What is the Difference Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

The terms dietitian and nutritionist are often used interchangeably, but there are some distinctive differences. Understanding these differences enable you to make the best decisions about eating right and being an active partner in your health care.

We’ll explore the aspects of a nutritionist vs. dietitian and help you discover how our registered dietitian in Cary can help you live a healthier life.

What is a Dietitian?

These health care experts provide detailed advice about healthy eating. But their role is about much more than merely putting someone on a diet. They take a closer look at how food affects every organ in the body. They receive extensive training  in nutritional sciences while obtaining a four-year degree, and most now have a master’s degree.

This means they are particularly helpful for patients who have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions.

But most importantly, they work with patients to help them identify a goal, give them the tools needed to reach that goal, and follow up to ensure they are on the right track. This encouragement and coaching goes a long way toward helping patients follow a long-term dietary plan.

However, let’s be clear about one thing: a dietitian will not give you a “guilt trip” or judge you for what you’re eating.  A dietitian’s goal is to help you achieve your own health goals.

Often, you’ll find that eating healthier food will not only help reduce cholesterol and maintain healthy blood sugar levels, but it also makes you feel better.

What Are the Differences: Nutritionist vs. Dietitian?

The differences between a dietitian and a nutritionist center on extensive training and certification.

While anyone with some training can call themselves a nutritionist, a dietitian has to pass rigorous certification exams and meet all requirements of state licensing boards.

In short, the main difference is that dietitians are held accountable by a regulatory body and must meet stringent qualifications in order to be licensed. They must first pass a certifying exam after meeting other educational prerequisites.

Many clinical settings require that you must be a registered dietitian before you can work with patients.

In North Carolina, some of the extensive requirements for being a licensed dietitian are:

• Education requirements:
  Applicants should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in human nutrition, food systems management, dietetics and other related aspects of nutritional health.This degree must include 15 semester hours of clinical or life sciences (such as anatomy, microbiology or physiology), three semester hours of behavioral sciences (such as psychology or sociology) and 24 semester hours focusing on food and nutrition.

• Internship requirements:
  All applicants are required to complete a board-approved internship that includes no less than 1,000 hours of supervised practice under the supervision of a certified professional. The approved internships last from 6 to 12 months, require concurrent educational courses and assignments, and all competencies must be completed to be eligible to take the certifying exam.

Meet Our Dietitian in Cary —Nicole Matala!

For Nicole, good nutrition is about much more than getting in shape. In her role as a dietitian, she understands how every part of your health centers on food.

“I decided to become a registered dietitian because I think it’s fascinating how food affects our bodies and our health. I wanted to learn more about how what we eat can help prevent disease and make us feel good,” she said.

Nicole is a registered dietitian nutritionist, a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics and a certified diabetes educator 

She’s a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, North Carolina Dietetic Association and the Raleigh District Dietetic Association. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Winthrop University and obtained her master’s degree in nutrition and applied physiology from Columbia University—where she also completed her internship.

Cary Medical Group: Helping You Live a Healthier Life

Your yearly physical is just one small snapshot of your overall wellness. To truly maintain good health, you need a partner who is with you every step of the way. That’s why at Cary Medical Group we have more than 25 years of dedication to being internal medicine doctors in the Cary and Triangle area.

Our physicians are leading experts in their fields, and while we offer regular physicals and screenings, we also specialize in helping  those with chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Would you like to learn more about how adjusting your diet can make a significant impact on your overall health? We encourage you to make an appointment with Nicole Matala, who will work closely with you to help ensure you meet your overall goals. Contact us for an appointment today.