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Jobs in nutrition and dietetics rank among the best in healthcare, and an expected 7% growth in the industry means ample opportunity for those seeking to break into the field.
But what is the difference between being a nutritionist versus a dietitian? This guide helps you answer this question to distinguish between the two.
A nutritionist is a healthcare professional who assists clients in developing healthier eating habits and lifestyle choices. They serve as wellness guides, emphasizing preventive care and overall health optimization through nutrition. Typically, nutritionists work with individuals looking to improve their general well-being rather than treating specific medical conditions. Take caution that there are no real credentialing requirements for someone to call themselves a nutritionist. So even someone who has taken a course on nutrition could call themselves a nutritionist.
Achieving success as a nutritionist involves a combination of scientific knowledge and solid interpersonal skills. These abilities allow nutritionists to break down nutritional topics into understandable, practical advice that individuals can implement in their daily lives.
A strong foundation in technical concepts enables nutritionists to apply best practices to a range of unique patient challenges. This includes a proficient understanding of macro- and micronutrients, anatomy and physiology, dietary guidelines, supplements and meal-planning principles.
Other helpful soft skills include:
Active listening
Adaptability
Collaboration
Cultural awareness
Decision-making
Organization
Patience
Registered Dietitians (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) are considered food and nutrition experts by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. They are qualified healthcare providers who offer medical nutrition therapy by translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. After completing rigorous education and certification requirements, they can work as part of healthcare teams to treat specific medical conditions. All RDNs can be called nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are RDNs.
Beyond basic nutrition knowledge, registered dietitians possess a mastery of medical nutrition therapy. Their knowledge of disease processes and the efficacy of nutrition interventions enables them to treat various complex medical conditions.
They also know how to interpret lab results, calculate the nutritional needs of ill patients and manage specialized feeding methods, including tube feeding and parenteral nutrition.
Their technical skills also include:
Assessing drug-nutrient interactions
Clinical documentation
Medical nutrition therapy planning
Patient assessment
If you want to practice as a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, you must complete a master’s degree in nutritional sciences or related field, 1,000 hours of supervised work and the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) RDN exam.
In Louisiana, you must obtain a license to practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Practicing as a nutritionist or registered dietitian without a proper license can have severe repercussions including fines, penalties, and even jail time. To learn more about licensure laws in Louisiana, visit the Louisiana Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition.
Learn more about how to become a registered dietitian.
Salaries can vary based on years of experience and the specific industry. For instance, those working in private practice or corporate wellness often earn higher salaries.
Registered Dietitian Average Annual Salary
U.S. Average: $76,000
Louisiana Average: $64,990
To decide whether you want to be a registered dietitian, consider your aspirations, interests and previous education.
Remember, everyone’s career journey is unique, and your goals may change over time. It’s important to understand your options so you can make an informed decision about what’s next.
Here are some guiding questions that can help you clarify your path forward:
A Registered Dietitian uses evidence-based research to perform clinical duties, assess medical conditions, and base their suggestions. They work to provide timely and relevant nutrition information for health prevention and health restoration.
The path to becoming an RDN will take approximately 5-6 years. Pursuing a nutritional sciences master's degree can help you reach your goals.
Becoming a registered dietitian can open doors to higher-paying mid- and senior-level roles in the industry.
If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey toward becoming a registered dietitian, explore Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University’s (FranU) Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences (MSNS) program.
In just 17 months, you gain the theoretical and clinical expertise to pass the RDN exam and begin your career.
Get to know the MSNS program or request information!
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