Registered Dietitian Nutritionist vs Nutritionist

So I have been running my blog now for over a year and have been talking about nutrition, health tips and sharing recipes, but I have not explained the difference between a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and a Nutritionist. To many people, these titles are interchangeable and mean the same thing. However, that is not the case at all! There is a huge difference between what an RDN and a nutritionist is. So, I made up a handy chart to explain the differences and help you to better understand who you can trust with your nutrition advice and those who you cannot.

Here is a detailed descrition of the difference between RDNs and Nutritionists!

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Nutritionist

-Has a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics (bachelors or masters) from ASCEND accredited institution- the accrediting body of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics -Completed a mandatory internship of 1200 hours from an ACEND accredited internship program -Has passed the national licensing exam in     order to achieve the credential of RDN -Must maintain credential status by ongoing learning credits -Considered a nutritional professional -Is trained in and licensed to perform Medical Nutrition Therapy (an essential, cost-effective, component of the comprehensive nutrition care of medical diseases and conditions) -Provides food, nutrition and related services -Protects the public, community and populations from wrong information -Enhances the wellbeing of patients/clients -Delivers quality products programs and services, including Medical Nutrition Therapy across all focuses -Assesses and Diagnoses nutrition related health problems, plans an Intervention to correct the problem and Monitors and Evaluates the patients/clients outcomes -Can work in hospitals, assisted living homes, acute care facilities, schools, food service, private practice, sports, institutions, corporate venues, etc -Follows Standards of Practice, a Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice set in place by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

-No qualifications or classes or degree needed to be called a nutritionist -Self-proclaimed title- anyone can call themselves nutritionists due to not needing a credential or license -Not legally considered a nutritional professional -Not legally able to make sound nutrition advice due to the lack of appropriate training