Dietitian vs. Nutritionist Dietitians are often referred to as "nutritionists," but registered dietitians have more education and training than nutritionists. Dietitians also have greater job responsibilities and earn higher salaries than nutritionists. Dietitians are experts in nutrition science. As a dietitian, you'll specialize in menu planning, supervision of food preparation, diet therapy, nutrition research, counseling and education. Dietitian/Nutritionist Job Description Your typical duties as a dietitian will vary according to your area of specialization: - A clinical and management dietitian or nutritionist works in hospitals or nursing homes and is responsible for menu planning and overseeing the preparation of food.
- A community dietitian or nutritionist teaches at-risk groups such as senior citizens, pregnant women and diabetics about which types of food to eat and which foods to avoid.
- Research dietitians study nutrition for commercial food companies.
- Consulting dietitians work in private practice and may counsel patients, test new food products and equipment, and develop new recipes and menus for restaurants and businesses.
 Dietitian Salary According to Salary.com, the middle 50% of dietitians earn between $45,058 and $55,583 per year. The median annual salary for dietitians is $49,980. PayScale.com lists the average salary for nutritionists as ranging between $27,707 and $45,338 per year. Dietitian Work Environment As a dietitian, you might work in any of the following settings: - Hospitals
- Nursing care facilities
- Public health clinics
- Home health agencies
- Corporate cafeterias
- Food manufacturers
- Private practice
Most dietitians work a standard 40-hour week. Dietitian Courses and Degree Options Dietitians must have a bachelor's degree from a program accredited by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Some dietitians enter an ADA-accredited BA/MA program, which provides classroom and on-the-job training. Coursework generally includes the following: - Economics
- Statistics
- Bacteriology
- Physiology
- Home Economics
- Management Theory
- Business Administration
- Sociology
- Data Processing
How to Become a Nutritionist The path to become a nutritionist is similar. You'll need a bachelor's degree in nutrition—or a closely related degree—to get started, and your studies will include biology, mathematics, psychology, sociology and statistics. Your work will take you to a variety of places, from the kitchen to the office. You may spend your time helping people formulate nutrition plans that work for them or advising clients about food safety regulations. When you decide to become a nutritionist, it's just the first in a long line of choices that will lead you to the nutrition career that is perfect for you. Dietitian Certification: Become a Registered Dietitian Most states require licensure or certification. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) offers national certification and testing which earns dietitians the title Registered Dietitian (RD). In order to become a registered dietitian, you must meet the following criteria: - Complete a bachelor's degree at a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE).
- Complete six to 12 months of work in a CADE-accredited practice program.
- Pass the CDR test.
- Maintain certification through continuing education.
Getting Your Nutritionist Certification While nutritionists have fewer training requirements and job responsibilities than dietitians, some states do have nutritionist certification and licensing requirements. So before you enroll in a nutrition program, find out about the requirements in your state. Make sure that the program you choose will qualify you to meet the standards for nutritionist certification in your area. |
