Nutritionist vs. Nutritional Counselor

by Scott Thompson
Qualified nutritionists are experts in the relationship between diet and health.

Qualified nutritionists are experts in the relationship between diet and health.

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Nutritionists and nutritional counselors analyze a client's eating habits and health concerns and then make recommendations based on the results. The difference between a nutritionist and a nutritional counselor depends on the state where she practices. Some states do not regulate the use of either term, but some do. The most important consideration is what certification the individual holds.

Nutritionists and Nutritional Counselors

The term "nutritionist" can refer to registered dietitians, nutritional counselors, certified nutritionists and even people who offer nutritional advice without any formal training at all. It all depends on the laws of the state where the person practices. Most nutrition counselors are also registered dietitians, but some nutritionists are not. The "registered dietitian," or RD, credential is held by many nutritional counselors and other nutritionists, especially those who are also state licensed. However, several other types of certification apply to the field, including board-certified physician nutrition specialist, certified clinical nutritionist, certified nutritional consultant and certified nutritionist. These credentials can represent very different levels of training and qualification.

Registered Dietitian

The registered dietitian credential is offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which was previously known as the American Dietetic Association. This is one of the most common credentials for a nutritionist or nutritional counselor to hold. Registered dietitians must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, complete an internship and pass a test. The requirements to become an RD are similar but not exactly the same as the requirements for state licensure. A nutritionist or nutritional counselor holding an RD or a state license to practice is a qualified professional with an education in nutrition and diet from an accredited institution. Another reliable credential is board-certified physician nutrition apecialist, as nutritionists holding this credential are medical doctors with specialized training in nutrition.

Other Credentials

Certifications to practice nutrition are available from several other certifying bodies of varying standards. Some credentials use terms such as "certified nutritionist" or "nutritional consultant" but may not require the educational background needed for a state license in states that require nutritionists to be licensed. People who would like to work as a nutritionist or a nutrition consultant should be aware that many of these other certifications would not be considered equivalent to an RD by state governments or most employers.

Alternative Medicine

Practitioners of alternative medicine or alternative theories of nutrition, such as the Alliance for Natural Health, have alleged that the widespread use of the RD credential represents monopolistic practices by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The alliance claims that state laws favoring registered dietitians limit access to the advice of nutritionists interested in alternative medicine. But people who want to be sure their credentials are recognized in most states and by most employers should consider becoming qualified RDs, as employers can be confident their training is based on proven science about nutrition. With an RD credential, an individual can practice as either a nutritionist or a nutrition counselor.

2016 Salary Information for Dietitians and Nutritionists


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