeper to find someone with a nutrition degree and CNS (Certified Nutrition Specialist).

At NYC Nutritionist, we are all Registered Dietitian Nutritionists – remember, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. We can see patients across the country, providing online nutrition therapy, or face-to-face in our New York City offices. We provide inclusive, compassionate care to patients to help them reach their wellness goals!