Department of Nutrition & Dietetics

Summary

Nutrition is the scientific study of food and the processes by which food components are digested, absorbed and used by the body to nourish cells and tissues. A "nutritionist" is a person who advises people on dietary matters relating to health, wellbeing and optimal nutrition. A nutritionist may have little education or may have the equivalent of a master’s or PhD degree in Physiology or Biology.

A "dietitian" is an expert in food and nutrition. Dietitians give dietary advice, help promote healthy eating habits, develop specific diets for people, and participate in nutrition research. In the U.S., nutrition professionals include the registered dietitian (RD), and the dietetic technician, registered (DTR). Nutrition professionals are regulated by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and must meet strict educational and professional prerequisites. Dietitians must pass a national exam before they may become registered dietitians. Many work environments, particularly those in medical and health care settings, require an individual be credentialed as a Registered Dietitian.

Dietetics is a broad field that provides a lot of different areas of practice. There are clinical dietitians, community dietitians, management dietitians, consultant dietitians and dietitians who may specialize in an area of advanced practice.

Related Information: Careers in Nutrition & Dietetics