What is the difference between Dietitian and Nutritionist? (part 2)
Again, it is based on whether there is licensure, the type of education and recognition received and, in some cases, personal preference. While a dietitian works in many capacities – in education, in public health, in hospitals, foodservice organizations and management, a nutritionist frequently uses the term to qualify his/her practice as one dealing only with the public, their diet and supplements.
Many so-called “nutritionists” have no educational background and may be found working in health food stores, so check out credentials carefully. Ask your nutritionist if he/she is licensed, a member of a professional organization such as The American Dietetic Association or other credible organization. If you have questions about the authenticity of your health care professional you might want to even contact The American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org or call them at 1-800-877-1600.
Remember, the term Registered Dietitian can only be used by those dietetic professionals who are currently authorized by the Commission on the Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) to use these credentials. These are legally protected titles. Individuals with these credentials have completed specific defined academic and supervised practice requirements, successfully completed a national registration examination and maintained continuing education requirements for recertification. All RDs study nutrition and application to food and health. And, some RDs call themselves nutritionists. So, buyers beware – check the credentialing of your chosen health profession, ask questions, verify competence.
Here’s more about the term nutritionist and additional credentialing. The Certification Board for Nutritional Specialists was founded by the American College of Nutrition in 1993. It offers a Certified Nutritional Specialist (CNS) credential to professionals with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree who have clinical experience and pass an examination. Its requirements are substantial.
The American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists offer a credential called the (ABPNS). This is a premier accreditation but limited only to physicians.
There are other questionable credentials. A certified clinical nutritionist (CCN) credential is offered by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB), and organization providing credentialing to nutrition professionals who might not be eligible to become RDS.
The American Health Science University offers a Certified Nutritionist (CN) credential to students who complete a six-week “distance learning program’ and take an examination. It appears to be closely aligned with a health food industry and its president does not appear to have an accredited doctoral degree.
The American Association of Nutritional Consultants issues a Certified Nutritional Consultant (CNC) credential to persons who take an open book test. The CNC credential is not a valid credential.
The Society of Certified Nutritionists includes Certified Clinical Nutritionists (CCN), Certified Nutritionists (CN) and Certified Nutrition Consultants (CNC) and membership in this organization should be regarded as having poor taste.
Buyer Beware! The most qualified nutritional professionals are those who have passed accredited classes, taken an appropriate internship and passed a Board exam. Although you may find RDs calling themselves nutritionists, many nutritionists who call themselves that term are not qualified to use it. Always check background credentials before you pay for services.
Source Reference: http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/QA/qa.html
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
