What is the REAL difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
There IS a difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Great question! These terms get used interchangeably all the time, but they’re not the same thing—and the difference matters, especially if you’re looking for help with a medical condition.
Q: What is a Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN)?
A Registered Dietitian is a licensed healthcare professional who is trained to provide evidence-based nutrition care and medical nutrition therapy.
Education & Training: RDs have at least a bachelor’s degree (many hold master’s degrees), complete over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training, and must pass a national board exam.
Regulation: They’re licensed and regulated—so you know you’re getting care backed by science.
What They Do: RDs work with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, GI disorders, hormone imbalances, and more. They can interpret labs, create personalized nutrition plans, and coordinate with your doctor or healthcare team.
Think of an RD as the “nutrition specialist” in the medical world.
Q: What about a Nutritionist?
The term “nutritionist” isn’t regulated in most states—including Rhode Island. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, even without formal education or training.
Some nutritionists are highly educated, but others may only have taken a short course or simply have a personal interest in healthy eating.
Importantly: nutritionists can’t legally provide medical nutrition therapy or treat medical conditions unless they are also licensed as dietitians.
Q: Why should I see a Registered Dietitian instead of a Nutritionist?
If you’re looking for general healthy eating tips, a nutritionist might be fine.
But if you’re dealing with one of the following:
Diabetes or blood sugar issues
Heart disease or high cholesterol
Digestive problems
Hormone imbalances or PCOS
Weight management or metabolic health
…you want a Registered Dietitian—someone trained to look at the whole picture and give you a science-backed plan tailored to you.
Q: Are all providers at Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy Registered Dietitians?
YES! Every provider on our team is a licensed Registered Dietitian specializing in medical nutrition therapy and personalized lifestyle medicine. You can feel confident you’re getting care that’s evidence-based and results-driven.
