Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): The Most Common Credential
For those who complete a degree in nutrition and pass a national examination, the most widely recognized and legally protected title is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The RDN credential, which also includes Registered Dietitian (RD), is granted by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The rigorous path to becoming an RDN includes several distinct stages that ensure a high standard of competence and expertise.
The Path to Becoming an RDN
- Education: Candidates must complete a bachelor's or master's degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). A master's degree has been the minimum requirement to take the exam since January 1, 2024.
- Supervised Practice: This entails completing a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice in a dietetic internship program approved by ACEND. This hands-on experience exposes candidates to various settings, including clinical, community, and food service roles.
- National Examination: After completing the education and internship requirements, candidates must pass the national RDN examination administered by the CDR.
- Continuing Education: To maintain the RDN credential, professionals must complete continuing education credits regularly.
Other Relevant Credentials
While the RDN is a premier credential, other certifications also exist for nutrition professionals who meet advanced educational and examination requirements. One of the most notable is the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS).
Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS), the CNS credential also requires a graduate degree (master's or doctoral), supervised experience, and passing an exam. A key difference lies in the approach; CNS practitioners often focus on personalized, functional, and integrative nutrition, addressing the root causes of health issues, in contrast to the more conventional, population-based approach emphasized in traditional RDN training.
What About the 'Nutritionist' Title?
The term 'nutritionist' is not legally protected in many states, meaning anyone can use it, regardless of their training. This is a major point of confusion for the public and a critical distinction to understand. The credentials RDN and CNS are what indicate a high level of training, education, and testing. Some states have licensure laws that protect the title 'Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist' (LDN), which can apply to both RDNs and CNSs.
RDN vs. CNS: A Comparison of Credentials
To clarify the differences, this table compares the two primary credentials for nutrition professionals who have completed a degree and passed an exam.
| Feature | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) | Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) |
|---|---|---|
| Granting Body | Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) | Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) |
| Education | Master's degree from ACEND-accredited program required since 2024 | Graduate degree (Master's or Doctorate) in a relevant field |
| Experience | ~1,200 hours of supervised practice in an ACEND-accredited internship | 1,000 hours of supervised practice, often more focused on clinical/personalized care |
| Exam | National RDN exam administered by the CDR | CNS certification exam administered by the BCNS |
| Scope | Broad training across clinical, community, and food service settings. Can provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). | Focuses on personalized, functional, and integrative nutrition. Can provide MNT where state laws permit. |
| Licensure | Widely recognized and can be licensed as LDN in many states. | Recognition and licensure as LDN vary by state. |
| Typical Setting | Hospitals, clinics, public health, food service management. | Private practice, wellness centers, academia. |
Career Paths and Professional Recognition
Both credentials offer distinct career paths. RDNs are highly recognized within the conventional healthcare system, often working in hospitals and managing complex medical conditions through Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). Their training prepares them for broad roles in acute care, public health, and institutional food service. CNS practitioners, by contrast, are often found in private practice, wellness centers, or academia, focusing on chronic care and using a personalized, integrative approach to nutrition. Some RDNs also pursue specialized credentials in functional and integrative medicine to expand their practice beyond conventional settings.
Why Understanding the Credential Matters
Choosing the right nutrition professional depends on your specific needs. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or kidney disease, a Registered Dietitian's extensive clinical training and ability to provide MNT make them an ideal choice. For individuals seeking a more personalized, functional medicine approach to address root causes of health issues, a Certified Nutrition Specialist may be a better fit, provided they practice within the scope of your state's laws.
How to Verify a Credential
To ensure a professional's qualifications, you can search for a credentialed practitioner in the databases provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (for RDNs) or the American Nutrition Association (for CNSs). This step is crucial because the term 'nutritionist' is often unregulated and does not guarantee the same level of education, training, and experience.
Conclusion: The Credential Matters
For a person who has completed a degree and passed a credentialing exam in nutrition, the primary credential is the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), with the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) also being a highly-qualified option. The RDN is widely recognized within the medical community and possesses a broad scope of practice, including medical nutrition therapy. The CNS typically focuses on a functional, personalized approach and is gaining increasing recognition. Regardless of the specific credential, seeking a certified professional ensures you receive evidence-based, expert guidance grounded in rigorous education and training. For those interested in a career, the choice between RDN and CNS depends on their desired focus—conventional vs. functional medicine—and their long-term career goals within the field of nutrition. It is essential for individuals to understand these distinctions to make an informed decision when choosing a nutrition professional or a career path in nutrition.
What is the most widely recognized credential for a nutritionist?
The most widely recognized credential for a nutrition professional who has completed a degree and passed an exam is the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The RDN is a legally protected title in most states and is highly respected in clinical and community settings.
Is there a difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?
No, there is no practical difference between an RD and an RDN. The Commission on Dietetic Registration added the "N" in 2013 to better communicate the broader scope of wellness and nutrition guidance offered by these professionals.
Can a nutritionist provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT)?
Only credentialed professionals, primarily Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), are legally authorized to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in most states. The CNS credential may also permit MNT where state laws allow.
What education is required to become an RDN?
As of January 1, 2024, a master's degree from an ACEND-accredited program is required to be eligible to take the RDN exam. This is in addition to completing a supervised dietetic internship.
What is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)?
A Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is an advanced credential for nutrition professionals, typically with a master's or doctoral degree, supervised experience, and a passing score on the CNS exam. CNS practitioners often specialize in functional and personalized nutrition.
How can I verify a nutrition professional's credentials?
You can verify credentials by searching the databases of the credentialing bodies. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides a public database for finding RDNs, while the American Nutrition Association provides information regarding CNS professionals.
Why is the title 'nutritionist' potentially misleading?
In many places, the title 'nutritionist' is not regulated, meaning anyone, regardless of their education or training, can use it. This makes it essential for individuals seeking qualified guidance to look for legally protected credentials like RDN or CNS.
