A Dietitian, a.k.a. Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), is required to complete at a minimum, a bachelor’s program, and many continue on to earn a master’s degree as well. Additionally dietitian is required to complete an extensive internship and sit for a national board certified exam through the CDR, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Similar to any other healthcare or advanced certification, a dietitian must recertify throughout their career by receiving continuing education units so they are up to date and able to provide their clients with the most accurate and science based nutritional advice, support, and education. While a dietitian sometimes will call themselves a nutritionist, the titles are not interchangeable from both sides. It is actually against the law for a nutritionist to call themselves a dietitian. The reality is anyone can call themselves a nutritionist and be paid to share their opinions as a coach. Most people, unfortunately, are not aware of this drastic difference and often can be misled, and left confused and frustrated.