What is an expert in nutrition called? Decoding the Different Titles

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a faster-than-average job growth for dietitians and nutritionists, many people wonder: what is an expert in nutrition called? The answer is not a single term, but depends on the professional's specific training, certification, and scope of practice.

Quick Summary

The title for a nutrition expert varies, most notably distinguishing between regulated Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) and less-regulated nutritionists, depending on their credentials and training.

Key Points

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): A legally protected and regulated title, requiring extensive education (master's degree), supervised clinical training, and a national exam to practice.
Nutritionist: An often unregulated term that can be used by anyone providing nutrition advice, meaning qualifications and expertise can vary widely.
Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS): A credential for advanced nutrition practitioners, typically holding a master's or doctoral degree and trained in functional medicine.
Scope of Practice: RDNs are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy for disease management, while general nutritionists are typically restricted to advising on general wellness.
Verifying Credentials: Always check a professional's credentials and state licensure to ensure they have the appropriate training for your specific health needs.

The world of food and wellness is filled with experts offering advice, but not all professionals are created equal. The key to finding the right guidance lies in understanding the distinct qualifications behind different titles. The most reliable and medically accredited expert is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), while the term 'nutritionist' is often unregulated and can be used by individuals with a wide range of backgrounds. A third path leads to the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), which follows a different but also rigorous academic route.

The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is a food and nutrition expert with specific, legally protected, and regulated requirements. They provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and assist with managing and treating diseases.

How to become an RDN

To become an RDN, one must fulfill several requirements:

Education: Complete a master's degree from an ACEND-accredited program (required for new candidates as of 2024).
Supervised Practice: Finish a 1,000+ hour ACEND-approved internship.
National Exam: Pass the CDR's national exam.
State Licensure: Obtain required state licensure or certification.
Continuing Education: Maintain registration through ongoing learning.

The General Nutritionist

The term "nutritionist" is often used more broadly and is not a universally protected title like "dietitian". This means qualifications can vary significantly. General nutritionists typically offer wellness coaching and meal planning to healthy individuals and are not usually qualified to provide MNT for medical conditions. Their training can range from informal to formal degrees.

The Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

The Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is an advanced credential for nutrition practitioners. CNS professionals often focus on functional medicine to identify underlying causes of health issues.

How to become a CNS

Becoming a CNS involves:

Education: Earning a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field.
Experience: Completing 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Exam: Passing the American Nutrition Association's CNS exam.

What Kind of Nutrition Expert Do You Need?

The appropriate professional depends on your health needs. For disease management, an RDN is recommended due to their medical training. For general health or preventative care, a credentialed nutritionist may be suitable.

Choosing Your Professional

Verify Credentials: Inquire about their education and credentials.
Check Licensure: For medical needs, confirm state licensure.
Clarify Scope: Discuss if your concerns are within their scope, and ask for a referral to a dietitian for medical conditions if needed.

Comparison Table: RDN vs. Nutritionist vs. CNS


Feature	Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)	General Nutritionist	Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Regulation	Protected, state-regulated.	Often unregulated, varied qualifications.	Advanced credential, state requirements vary.
Education	Master's degree, ACEND-accredited.	Wide range, from none to advanced degrees.	Master's or doctoral degree.
Training	1,000+ hours clinical practice.	Varied, potentially minimal.	1,000 hours supervised practice, functional focus.
Scope	Medical nutrition therapy for diseases.	General wellness and diet advice.	Advanced MNT with a functional approach.
Workplace	Hospitals, clinics, schools, private practice.	Wellness centers, fitness clubs, freelance.	Private practice, wellness centers, doctor's offices.

Conclusion: Informed Choice is Key

The term for a nutrition expert varies by credentials. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) has the most extensive, legally defined training for clinical applications, including Medical Nutrition Therapy. A Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is another highly credentialed option, focusing on functional medicine. Understanding these differences and verifying qualifications is crucial for choosing the right expert. For specific health needs, prioritize professionals with comprehensive and verified training.

Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to learn more about RDNs and their qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is regulation and scope of practice. The RDN is a nationally certified and state-licensed expert qualified for medical nutrition therapy. The term 'nutritionist' is not regulated in many areas, and the qualifications can vary significantly.

In many regions, only a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or other legally credentialed professional can provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for managing and treating medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.

While medical doctors need a general understanding of nutrition, most receive very limited training in the subject during medical school. For in-depth dietary advice, particularly for disease management, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is the more specialized expert.

A CNS is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, focusing on functional medicine and finding the root cause of health issues. While both are highly credentialed, RDNs typically follow a more conventional, clinical medical path, and CNSs focus on personalized, functional nutrition.

You can verify the credentials of an RDN through the Commission on Dietetic Registration website. For other certifications like a CNS, you can check with the American Nutrition Association. Always check state licensure as well.

To become an RDN, one must now complete a master's degree from an accredited program, a supervised internship, and pass a national exam.

Dietitians often work in clinical settings like hospitals and clinics, or in public health. Nutritionists are more commonly found in wellness centers, gyms, and private practices, or working as freelance consultants.