Yes, and no.

Every dietitian is a nutritionist by training, but not all nutritionists go through a similar level of education and training as a dietitian.

Dietitians are trained through a rigorous four-year undergraduate program, combined with a 1000 hour minimum internship/clinical period, where they work with a variety of clinicians in many different clinical, community and food service settings. Upon completion of education, every dietitian-in-training must pass a board-certified exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to become a registered dietitian. Additionally, every dietitian must complete ongoing certified continuing education to remain credentialed and ensure competency. In South Carolina, dietitians must additionally be licensed and approved by the state to lawfully practice. The educational background of a dietitian is found here:

Nutritionists, on the other hand, span the gamut when it comes to knowledge of ability. While many nutrition programs exist, with more popping up every day, they are NOT all created equal. Many, many “nutrition” programs available through distance learning constitute no more than mail-order certificate studies, designed to allow those wishing to be “nutritionists” the ability to get a certificate indicating ability, with very little scientific knowledge or training, and no clinical practice hours with real clients. Some of these can be completed in a matter of a few weeks–hardly enough time to gain any real insight into the complex world of nutrition! Consequently, while some who obtain these degrees have achieved extensive nutrition knowledge through self-learning, most have very questionable abilities to go along with their dubious credentials.

At this point in time, there are (to our knowledge) only a select few agencies besides The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics & the Commission on Dietetic Registration that have legitimate, rigorous programs for nutrition certification. The following degrees/certifications have a comparable program of training to dietitians:

While many several different colleges offer programs of nutrition, the qualified ones all have similar criteria:

  • Bachelor’s or above education (some of above certifications are only offered to Masters or above)
  • Strong science background in physiology, anatomy, biology and chemistry
  • Extensive teaching in nutrition metabolism
  • Rigorous clinical requirements
  • Board certification eligible
  • Continuing education requirement to remain certified

While many other certifications, certificates and diplomas exist in the marketplace, if they aren’t credentialed by one of the above organizations, they are not qualified to be performing clinical nutrition and nutrition therapy! Currently, in the state of South Carolina, there is no limitation on the name “nutritionist” so ANY person can use that title. You should always make it your duty to be informed as a consumer and exercise due diligence when screening ANY practitioner. Just because someone calls themselves a nutritionist, does not mean they are qualified to do so!

Rest assured, however, that if you see us or another dietitian, there is a standardized level of proficiency required to use the title, and in some cases, there is much more education added to that title through advanced practice certifications.

No matter who you choose, make sure to choose someone qualified and able to help you!