The Questions that are Repeatedly Asked Over and Over.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian. Other questions are: "Why is it spelled it Dietitian and not Dietician?"

The internet is littered with explanations. Most of these explanations attempt to make each profession legitimate. As a Registered Dietitian I must preface any explanation that I am biased. That being said, I will make an objective attempt to help anyone that reads my blog understand the differences.

A small preface side story. Last year I watched Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts interview Tory Johnson. Ms. Johnson was talking about quick ways to earn money at home. In a nutshell she said that people can take a quick home study course and become a nutritionist.

This story is an example of the lack of education many nutritionists have. There are nutritionist that are very well educated and have very good experience. Attaining that type of crediential is expensive and requires a minimum of a master's degree. Typically the average nutritionist can little or no formal education. They can call themselves nutritionist simply by reading magazines and perhaps taking a 6 week corresponsence home study course.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS for a REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Registered dietitians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RD credential:

1) Complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).

2) Complete a CADE-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to twelve months in length.

3) Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

4) Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

5) Some RDs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support, and diabetes education. These certifications are awarded through CDR, the credentialing agency for ADA, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but are not required.

In addition to RD credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an RD.

A larger majority of states in the United States require that RDs be licensed as well. This means that specific licensing requirements must be met and maintained, often requiring additional ongoing education.

COLLEGE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Dietitians study a variety of subjects, ranging from food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, culinary arts, sociology, and communication to science courses such as biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy, and chemistry.

Why is it DIETITIAN and not DIETICIAN?

No one can really answer this question. The American Dietetic Association has endorsed the spelling of DIETITIAN. Recently I have run across is: the spelling of DIETITIAN uses a "T" indicates a TEACHER and the spelling of DIETICIAN uses a "C" indicates a COOK. I do not necessarily agree with that rationale. Outside the US, many people spell dietitian as dietician (a "tic" in the middle) and in the United States, dietitian is spelled dietitian (a "tit" in the middle). Since the internet is worldwide, either spelling would be correct.

ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC

When you are seeking nutrition advice, investigate the results of the professional. Ask to see their credentials. Question their educational background. The Registered Dietitian is The Nutrition Expert within the healthcare/medical field. It is your responsibility to know the qualifications of the professional you are seeking advice of for your nutrition care, your medical nutritional therapy.

source: http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/CADE_748_ENU_HTML.htm