QUESTION: What’s the difference between a “dietitian” and a “nutritionist?”
ANSWER: Great question, especially since it’s National Nutrition Month! I am technically a “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist”. A person who has this title must:
• Have a college degree. (Mine is in Human Nutrition (B.S) from the University of Maryland)
• Be accepted to and complete an internship that usually lasts 9 months to 1 year. That supplies experience working in a variety of nutrition setting including clinical, food service and community rotations. (Mine was with the U.S Army)
• Take and pass an nationally administered board exam. ( I passed in 1996)
• Maintain annual continuing education credits. ( I usually get at least 25 hours of continuing education per year.)
In addition, I am a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest association of nutrition professionals and am licensed in the state of North Carolina.
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can call themselves a “nutritionist” but not every nutritionist is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Make sure you ask or check credentials.
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN
Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian
facebook.com/LeahMcgrathDietitian
800-334-4936