This is from a South Beach Diet Online Newsletter that I received via email from South Beach Diet online.



Registered Dietitian vs. Nutritionist

Do you know the difference between a registered dietitian (R.D.) and a nutritionist? Health professionals use different titles to identify their area of practice, and while some may use the terms R.D. and nutritionist interchangeably, there may be some differences in their training.

A registered dietitian has received a bachelor's degree from an accredited American university or college, during which time he or she has completed a course of study with an emphasis in science and nutrition, approved by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). After graduation, a six- to 12-month clinical internship at a health-care facility, community agency, or food-service corporation must be completed. Following the internship, one must pass a national exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Once passed, the person can start using the title "registered dietitian." Additionally, those who are currently registered dietitians must complete continuing education requirements, which are reviewed regularly by the ADA.

On the other hand, a nutritionist is an unregulated term and doesn't have minimum requirements. Anyone can call him or herself a "nutritionist" or receive a certificate from a school in nutrition, so there is no good way to measure the meaning of the title. That said, there are many reputable nutritionists who hold a master of science (M.S.) in nutrition from an accredited university. Also, some registered dietitians prefer to be referred to as nutritionists.

If you're looking for nutrition counseling, we recommend checking the individual's professional credentials to be sure he or she has a degree in nutrition. Here at The South Beach Diet™ Online, all of our nutrition professionals are registered dietitians who have had extensive educational and professional training. Members of southbeachdiet.com can get answer to their nutrition-related questions at the "Ask the Nutritionists" section of our Message Boards.