Nutritionist vs. Dietitian Career Paths — What’s the Difference?

When considering a career in nutrition and dietetics, it’s important to understand the key differences between registered dietitians and nutritionists. While both professions focus on promoting health through diet and nutrition, their education, certification requirements, and scope of practice differ. Whether you pursue a registered dietitian nutritionist career or a nutritionist career, both paths offer opportunities to positively impact people’s health and well-being. 

Both nutritionists and registered dietitian nutritionists help individuals make informed dietary choices, develop healthier eating habits, and, in some cases, address specific medical concerns. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease.” However, the level of training and regulation varies between the two roles. 

While dietitians and nutritionists share a focus on nutrition, the education and certification requirements set them apart. 

Although both roles involve providing nutritional guidance, registered dietitians typically work in more clinical or medically focused settings, while nutritionists often focus on general wellness and lifestyle changes. 

Both nutritionists and dietitians can work in a variety of settings and within different specializations based on the scope of practice or a specific patient population. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28% of dietitians work in a hospital setting. Other top fields include government positions, such as working as dieticians for schools, nursing facilities, and outpatient rehabilitation facilities or working as self-employed contractors.   

After earning their initial certification, registered dietitian nutritionists may choose to earn specialized credentials in specialty areas, such as: 

Nutritionists often work in wellness settings, community organizations, corporate wellness programs, and private coaching. Some may focus on holistic nutrition or specific dietary approaches. 

According to the BLS, the demand for dietitians and nutritionists is expected to increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033. The median salary for both professions was $69,680 in 2023, with the annual mean wage in New York being $80,510. While salary data does not differentiate between registered dietitians and nutritionists, registered dietitians, due to their advanced education and credentials, typically have higher earning potential and greater career advancement opportunities. 

Deciding between a registered dietitian nutritionist vs. nutritionist career depends on your professional goals, interest in formal education, and desired scope of practice. 

Both career paths offer the chance to improve people’s health and well-being through nutrition. The best choice depends on your personal interests, career aspirations, and the level of education and regulation you are comfortable pursuing. 

Registered dietitian nutritionists have passed a national registration exam are certified by state licensing or certification boards. In New York, in addition to completing an advanced degree, aspiring registered dietitians must complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice, pass a registration exam, obtain a state license or certification, and complete required continuing education hours each year to maintain their credentials. The RDN registration exam is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration through testing vendor Pearson VUE. Specifications for the exam are updated every five years.    

There are no agreed-upon education and training requirements across all states for nutritionists. Some states do have licensing requirements for nutritionists that include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics as well as supervised practice hours. However, other states have no certification or licensure requirements for someone to work as a nutritionist. 

Russell Sage College offers both degree and certificate programs in health and nutrition, including: 

Russell Sage College offers an online Master of Science in Applied Nutrition. Applicants who have an undergraduate degree in nutrition can complete the master’s entirely online in just two years. A combined master’s and Dietetic Internship is available for students who have undergraduate didactic coursework in dietetics and want to earn the RDN credential.  

Merit-based scholarships as well as financial aid are available from Russell Sage. Independent organizations, such as Diversify Dietetics³, also offer scholarships to dietetics students. 

Both graduate and undergraduate students at Russell Sage will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences as part of their nutrition and dietetics programs. Undergraduates are encouraged to seek out opportunities to give back to their communities via volunteer and internship programs.  

Graduates of the master’s in nutrition programs are eligible to apply for the Russell Sage accredited Dietetic Internship program, which prepares participants for the RD exam with a minimum of 1,040 hours of supervised practice. Although many Russell Sage graduates complete Russell Sage’s DI program, others seek this training from other institutions, including Veteran’s Administrations and a range of universities across the U.S.  

Yes, transfer students are eligible to apply for Russell Sage nutrition and dietetics programs. Prospective transfer students should speak with an admissions representative for information on how to apply.