Dietitian or Nutritionist?

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Do you know the difference between a registered dietitian (R.D.) and a nutritionist? Health professionals use different titles to identify their area of practice, and while some may use the terms R.D. and nutritionist interchangeably, there may be some differences in their training.

A registered dietitian has received a bachelor's degree from an accredited American university or college, duringwhich time he or she has completed a course of study with an emphasis in science and nutrition, approved by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). After graduation, a six- to 12-month clinical internship at a health-care facility, community agency, or food-service corporation must be completed. Following the internship, one must pass a national exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Once passed, the person can start using the title "registered dietitian." Additionally, those who are currently registered dietitians must complete continuing education requirements, which are reviewed regularly by the ADA.

On the other hand, a nutritionist is an unregulated term and doesn't have minimum requirements. Anyone can call him or herself a "nutritionist" or receive a certificate from a school in nutrition, so there is no good way to measure the meaning of the title. That said, there are many reputable nutritionists who hold a master of science (M.S.) in nutrition from an accredited university. Also, some registered dietitians prefer to be referred to as nutritionists.

If you're looking for nutrition counseling, we recommend checking the individual's professional credentials to be sure he or she has a degree in nutrition. Here at The South Beach Diet Online, all of our nutrition professionals are registered dietitians who have had extensive educational and professional training. Members of southbeachdiet.com can get answer to their nutrition-related questions at the "Ask the Nutritionists" section of our Message Boards.

Want customized nutrition advice? As a member, you'll have personal access to dietitians online and on call. Get nutritionists' advice!

Your Personal Dietitians

Marie Almon, M.S., R.D., L.D.

Marie Almon, a licensed, registered dietitian with a master's degree in nutrition, helped develop The South Beach Diet with Dr. Agatston. She currently coordinates getting the most up-to-date information onto The South Beach Diet Online. She is also presently in private practice with Dr. Agatston in his Miami Beach office. Marie has more than 25 years of clinical experience, including 11 years working as the cardiac rehabilitation dietician under the direction of Dr. Agatston at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. She also served as the clinical nutrition manager of both the Mount Sinai Medical Center and the Miami Heart Institute. Marie speaks frequently about nutrition at seminars, and she has been interviewed for radio and television programs as well as magazine and newspaper articles. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association. Marie lives in Florida with her husband and two children.

Maureen Alonzo, M.S., R.D., A.T.C.

Maureen Alonzo has a master's degree in nutrition from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She answers dieters' questions on The South Beach Dietâ„¢ Online Message Boards as well as provides individual diet counseling. Prior to joining The South Beach Diet Online, Maureen was at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) completing a dietetic internship. At UNH she contributed her expertise to several programs, including the Center for Health Enhancement, a nutrition and weight-loss education center. Maureen attained clinical experience at Exeter Hospital, where her duties included teaching prenatal nutrition classes and counseling patients on proper diet. She also has a degree in sports medicine/athletic training and is a certified athletic trainer. She has worked at Colgate University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, helping varsity Division 1 athletes attain maximum health and performance. Maureen is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and the American Dietetic Association.

Beth Meyers, R.D., L.D.

Beth Meyers, a licensed, registered dietitian, studied nutrition and completed her graduate internship at the Sage Colleges in Troy, New York. She answers dieters' questions on the Message Boards as well as provides one-on-one nutritional counseling. Prior to joining The South Beach Dietâ„¢ Online, she worked at the Samaritan Hospital in Troy, where she provided diet counseling to patients. Beth has six years of clinical experience working in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in Massachusetts and Vermont. She assessed patients for nutritional problems, provided nutrition education to clients, and recommended appropriate diets to physicians. Beth is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the Vermont Dietetic Association. She currently resides in Vermont, where she spends her free time with her family (including her new baby) and golden retriever.

Margaret Dash, R.D., L.D.

Margaret Dash, a licensed, registered dietitian, answers dieters' questions on the Ask the Nutritionist Message Board. Prior to joining The South Beach Diet Online, she managed the nutritional needs of more than 100 patients at a rehab and long-term care facility in North Adams, Mass. Earlier in her career, Margaret worked in area hospitals, providing patients with nutritional assessments and education. She specifically focused on the needs of rehab, diabetic, oncology, and psychiatric patients. During the past 20 years, she's counseled clients and their families on a wide range of nutrition issues and has taught group classes on weight loss and vegetarianism. She is a member of the American Diabetes Association, Health for Humanity, and the American Dietetic Association.

Marilyn Jess, M.S., R.D.

Marilyn Jess, a registered dietitian, received her bachelor's and master's degrees in human nutrition from San Diego State University. She answers dieters' questions on the Message Boards as well as provides one-on-one nutritional counseling. The daughter of a talented chef, Marilyn developed an interest in food early on and has worked for more than 20 years in the nutrition field. Her experience includes long-term care, nutrition in developmental disabilities, writing, and food service management. Marilyn is currently a member of the American Dietetic Association, the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Practice Group, and the Vermont Dietetic Association. Marilyn is also an Advanced Toastmaster and loves to help others express themselves better. She and her husband live in the Green Mountains of Vermont.

Ellen McCollum, R.D

Ellen McCollum, a registered dietitian, received her bachelor's degree in clinical and community nutrition from Michigan State University and completed her nutrition internship at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Ellen has more than 10 years experience working in prenatal and infant nutrition, as well as helping parents understand the nutritional needs of children. She answers dieter's questions on the Message Boards, and provides one-on-one nutritional counseling. Ellen is also a member of the American Dietetic Association. She lives in the Berkshire Mountains, where she enjoys backpacking, hiking, and snowshoeing.