COVID-19 has affected us all. Despite the negatives, there have been some positive changes that have changed the way we live, work, shop, play sports, and seek medical help, including nutritional advice.
Nutritional counseling is defined as an ongoing process by which a person receives nutritional education and advice from a health professional, often a registered dietitian, in order to optimize food intake. Nutrition is always a hot topic, and nutritional advice is now widely available through a number of different platforms including in person, telemedicine, virtual visits, and through social media.
Regardless of whether you have visited a nutritionist or nutrition coach, have been referred to a nutritionist or would like to take part yourself, I would like to take the time to work out similarities and differences within the various “nutritionist” titles. Knowing what is what can be confusing. I’m going to review what it takes to become a Registered Nutritionist, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and Unlicensed Nutritionist.
Registered dietitian
A registered dietitian (RD) is a food and nutrition professional who is able to provide scientific and evidence-based medical nutritional therapies, perform nutritional assessments, educate and advise clients about clinical conditions, patients and family members, and offer a variety of additional nutrition-related work assignments as described in the area of activity and in the job description.
Registered dietitians must meet the current academic requirements set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, including obtaining a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and / or a nutritional degree from an accredited college or university.
Students of dietetics also complete a supervised practical or internship of at least 1,200 hours. After completing an accredited bachelor’s degree and internship, the successful completion of the enrollment test is required. From 01.01.2024, a university degree is also required for admission to the matriculation test. In addition, any state can require an additional license or certification. Annual fees and 75 further education points must be completed over a five-year cycle. These are mandatory prerequisites for obtaining active status for legal exercise. A registered nutritionist is also a nutritionist and can hold the RDN of Registered Nutritionist title. However, not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. A registered nutritionist can work in a variety of settings, not limited to health, community, and leadership roles. Registered dietitians licensed in the state of Minnesota can bill for the service with insurance.
Wellness coach
A National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) has a diverse education and professional background with the ability to work closely with clients to provide education and support to achieve client-centric health and wellness goals . These individuals must follow a code of ethics and often work in corporate wellness, public health, and community health, as well as primary or private practice. To qualify for the National Board certification exam, one must have an associate degree or greater, or 4,000 hours of work experience, have completed an approved coach education program of at least 75 hours of contact training, pass the health and wellness certification exam, and have documented 50 health and wellness programs. Coaching sessions.
After certification, you must complete a re-certification process that includes 36 hours of training every three years. Certified coaches can offer advice on improving health through lifestyle and behavior decisions and support long-term goals. All national health and wellness coaches certified by the board are considered health and wellness coaches, but not all health and wellness coaches are nationally certified by the board.
Not licensed
No certification body or government agency regulates these roles for any other unlicensed nutritionist or health trainer. Unlicensed nutritionists do not have compulsory training courses, requirements, or exams to pass. One needs to have a thorough knowledge and understanding of nutrition and food. Depending on the job, some employers require at least an associate’s degree, while others may require a master’s degree. Courses for an unlicensed nutritionist can be offered at traditional colleges, universities, or technical schools. Unlicensed nutritionists or health trainers can work in a variety of settings, mostly non-clinical, including fitness centers, holistic and alternative medical clinics. You cannot settle the services provided with an insurance company.
Nutritional advice is widespread and the advice may differ depending on the person you are speaking to. The biggest differences between a qualified dietitian and a nutritionist are the qualification and training requirements, supervised practical hours and the successful completion of the entrance examination.
The legally authorized dietitians can offer advice and treatment of clinical pictures in the practice and settle accounts with the insurance company. Nutritionists can offer customer advice and training, but cannot bill for the service. Finally, be your own health advocate and get reliable nutrition-related information from a registered or certified professional who will motivate you and support your goals with sustainable advice. When everything else is constantly changing, the desire to feel good, energetic, and balanced is constant and nutrition professionals are here to help.
Personally, as a Registered Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Licensed in the State of Minnesota and Certified in the State of Wisconsin, I provide outpatient diabetes and nutrition training at St. Luke’s Hospital and outpatient clinics.
Tammy Licari
Tammy Licari, RD, CDCES, LD, CD, is a clinical nutritionist at St. Luke.
