Names for nutrition professionals defined

RD/RDN: Registered Dietitian and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. There is no difference between these 2 titles. A lot of dietitians are using RDN now. The RDN or RD has done the required academic training and internship and passed the credentialing exam. After 2024 this will mean a masters degree as well.

Nutritionist: This term has no standards of education or training. No state regulations for this term. There are a lot of people who use this designation and have had some good training however the training may not be evidenced based like the RD training.

LD/LDN: Many states require or permit the dietitian to become licensed by taking another exam. California is not one those states.

DTR/NDTR: Dietetic Technician, Registered, or Nutrition and Dietetics Technician Registered. There is no difference between these 2 titles. Like the RDN, NDTRs have completed the academic training, interhsip hours and passed the credentialing exam.