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Hey everybody, and welcome to PT Pioneer, your one-stop shop for personal training certification and career advice.

In this article, I’m going to tackle a burning question.

A question that tends to confuse a lot of people, especially those entering the fitness industry.

That question is, what is the difference between a Dietitian vs. Nutritionist vs. Nutrition Coach?

We’ll look at the following:

  • The differences between the 3
  • The required qualifications
  • The income potential
  • And the pros and cons of each career field

I also highly recommend that you take the quiz and find out which nutrition certification is best for your career goals.

What type of Certification are you looking to get?

And with that said, let’s jump right in.

Dietitian vs Nutritionist vs Nutrition Coach

Introduction

The Difference between a Nutritionist, Nutrition Coach, and A Registered Dietitian

Did you know there are differences between a Nutritionist, a Nutrition Coach, and A Registered Dietitian?

In very general terms, a nutritionist is a certified professional who has the capability and authorization to instruct and advise on how to eat. 

At the same time, a nutrition coach is any certified or uncertified individual, usually a fitness professional, who provides dietary guidelines toward desired outcomes.

Neither of these roles extends beyond mere advice and guidance. 

They are non-interventional practices, which brings us to the role of a dietitian.

A registered dietitian is a healthcare professional who determines nutritional needs based on a medical prognosis or diagnosis.

A dietitian will advise and instruct on nutritional protocols such as medical therapy or lifestyle enhancement.

That means a dietitian has a much wider scope of practice since they are a licensed health provider.

To summarize, a nutritionist is a nutrition coach with credentials, while a dietitian is a nutritionist with a medical license.

With that said, it’s important to remember that a lot of the terminology around the titles of nutritional practitioners is used loosely and interchangeably. 

Nutritionists are often called nutrition coaches, while dietitians are regularly labeled nutritionists.

 When asking what a dietitian is, you may ask the same question as what a nutritionist is, depending on who you ask.

I’ll ignore the confusion and use only relevant definitions for educational purposes.

Nutrition Coach

A nutrition coach, as stated above, is simply someone whose task is to administer basic nutritional guidelines.

These guidelines include meal suggestions, recipes, scheduling of meals (meal planning), and macro guidelines.

A nutrition coach provides instructions, motivation, and accountability toward eating habits aimed at the clientโ€™s desired goals.

Client goals can be:

  • Weight loss
  • Lean muscle building
  • Bulking
  • Improved energy
  • Improved mental state
  • Convenience

A nutrition coach is typically a professional within the health and fitness industry but is not necessarily qualified as a nutrition expert.

Most practicing nutrition coaches soundly understand nutritional guidelines and change principles. 

The only thing is they may not have the credentials to verify those skills fully.

That said, most well-regarded nutrition coaches are certified nutritionists or dieticians.

That means a nutritionist or dietician can function as a nutrition coach, but a nutrition coach isn’t automatically a nutritionist or dietitian.

Thus, the scope of practice of a nutrition coach varies on a case-by-case basis.

How To Become a Nutrition Coach

Because a nutrition coach can be anyone with any credentials or none, becoming one means equipping yourself with the fundamentals of nutritional science and coaching practice.

Learn about food, nutrients, and the biochemistry of how our body interacts with the things we ingest.

Learn about coaching practices, change psychology, and nutrition programming (meal planning).

Another common aspect of nutrition coaching is meal prepping.

That is to say, preparing and delivering premade and packaged meals.

These meals are designed as healthy, convenient substitutes for what a client eats.

Of course, to achieve this, you will need the necessary culinary skills.

While you don’t need credentials or certifications to earn a nutrition coachโ€™s title, it will be an uphill battle to prove your credibility without them.

This is why I advise you to get certified. Many top certifying agencies, such as ISSA, ACE, and NASM, offer globally recognized nutrition coach programs.

Working as a nutrition coach is also more rewarding in combination with credentials in fitness instruction.

Certified Nutrition Specialist

Holding a cert in nutrition coaching isn’t necessary, but I highly recommend it.

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Your best option would be a cert from an accredited certification agency.

My top 10 are:

ISSA

ISSA has been one of the leaders in fitness certification for some time.

They are certainly ahead of the pack when it comes to distance-based certifications.

They also have one of the most comprehensive nutrition coaching programs and even offer Precision Nutrition through their platform.

Precision Nutrition

Speaking of Precision Nutrition, this one is a goodie.

They offer a well-rounded approach to nutrition coaching, focusing on the business aspect.

PNโ€™s enrollment process is restrictive since sign-up only opens through limited windows each season.

However, if you purchase it through ISSA, you can sign up anytime.

PN is one of the few non-accredited certs on this list, but don’t let that deter you.

It is still one of the industry’s most recognizable and highly regarded certs.

ACE

ACE is another big name in the world of certifying agencies.

With a global reputation, you can find ACE coaches in every corner of the planet, from New Zealand to Zimbabwe.

The ACE Fitness Nutrition. Purse provides a great balance of practical skills and scientific reference.

NASM

NASM is a gold standard certifying body. 

According to enrollment stats and Google search data, it is considered the most popular certifying agency.

Suffice it to say; that they have one of the best nutrition coaching certs money can buy

ACSM

ACSM is a stalwart in the sports science field.

Not only are they among the top certifying agencies, but they are also leaders in research when it comes to health and fitness.

Their cutting-edge work contributes to the curricula of many institutions listed here.

For this reason, you can expect a great wealth of resources and skills to be gained once you take their nutrition program.

NSCA

NSCA is a titan with a long-standing heritage.

In terms of legacy and industry influence, they are on par with ACSM.

Well known for their CSCS strength and. Conditioning courses also offer nutrition coaching as a credential.

NCSF

NCSF is an NCCA-accredited agency, putting it in league with the big guns.

Although not as revered as ACE, NASM, or ISSA, they still provide a quality approach to nutrition coaching.

The emphasis is on nutrition as a performance-enhancement protocol.

Fitness Mentors

Fitness Mentors started as a platform offering advice and guidance to fledgling fitness professionals.

Today they are a bona fide certifying agency offering accredited certs for industry pros or those choosing to become such.

Expect FN to focus on the entrepreneurial aspect of nutrition coaching.

NESTA

NESTA is an accredited certification agency with a great track record and affordable fitness programs.

Their nutrition coaching cert will allow you to leverage your services for more opportunities.

The resources you will obtain through studying with NESTA will allow you to function in all dietary scenarios.

AFPA

AFPA was recently acquired by ISSA, making it part of the ISSA catalog of programs.

This allows ISSA to deliver NCCA-accredited certifications where they once only supplied DEAC certs.

This includes their nutrition coach cert.

If you want a good in-depth look at the different nutrition coach certifications, check out my article on the eight best nutrition coach certifications here.

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Nutrition Coach Salary

Just as diverse as the roles and scope of practice a nutrition coach can have, the earning potential varies greatly.

According to salary.com, a nutrition coach in the US earns an average of $40,559 annually.

Dietitian vs Nutritionist vs Nutrition Coach - The Full Breakdown 3
Dietitian vs Nutritionist vs Nutrition Coach - The Full Breakdown 4

Certified Nutritionist

A certified nutritionist is a nutritional expert credentialed in administering dietary guidelines and protocols on a fundamental, noninterventional level.

That means leading and facilitating wellness guidelines based on nutrition.

Developing diet programs, meal plans, and menus and advising and instructing clients on what and how to eat.

A nutritionist can also act as a consultant for food and supplement companies, restaurants, and eateries.

Nutritionists often deal with general population groups, helping people with basic goals such as weight loss.

Certified nutritionists will often work with performance athletes if they have specialized in sports nutrition.

The roles of a certified nutritionist often encapsulate those of a nutrition coach but with a bit more credibility.

That’s because a  nutritionist is recognized through credentials earned from an accredited organization.

How to Become a Nutritionist

To become a licensed nutritionist, you must complete a medical or human nutrition degree program.

You will also need to complete a 900-hour internship and receive a license from the accreditation council for education in nutrition and dietetics.

As a nutritionist, your scope of practice sits between a nutrition coach and a dietician.

That means you will advise and instruct on dietary protocols based on a client’s medical standing.

However, you won’t have the authority to intervene medically, which means you can analyze a client’s medical situation, but you’re not to diagnose or treat any conditions.

Nutritionists study at universities or colleges, including extensive coursework and fieldwork.

Most clinical or human nutrition degrees take about 4 years to complete at the bachelor’s degree level.

After completing your internship, it also helps to get certified through an accredited body such as those offering certs in nutrition coaching.

That’s why a nutritionist can function as a nutrition coach, while a nutrition coach will need to go through the works to earn the title of a nutritionist.

Nutritionist Certification

To get licensed and operate as a nutritionist, you will need to enroll in a nutrition science program and graduate.

Here are the top 10 nutrition science schools according to collegechoice.net

  1. Tufts University – Medford, MA
  2. University of California-Davis – Davis, CA
  3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Champaign, IL
  4. Purdue University-Main Campus – West Lafayette, IN
  5. Ohio State University-Main Campus – Columbus, OH
  6. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities – Minneapolis, MN
  7. The University of Connecticut – Storrs, CT
  8. University of Florida – Gainesville, FL
  9. University of Wisconsin-Madison        Madison, WI
  10. Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ

Just a word of caution. Enrolling in a degree is a huge time and money investment. Ensure youโ€™ve thought through your desired career trajectory before making this big step.

Having said that, if you want to work as a licensed nutritionist, you will need to get a degree.

Nutritionist Salary

As with any career path, you want to know how much you can earn.

Income is one of the main outcomes; luckily, when working as a nutritionist, the numbers aren’t bad.

According to salary.com, certified nutritionists can net an average of $63,800 annually.

That is a comfortable income for most people in most locations in America.

It is important to remember that this figure is average, and you could earn more or less depending on your situation.

It’s also important to remember that your incomeโ€™s value depends on the cost of living in your area or location.

Registered Dietitian

As I mentioned, a registered dietitian is a healthcare professional who administers dietary protocols as therapy.

You can describe a registered dietitian as a  clinical nutrition specialist or clinical nutritionist.

This medical nutrition therapy can be in response to chronic or acute diseases and eating disorders.

It can be in response to individual health indicators such as an individual’s genetic profile (nutrigenomic) or special needs (pregnancy, pediatric nutrition, elite athletic performance).

Aside from therapy and health optimization, a dietician can also be tasked with the following:

  • Identifying allergies
  • Identifying sensitivities
  • Identifying dietary deficiencies
  • Identifying disordered eating habits
  • Identifying diet-related health conditions
  • Providing  nutrition counseling

To become a registered dietitian, you must study a college or university dietetics program.

Unlike a certified nutritionist, a dietician goes through medical school and studies for years before earning their qualifications.

How to Become a Registered Dietitian

The journey toward becoming a registered dietitian includes the following:

  • Obtaining a bachelor’s degree or masterโ€™s degree in dietetics.
  • Completing a supervised and accredited internship
  • Fulfilling state or national requirements by the local governing body for dietetics (for US-based dietitians, that is, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
  • Obtaining a health practitioner’s license, if locally applicable

Although being a registered dietitian is a form of medical practice, the qualification requirements aren’t as stringent as becoming a medical doctor.

You don’t need a doctoral degree; you don’t need any post-grad studies.

However, if you want to earn the big bucks and access lucrative opportunities, getting a higher-level degree is a great idea.

Once you’ve graduated, your next step is completing an internship.

A typical internship runs for about a year and includes numerous hours of supervised practice and continued studies.

After completing your internship, passing all board exams, and getting your license as per state or national laws, you’re now ready to be a registered dietician.

As an RD, you have numerous employment opportunities.

You can start a  private practice or work with medical centers or care facilities. You can even incorporate other aspects of wellness and become a holistic health coach.

Dieticians aren’t confined to medical practice and therapy.

Very often, dieticians form integral components in organizations with no need for medical intervention.

A common example of this is sports teams and athletes.

Nutrition is one of the key components of high performance, so having a nutritional expert at the pinnacle of dietary knowledge is crucial for athletic success.

Registered Dietician Certification

Since working as a registered dietician requires studying at medical school, you’ll need to graduate with a bachelor’s or any higher-level advanced degree in dietetics.

Here are the top 10 dietetics schools according to collegechoice.net.

You’ll notice that these are the same set of colleges and universities as for nutritionist degrees.

That’s because each of these universities has top-rated nutrition programs.

  1. Tufts University                Medford, MA
  2. University of California-Davis            Davis, CA
  3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign    Champaign, IL
  4. Purdue University-Main Campus        West Lafayette, IN
  5. Ohio State University-Main Campus        Columbus, OH
  6. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities        Minneapolis, MN
  7. The University of Connecticut            Storrs, CT
  8. University of Florida                Gainesville, FL
  9. University of Wisconsin-Madison        Madison, WI
  10. Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ

Registered Dietician Salary

As with any profession, what you stand to earn is one of the first considerations and motivating factors.

Regarding working as a dietician, the national average for practitioners in America is $63,735 per year.

This is a decent livable income, and it varies, as you can imagine, based on the following factors.

  • Location (local economy, population size)
  • Level of credentials
  • The institution from which credentials were obtained
  • Level of experience
  • Auxiliary services and credentials

Which One is Best For You?

The question of which qualification or job description is best for you is very subjective.

Firstly, you have to decide what you want to do with nutrition and how deep in the field you want to be.

If your goal is to uphold an aspect of dietary adherence with your fitness clients, becoming a nutrition coach will cover your bases.

If you want to play a more pivotal role in nutrition as a business, working as a food product consultant, for example, gaining the nutritionist title, is your best bet.

If your goal is to improve people’s health and provide therapy through diet, becoming a dietician is your ideal path.

Besides working out what you want to do, you must also consider what you are willing and capable of sacrificing.

As a nutrition coach, the path to qualification is relatively cheap and time-efficient.

If you take on a nutritionist or dietitian mantle, you must invest much time and money since these are degree programs.

To fully understand your best option, consider some pros and cons.

Nutrition Coach

Pros

  • Relatively cheap and less time-consuming to obtain
  • Allows you to work with most general population groups
  • Allows you to add value to existing health and fitness services
  • Has more of an emphasis on the business aspect

Cons

  • Not as prestigious or recognized as a degree.
  • Most certs have a limited period of validity (usually two years)
  • Knowledge and skills gained are not as extensive as a degree program
  • Relatively low-income potential

Nutritionist

Pros 

  • A fully comprehensive degree program with a deep focus on nutrition science
  • It can be obtained at post-grad levels, giving you more value and credibility.
  • Numerous powerful career opportunities, such as working in the food service industry or with athletic populations.
  • Income potential is quite high.

Cons

  • Time-consuming (3 to 4 years for a bachelor’s degree)
  • Financially demanding with a potential of student loan debt afterward.
  • Tends to skimp on the more entrepreneurial aspects of nutrition services

Registered Dietitian

Pros

  • The pinnacle of nutrition science, both from a knowledge and practical skills sides
  • Allows you not only to advise and administer dietary protocols but also to diagnose and medically intervene where nutrition is concerned
  • Many diverse and high-power career opportunities
  • Income potential is quite high
  • Work in the healthcare field

Cons

  • Time-consuming (3 to 4 years for a bachelor’s degree)
  • Financially demanding with a potential of student loan debt afterward.
  • Tends to skimp on the more entrepreneurial aspects of nutrition services

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks, my breakdown of the differences between a nutrition coach, a nutritionist, and a dietician.

Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s up to you, your desires, and your circumstances when deciding which path to take.

I also want to point out that the terminology of these career descriptions is very often used loosely, so it can become confusing if you haven’t taken the time to research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nutritionists and Dietitians the same thing?

No.

While all areย nutrition professionals, aย nutritionistย is a qualified expert onย nutrition scienceย who can use this knowledge to advise on important decisions in the diet, food, and nutrition sectors.

Aย dieticianย is aย healthcareย practitioner who uses nutritional concepts to determine patient outcomes.

Which is better? Dieticianย orย Nutritionist?

Neither. It all depends on what career path you want to take.

Should I see a Dietitian orย Nutritionistย lose weight?

You can see either, although aย dieticianย would be best suited if your need forย weight lossย is connected to serious health implications.

What is aย Registered Dietitianย Nutritionist?

A registeredย dieticianย nutritionistย is just aย dietician.

Much of the terminology is used loosely and interchangeably depending on the source you consult.

What Could be the Harm ofย Nutrition Advice?

Nutrition adviceย from an unlicensed professional that extends into the scope of practice requiring advanced credentials could be useless at best and dangerous.

Doย Nutritionistsย make good money?

Licensedย nutritionistsย and registeredย dieticiansย have the potential to make a decent income.

Do you need a degree to be aย Nutritionist?

Yes

Citations

  1. “5 Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, https://www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/become-an-rdn-or-dtr/high-school-students/5-steps-to-become-a-registered-dietitian-nutritionist.
  2. “What Is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, http://www.eatrightpro.org/resources/about-us/what-is-an-rdn-and-dtr/what-is-a-registered-dietitian-nutritionist.
  3. “Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/career/become-an-rdn-or-dtr/becoming-a-registered-dietitian.pdf.
  4. “Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.” Eatright.org, https://www.eatright.org/.
  5. “For the Public: What Is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6713.
  6. “Commission on Dietetic Registration.” CDR, https://www.cdrnet.org/.
  7. “New Graduate Degree Eligibility Requirement Effective January 1, 2024.” Commission on Dietetic Registration, https://www.cdrnet.org/new-graduate-degree-eligibility-requirement-effective-january-1-2024.
  8. “RD Credential Placement.” Commission on Dietetic Registration, https://www.cdrnet.org/rd-credential-placement.
  9. “Dietitians and Nutritionists: Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm.
  10. “Mobile Dietitians and Nutritionists: Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/mobile/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm.
  11. “Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists.” The American Nutrition Association, https://theana.org/certify.
  12. “Certified Nutrition Specialist Candidate.” The American Nutrition Association, https://theana.org/certify/CNScandidate.
  13. “Apply – Nutrition Professionals.” The American Nutrition Association, https://theana.org/certify/CNScandidate/nutritionpros/apply.
Tyler Read - Certified Personal Trainer with PTPioneer

Tyler Read


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