Nutritionist vs. dietitian: How to choose the right expert for you?

Key Points

• With registered dietitians (RDs or RDNs), you benefit from their extensive higher education, work experience, and credentials attached to them
• Dietitians are qualified to help you manage medical conditions, while nutritionists are not
• In most states, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist without any requirements
• Many health plans cover dietitian services but not nutritionists

The food we eat is as powerful as medicine. It helps improve blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and gut health. It can even put a spring in our step by boosting our energy.

But nutrition isn't one-size-fits-all; it's deeply personal.

It’s often shaped by your unique health needs, lifestyle, food preferences, and even cultural background.

We know that personalized nutrition matters, but putting good eating habits into daily practice often needs professional support. But do you need a dietitian or a nutritionist?

Let's explore the key differences to help you make the right choice for your health journey.

Credentials matter: Dietitians need to meet strict standards; nutritionists do not

Dietitian requirements

In the United States, a registered dietitian must:

• Require a bachelor's degree from an accredited program, with a master's degree (now mandatory since 2024)
• Finish 1,200+ hours of supervised practice through an accredited dietetic internship
• Pass the National Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam
• Maintain continuing education requirements to stay updated in their field: 75 hours of study every 5 years
• Hold a state license to practice in most states

These rigorous requirements ensure dietitians have a strong foundation in medical nutrition therapy, food science, biochemistry, physiology, and counseling techniques.

"The extensive training dietitians undergo prepares them to translate complex scientific research into practical advice for clients with varying health needs," explains Registered Dietitian, Rita Faycurry, RD.

Nutritionist requirements

In most states, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist because the title isn't legally protected.

This means:

• There are no standardized education requirements
• Certification is optional and varies widely in quality
• No supervised practice or board exam is required
• State regulations vary significantly

All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians: While some nutritionists may have advanced degrees and certifications, there's no universal national or state-level oversight with stringent requirements to use this title. It's similar to how physicians can call themselves healers, but healers cannot call themselves physicians without specific qualifications

Some dietitians may use both titles: Many dietitians recognize that the general public often searches for "nutritionist" rather than "dietitian." To ensure you don't miss out on their qualified services, they may use both terms professionally. The key is to look for the credentials "RD" or "RDN" after their name—these letters confirm you're working with a registered dietitian with full professional qualifications.

Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) are exceptions: Anyone who wants to become a CNS must hold advanced degrees (master's or PhD) in nutrition or related fields, complete 1,000+ hours of supervised practice, and pass the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists exam

What does this mean for you?

When seeking qualified nutrition help, look for the "RD" (Registered Dietitian) or "RDN" (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) credentials. These professionals have completed rigorous training and certification. Similarly, those with a "CNS" (Certified Nutrition Specialist) credential have also undergone comprehensive scientific education to provide evidence-based nutritional guidance.

If you’re evaluating a nutrition coach or health coach, you may have to dig a little deeper to understand the breadth and depth of their education and expertise.

Comparing services: what to expect from nutritionists vs. dietitians

What dietitians do

Registered dietitians are qualified to provide comprehensive medical nutrition services across healthcare settings.

Registered dietitians can:

• Legally diagnose nutrition problems
• Provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for diseases and conditions
• Develop personalized nutrition plans for medical conditions
• Create meal plans for specific health conditions
• Work in hospitals and clinical settings
• Work in any healthcare setting

Dietitian services are covered by insurance

Most major health insurance plans cover nutrition services from registered dietitians (RDs and RDNs), including preventive nutrition counseling. However, they may not cover services from nutritionists without the RD credential.

Check with your insurance provider about your specific coverage options.

What nutritionists do

Many states prohibit nutritionists without proper credentials from treating medical conditions or claiming to cure diseases through nutrition. If you're considering working with a nutritionist, consider taking time to thoroughly review their educational background and professional credentials.

Nutritionists can:

• Offer general nutrition information and guidance
• Provide wellness coaching and support
• Develop general meal plans for healthy individuals
• Teach nutrition classes and workshops for preventive health
• Work in non-medical settings (fitness centers or food companies)

Types of dietitians: Find the best one for you

Registered dietitians work in various settings, applying their expertise to help individuals and communities.

Private practice dietitians

Many dietitians provide one-on-one services, including comprehensive assessments, personalized nutrition planning, regular follow-ups, practical education, and support for sustainable habit changes.

Specialized dietitians

Dietitians often focus on specific areas of nutrition health, such as sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, pediatrics, gut health, inflammation, cancer, kidney disease, or eating disorder recovery.

Clinical dietitians

Clinical dietitians work in hospitals and healthcare facilities and assess nutritional needs, develop care plans for medical conditions, monitor specialized nutrition support, collaborate with medical teams, and educate patients.

Should you choose a dietitian or a nutritionist?

When deciding between a nutritionist or dietitian, consider your specific needs.

When to choose a dietitian?

"Dietitians do much more than just tell you what to eat," says Faycurry, RD. "We're trained to understand the complex relationship between food, health, and behavior to help clients make sustainable changes."

You may consider a registered dietitian to help with:

• Medical conditions: Diabetes or prediabetes, heart disease or high cholesterol, digestive issues, autoimmune conditions like IBS or celiac disease, kidney disease
• Weight management: Weight loss, weight gain, fat loss and more
• Specialized needs: These include sports nutrition, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, diabetes, or obesity
• Food allergies: Dietitians can help with allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities related to food or food groups like dairy, gluten, or seafood
• Improving your relationship with food: For example, if you are in eating disorder recovery or need help managing emotional eating triggers, guilt around your food intake, or disordered eating patterns like binge eating. Dietitians can also help you learn to practice intuitive eating

Remember, dietitian services may be covered under your insurance plan.

When to consider a nutritionist?

You could consult a nutritionist for:

• General wellness guidance if you're already healthy
• Basic nutrition education in non-medical settings
• Supplementary support alongside medical care
• If out-of-pocket costs for nutrition counseling are not a barrier (many insurance plans do not cover non-licensed nutrition services)

It’s best to verify a nutritionist's specific credentials and training before working with them.

Checking credentials: How to verify your dietitian

Before booking an appointment, take these steps to ensure you're working with a qualified provider:

1. Ask about credentials: Registered dietitians will have "RD" or "RDN" after their name
2. Verify registration: Check the Commission on Dietetic Registration's database
3. Look for state licensure: Most states require dietitians to be licensed
4. Check education: Ask about their degree and training program
5. Inquire about specializations: Many dietitians have additional certifications in specialized areas, like weight loss, diabetes, eating disorders, gut health, thyroid health, women’s health, and more

Additionally, you could read reviews online and ask your dietitian questions to help you make an informed decision.

How much does a dietitian or nutritionist cost?

The cost of nutrition services varies based on several factors:

With insurance

• Most insurance plans cover Medical Nutrition Therapy from registered dietitians
• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires coverage for preventive services, including nutrition counseling
• Copays may range from $0-40 per session, depending on your insurance plan
• Most plans may cover 3-10 sessions per year

Without insurance

• Initial consultations: $150-225
• Follow-up sessions: $75-150
• Package deals: Often available at reduced rates
• Virtual consultations: Sometimes more affordable than in-person

Fay Nutrition can help you find registered dietitians who accept your insurance, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket costs significantly. With Fay, many clients pay as little as $0-10 per session.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a nutritionist help with medical conditions like diabetes?

In most states, nutritionists without proper credentials cannot legally provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for medical conditions. Only registered dietitians or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDs and RDNs) have the training and legal authority to treat medical conditions through nutrition.

The exceptions are Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) who are also qualified to provide MNT.

2. Do nutritionists and dietitians approach nutrition differently?

Dietitians and nutritionists may approach nutrition differently based on their training. Dietitians follow evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines, while nutritionists' approaches vary—some use evidence-based methods, while others focus on alternative approaches without strong scientific backing.

Many dietitians also incorporate elements of holistic and functional nutrition while maintaining their scientific foundation.

3. Will a dietitian put you on a restrictive diet?

Dietitians do not typically recommend restrictive diets. This misconception may stem from the negative association associated with the word "diet." In reality, dietitians avoid trendy or fad diets that lack scientific backing and could harm your health.

Instead, they focus on sustainable, personalized nutrition approaches and balanced meals that work with your lifestyle and preferences.

The only exception is if you have a medical condition that requires temporary food restrictions. For example, you could eliminate potential trigger foods such as gluten or dairy for a few weeks to evaluate their effect on your health.

4. Can nutritionists order lab tests?

In most states, nutritionists cannot order laboratory tests unless they have additional medical credentials. Registered dietitians may have the authority to order certain nutrition-related labs in some states, especially in hospital settings or when working under physician protocols.

5. Is a health coach the same as a dietitian?

Health coaching is a separate profession focused on behavior change and general wellness. Anyone can call themselves a health coach, and while some health coaches may have advanced nutrition training, the title doesn't indicate specialized nutrition expertise like a registered dietitian.

Some individuals may be both certified health coaches and credentialed nutrition professionals.

6. Can a dietitian or nutritionist prescribe medication?

Dietitians and nutritionists do not prescribe medication. This includes weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. In the United States, only Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are authorized to prescribe medications.

Find the best registered dietitian for you, covered by insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.