While some people use the terms “nutritionist” and “dietician” interchangeably, there are differences between these two career paths. For example,
The term “clinical nutritionist” (CN), on its own, is not as clearly defined as the term “registered dietician” (RD). However, there are certifications that a clinical nutritionist can earn that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and competence in the field of nutrition.
What the careers have in common, however, is that those who pursue these fields have a passion for using their understanding of food and diet to enact positive change in the overall health of their clients.
We compare the nutritionist vs. dietician career tracks below.
What is a Clinical Nutritionist?
Clinical nutritionists assess a person’s diet, along with clinical status and medical history, to determine how their nutritional intake can impact their health, prevent disease, or mitigate the symptoms of a chronic illness. Depending on their education and licensing, clinical nutritionists may use laboratory tests to do their work and assist the work of a client’s larger medical team. Clinical nutritionist training tends to be focused on personalized nutrition and health care rather than “disease” care.
What is a Registered Dietician?
Registered dieticians, sometimes called registered dietician nutritionists, are also food and nutrition experts who dedicate their careers to keeping clients healthy. These professionals educate clients about diet, assess clients’ nutritional needs, create meal plans to address various health conditions, and provide counseling as it relates to dietetics.
Education and Licensing Requirements
Some of the key differences between a clinical nutritionist and a dietician are their education, and the paths they take to earn certification and licensure.
Clinical Nutritionist
There are many non-accredited programs available through private schools and internet-based institutions which lead to “certificates” in nutrition. Graduates from some of these programs may refer to themselves as a “Clinical Nutritionist”. However, the legitimate training of a CN involves attending a graduate level program at a regionally accredited university or college, such as the University of Bridgeport.
After graduation from a qualified program, those who want to become Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) go on to complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience and sit for the Board of Certification for Nutrition Specialists’ CNS exam. The CNS certification is a nationally-recognized credential that provides a pathway to obtain licensure to practice nutrition in many states.
At the University of Bridgeport, those pursuing the MS in Nutrition complete a capstone course, Virtual Clinic, which provides between 207 and 255 hours of supervised experience credit. This can be applied to the CNS board credential, cutting down the required experiential hours and speeding up the pathway toward a clinical nutritionist career.
Prospective nutritionists who want to focus on personalized nutrition should consider earning their master’s degree and obtaining their CNS credential after graduation. In most states, Certified Nutrition Specialists have higher earning potential and are generally preferred by employers due to their specialty and expert training.
Registered Dietician
To work as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), the first step is to earn a degree in nutrition and obtain a verification statement from an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited program. Additionally, interested parties must earn hands-on clinical experience by going through an internship after completing the nutrition degree. Internships can last from 8 to 24 months and interns may work on a part-time or full-time basis.
Some states license registered dieticians, while others do not require a license. Therefore, it is important to do your research. The most important thing to know is that registered dieticians typically need to complete 1,200 hours of supervised clinical time under the tutelage of a licensed professional. This internship, in addition to a bachelor’s degree, is a minimum requirement for sitting for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam. Passing the CDR exam and earning a national RD credential qualify you to hold licensure and work in most states. Those interested in working as a dietician, however, should be aware that starting in 2024, a graduate degree will be required to sit for the CDR exam.
Please note that licensing and certification requirements vary by state. Be sure to check your state’s licensing requirements before launching your pathway towards a clinical nutrition career.
Job Requirements and Opportunities
Though nutritionists and dieticians both work to improve patient health through nutrition, there are some differences in what they’re qualified to do in the capacity of their jobs.
Clinical Nutritionist
In many states, it’s possible to work in the nutrition arena without licensing. However, for the states that require licensure, requirements vary. In some, the CNS certification is a pathway toward licensure. The clinical nutritionist often maintains a private nutrition consulting practice or works as part of a team of integrative practitioners who focus on optimal wellness of each individual. Other opportunities available to clinical nutritionists include work in the nutrition supplement industry, laboratories specializing in nutritional testing, non-profits, community and other government organizations, nutritional media, education, and research.
Registered Dietician
Registered dieticians are board-certified experts in food and nutrition. Through their licensure, they’re qualified to practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, research institutions, or in community outreach programs. There are four areas of practice that most dietitians work in clinical, food service, community health, and research. Both inpatient and outpatient dietitians support a medical team to help treat and prevent illnesses. They also provide nutrition education.
Those who want to use their knowledge of nutrition, biology, physiology, and health science to improve the overall health of their clients and patients can choose to pursue work as a nutritionist or dietician. Your interests and passion areas can help you decide on the right pathway for you.
If you desire to become an expert in clinical nutrition, earning a master’s degree in Nutrition from UB can help you realize your dreams.
Interested in pursuing a career in nutrition, or learning more about your options in this field? Contact us online to get more information about University of Bridgeport’s online MS in Nutrition.