Dietitians vs Nutritionists: How to Use Your Nutrition Cert

A popular saying in the fitness industry is, "you can't outrun your fork!" The point being nutrition is just as important for good health as exercise. Sadly, over 70% of Americans are still obese or overweight. The Centers for Disease Control cites behavioral causes as the top reason for our obesity epidemic (1). These include poor diet patterns and lack of regular physical activity—too many calories in, too few out.

As a nutrition professional, there are many opportunities available to help people make healthier choices. This article discusses the differences between a dietitian and a nutritionist, education requirements, and career opportunities.

Read on to find out more about the bright future for ISSA certified nutritionists!

What's the Difference Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

The differences between a dietitian and a nutritionist are few. Most online resources use the terms dietitian and nutritionist synonymously.

Here is how the ISSA defines each:

A dietitian must have a college education—either a bachelor's degree in dietetics or a master's degree—and be licensed or have their dietetic registration to practice. They may work with health care providers and give medical nutrition therapy to clients suffering from disease.

A nutritionist may need a four-year degree (bachelor's degree in nutrition) or they may earn a vocational certification. In most cases, they do not need to be licensed to practice. A nutritionist may NOT give medical nutrition therapy.

What Does a Dietitian do? What Does a Nutritionist Do?

The jobs of both a dietitian and nutritionist are to evaluate the health of their clients. Based on those findings, they help clients choose foods to eat—and foods to avoid—to improve their health.

Dietitians make customized meal plans for clients. They offer clients nutrition counseling on dietary needs to improve health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. This service is known as medical nutrition therapy. (Medical nutrition therapy is outside the scope of practice for nutritionists.)

Some dietitian or nutritionist daily tasks include:

• Conduct health assessments

• Meal planning and holistic nutrition planning

• Evaluate current nutrition plans and adjust as necessary

• Speak to groups about proper nutrition

• Create educational materials for clients

• Read new research and take continuing education courses

What are the Pros for Each Career?

There is no shortage of work for those who want to become a dietitian or certified nutrition specialist. The education is relatively short—just a bachelor's degree or certification—and the pay isn't bad either. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently cited a 21% increase in job availability for dietitians and nutritionists (2). Why such a steep increase?

Baby boomers are looking for help improving their health. And new legislation has allowed many Americans access to health services provided by specialists.

By earning a vocational certification or bachelor's degree, a nutrition professional can get their foot in the door and begin coaching clients. How much do registered dietitians and nutritionists earn? Around $61,650 per year (2).

Ready to earn your share of the pie? Click here to learn about ISSA's Nutritionist Certification program.

Education Differences Between Dietitians and Nutritionists

What kind of education do you need if health and nutrition coaching is your calling? Do you need to work in an internship? What about hands-on training? Keep reading, we've got the details here!

What are the Educational Requirements for Being a Dietitian? How About a Nutritionist?

To be hired as a dietitian, at least a four-year degree is necessary. This could be a bachelor's degree in dietetics or a bachelor's degree in nutrition. However, with a master's degree in dietetic or nutrition science, job opportunities increase in both scope and pay.

Dietitians also need to work an internship. During the internship, new dietitians work with clients under the direct supervision of a registered dietitian. A certified nutrition coach may not have to complete an internship but may need to get hands-on training working beside someone who has more experience.

Typical Career Paths for Dietitians and Nutritionists

Whether you want to be self-employed or part of a larger healthcare team, opportunities are available in this growing field.

Where Can a Dietitian Work?

As a dietitian or nutrition coach, here's where you might work (according to BLS) (2):

• 29% - hospitals

• 12% - government

• 10% - outpatient care centers

• 8% - nursing and residential care facilities

• 8% - self-employed

But careers are expanding and those with their dietetic registration can enjoy working in the following exciting health careers:

• Professional, scientific, and technical services - expected to grow by over 25%

• Management, scientific, and technical services - growing by more than 40%

• Health care and social assistance careers - expected to increase by 30%

• Chiropractor's office - growing by nearly 24%

• Child daycare services - expanding by over 23%

• Colleges, universities, and professional schools - projected growth at almost 13%

Where Can a Nutritionist Work?

A nutritionist who has earned their certification can work in many of the same places as a dietitian. But they may be restricted to a smaller scope of practice. For example, they may not give nutrition therapy but may take part in educating clients or the community.

What Can You Do With a Nutrition Certification?

Because of the increasing demand to serve the aging populations, careers in long-term care facilities—for the elderly or disabled—are expected to increase by 64%! Other specializations for nutrition professionals include sports nutrition, pediatric nutrition, and home health care.

With a nutrition certification, a nutritionist can develop their own nutrition coaching business in person or online. Additionally, they can work with local high school athletics programs or at fitness facilities.

No matter which age population you want to help, make the ISSA Certified Nutritionist course your first step!

References

1. Causes of Obesity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Retrieved 12 September 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/basics/causes.html.

2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm (visited September 08, 2022).