How is this different from a nutritionist?

A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential "RD." Registered dietitians must meet the following criteria:

• Receive a bachelor’s or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association.
• Complete a CADE-accredited pre-professional supervised practice program.
• Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration throughout their professional careers.

The term "nutritionist" is self-identified and may have varying levels of education or training. A nutritionist can be someone with no education up to someone with a degree in a health-related field. These individuals have not received the specialized, formally-accredited tertiary education and training as a registered dietitian. RDs may refer to themselves as “nutritionists” because the public understands and recognizes this term, but the credential to look for is "RD".