Did you know there was a difference between a Nutritionist and a Registered Dietician (RDN)? Well there is. The lines between the two can be blurry and confusing but I’m here to help explain it as best I can. Let’s start with a Nutritionist. Technically, anyone who promotes the inclusion of fruits and vegetables in their diet can consider themself a nutritionist. There are TONS of online nutrition ‘schools’ (I am holding back here, but WOW please don’t pay money for these). These are often very simple and not backed by a certified body. Personally, I would not trust these. Yes, I am going to school for nutrition, but I am a bit different. I am attending a well-known four year university to attain a Bachelors of Science. I am a Public Health Nutritional Science major. So mine is basically two degrees in one. I have the option to continue my education by earning my masters in epidemiology, public health, or nutrition. The classes I take are heavy in science and statistics. Once I graduate I will be considered a professional nutritionist. On the other hand there is Dietetics. I am not a dietetics major so do not take what I say as 100% truth, but I do have a good idea of what it includes. Because the two seem so similar nutrition and dietics are usually grouped together. A dietetic student would have more of a focus on treating a certain disease or illness with nutrition. They have completely different course requirements from nutrition (although some do overlap). After their degree they must have an internship that is about a year long. May I add that this is UNPAID. After completion they are eligible to sit for the R.D. exam. This is a rigorous exam that certifies one as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist if they pass. So, I know looking in the two may still seem the same but once you are in schooling for either you understand the pros and cons of each. If you are considering majoring in either of the two let me help you out. If you want to one day be a R.D. then you HAVE to go into dietetics. If you are open to graduate school in public health or epidemiology nutrition is the path for you. Don’t get me wrong, the nutrition classes are still difficult. At my college nutrition is a pre-med path, meaning I would be prepared to take the MCAT and attend Medical school.
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