Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They counsel clients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits, helping prevent or support treatment of health conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, and obesity. To enter the occupation, dietitians and nutritionists typically need a bachelor's or master’s degree. They also typically are required to have supervised training through an internship. The median annual wage for dietitians and nutritionists was $73,850 in May 2024.
Roles and Responsibilities
Dietitians and nutritionists develop meal and nutrition plans to meet the health needs of clients. Although many dietitians and nutritionists do similar tasks, there are several specialties within the occupations.
Clinical Dietitians and Nutritionists
Clinical dietitians and clinical nutritionists provide medical nutrition therapy. They create customized nutritional programs based on the health needs of clients and counsel clients on how to improve their health through nutrition. Clinical dietitians and clinical nutritionists may further specialize, such as by working only with people who have kidney disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, or other specific conditions.
Community Dietitians and Nutritionists
Community dietitians and community nutritionists develop programs and counsel the public on topics related to food, health, and nutrition. They often work with specific groups of people, such as adolescents or the elderly.
Management Dietitians
Management dietitians plan food programs. They may be responsible for buying food and for carrying out other business-related tasks, such as budgeting. Management dietitians may oversee kitchen staff or other dietitians.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Specific Tasks
Many dietitians and nutritionists provide personalized information for individuals. For example, a dietitian or nutritionist might teach a client with diabetes how to plan meals to improve and balance the person’s blood sugar. Other dietitians and nutritionists work with groups of people who have similar needs. For example, a dietitian or nutritionist might plan a diet with healthy fat and limited sugar to help clients who are at risk for heart disease. Dietitians and nutritionists who are self-employed may meet with clients, or they may work as consultants for a variety of organizations. Dietitians and nutritionists evaluate the health of their clients through nutrition assessment and diagnostic laboratory testing. Dietitians and nutritionists must clearly explain nutrition plans to other healthcare workers.
Required Skills
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties.
- Analytical skills. Dietitians and nutritionists must keep up with food and nutrition research.
- Compassion.
- Listening skills. Dietitians and nutritionists must listen carefully to understand clients’ goals and concerns.
- Organizational skills. Dietitians and nutritionists must prepare and maintain many types of records for multiple clients.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Speaking skills. Dietitians and nutritionists must explain complicated topics in a way that people can understand.
Employment Statistics
Dietitians and nutritionists held about 90,900 jobs in 2024. Most dietitians and nutritionists work full time. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Education and Training
To enter the occupation, dietitians and nutritionists typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in dietetics, food and nutrition, or a related field to enter the occupation. A graduate degree is required for some credentials. Dietitians and nutritionists typically receive supervised training, usually in the form of an internship following graduation from college.
Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a professional credential, such as the Registered Dietitian (RD)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) designation. The RD/RDN designation requires completion of a minimum of a master’s degree and a Dietetic Internship (DI), which includes supervised experience. Students may complete both criteria at once through a coordinated program, or they may finish their degree before applying for an internship. Many states accept the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential or exam for licensure purposes. To qualify for the credential, applicants must have a master’s or doctoral degree, complete supervised experience, and pass an exam.
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
Licensing, Certification, and Registration
Many states require dietitians and nutritionists to be licensed in order to practice. Other states require only state registration or certification to use certain titles, and a few states have no regulations for this occupation. Check with your state board for specific requirements.
Related Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of dietitians and nutritionists. Nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered (NDTRs) help people understand how to make better choices about the food they eat. NDTRs are nationally credentialed food and nutrition technical practitioners who have met educational and credentialing criteria to earn and maintain the NDTR credential. NDTRs work alongside RDNs to plan menus and prepare food for people with special nutritional needs. Some NDTRs focus on education, such as teaching children, new mothers and other people the importance of nutrition. NDTRs often work in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Schools, day care centers, weight management clinics, government agencies, prisons and the food service industry also employ NDTRs. NDTRs, often work directly with patients and/or clients, so good communication skills and the ability to cope with people who are sick are necessary.
RD vs DTR
If you’re considering a career in nutrition and dietetics, you’ve likely come across two distinct credential paths: Registered Dietitian (RD) and Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR). While both professionals play vital roles in nutrition care, the requirements, responsibilities, and career trajectories differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision about your educational investment and long-term career goals. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a career changer, or a healthcare professional looking to specialize in nutrition, this comprehensive comparison will help you determine which path aligns with your aspirations, timeline, and financial situation. Both credentials are regulated by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, ensuring that professional standards are maintained across the field. However, the education requirements, scope of practice, and earning potential vary considerably between these two roles.
The educational pathway represents the most significant difference between becoming an RD and a DTR. Your choice will impact both your time commitment and financial investment in your nutrition career.
Registered Dietitian (RD) Education Requirements
To become a Registered Dietitian, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This typically takes four years of full-time study. The curriculum includes comprehensive coursework in:
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP
- Nutrition science and metabolism - Understanding how the body processes nutrients at the cellular level
- Medical nutrition therapy - Evidence-based nutritional interventions for disease management
- Food science and food service management - Large-scale meal planning and food safety systems
- Counseling and behavioral psychology - Client communication and motivation strategies
- Community nutrition and public health - Population-level nutrition programs and policy
- Research methods and statistics - Evaluating nutrition science literature
After completing your bachelor’s degree, you must complete a supervised practice program (dietetic internship) of at least 1,200 hours. These internships are highly competitive and offer hands-on experience in clinical, community, and food service settings. Many students now pursue combined degree and internship programs or graduate programs that integrate supervised practice.
Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) Education Requirements
The DTR pathway requires a minimum of an associate degree from an ACEND-accredited program, which typically takes two years of full-time study. This accelerated timeline makes the DTR credential attractive for those seeking faster entry into the nutrition field. DTR programs include focused coursework in:
- Basic nutrition and diet therapy - Fundamental principles of nutrition science
- Food preparation and safety - Hands-on food handling and sanitation practices
- Medical nutrition therapy foundations - Introduction to therapeutic diets
- Food service management basics - Menu planning and kitchen operations
- Nutrition counseling fundamentals - Basic client education techniques
DTR students must complete a minimum of 450 hours of supervised practice, usually under the guidance of a Registered Dietitian. This practicum offers real-world experience in healthcare facilities, community programs, or food service operations.
Quick Comparison Table
| Credential Aspect | Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) | Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) |
|---|---|---|
| Education Level | Bachelor’s degree minimum (master’s degree required for new RD exam candidates as of 2024) | Associate degree minimum |
| Program Accreditation | ACEND-accredited DPD or graduate program | ACEND-accredited DTR program |
| Supervised Practice | 1,200 hours minimum (dietetic internship) | 450 hours minimum |
| Registration Exam | CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians | CDR Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians |
| Time to Complete | 4-6 years (including internship) | 2-3 years |
| Average Annual Salary (2024) | $74,770 | $39,560 |
| Job Growth (2023-2033) | 7.4% (faster than average) | 4.3% (about average) |
| Work Independence | Can work independently and supervise others | Typically works under RD supervision |
| State Licensure | Required in most states | Required in some states |
| Typical Job Settings | Hospitals, private practice, outpatient clinics, public health, and research | Hospitals, long-term care, school nutrition, WIC programs, foodservice |
Job Duties and Responsibilities by Setting
While both RDs and DTRs work in nutrition and dietetics, their day-to-day responsibilities and level of autonomy differ significantly. DTRs typically work as part of a healthcare team under the supervision of an RD, while RDs have independent practice authority and broader clinical responsibilities.
Clinical Settings: Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
In hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities, the RD-DTR relationship functions as a collaborative team.
Registered Dietitian Responsibilities:
- Conducting comprehensive nutrition assessments for complex medical cases
- Developing individualized medical nutrition therapy plans
- Making final decisions on therapeutic diet prescriptions
- Counseling patients on disease-specific nutrition interventions
- Supervising DTRs and dietary staff
- Collaborating with physicians on patient care plans
- Documenting in electronic medical records with professional autonomy
Dietetic Technician Responsibilities:
- Gathering patient dietary histories and fundamental nutrition screening data
- Assisting RDs with nutrition assessments and data collection
- Preparing preliminary meal plans under RD supervision
- Conducting basic nutrition education for patients
- Monitoring patient food intake and tolerance
- Coordinating with kitchen staff on modified diet orders
- Performing quality assurance checks on meal trays
Foodservice Management Settings
In institutional foodservice operations, such as schools, hospitals, corporate cafeterias, and correctional facilities, both credentials play essential management roles.
Registered Dietitian Responsibilities:
- Overseeing entire foodservice operations and strategic planning
- Developing organization-wide nutrition standards and policies
- Creating specialized menu cycles for diverse populations
- Managing departmental budgets and financial planning
- Supervising DTRs, foodservice managers, and kitchen staff
- Ensuring regulatory compliance (health codes, HACCP, Joint Commission)
- Leading continuous quality improvement initiatives
Dietetic Technician Responsibilities:
- Managing day-to-day kitchen operations and staff scheduling
- Supervising food preparation and production teams
- Implementing food safety and sanitation protocols
- Conducting inventory management and food ordering
- Assisting with menu planning and recipe standardization
- Training kitchen staff on proper procedures
- Monitoring food costs and waste reduction
Community and Public Health Settings
In community health programs, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) offices, and public health departments, both professionals contribute to population health.
Registered Dietitian Responsibilities:
- Designing community nutrition education programs
- Conducting nutrition research and program evaluation
- Providing expert testimony on nutrition policy
- Supervising community nutrition programs
- Delivering advanced nutrition counseling for high-risk clients
- Developing grant proposals and securing funding
Dietetic Technician Responsibilities:
- Delivering group nutrition education classes
- Assisting with community program curriculum development
- Conducting basic nutrition screening and assessments
- Coordinating community outreach events
- Supporting WIC certification and counseling
- Collecting program data and assisting with evaluation
Collaboration Model
| Work Setting | RD Primary Role | DTR Primary Role | Collaboration Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | Medical nutrition therapy, patient counseling, and clinical decision-making | Data collection, meal planning assistance, and patient education support | DTR gathers data; RD develops care plans |
| Long-Term Care | Nutrition assessment, care plan development, and regulatory compliance | Daily monitoring, food intake tracking, and dining services coordination | DTR monitors residents; RD oversees nutrition care |
| Foodservice | Program oversight, menu development, quality management | Operations management, staff supervision, and production control | DTR manages daily operations; RD provides strategic direction |
| Community Health | Program design, policy development, complex case management | Program implementation, group education, and community outreach | DTR delivers programs; RD evaluates outcomes |
| Schools | District nutrition standards, special needs accommodations, and wellness policy | Cafeteria management, menu execution, and student nutrition education | DTR manages school nutrition; RD sets district standards |
Licensure and Certification Requirements
Both RDs and DTRs must pass national registration examinations administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and maintain their credentials through continuing professional education. However, state licensure requirements vary significantly.
National Certification Process
For Registered Dietitians:
After completing all educational and supervised practice requirements, candidates must pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam to become a dietitian. This computer-based exam covers clinical nutrition, foodservice management, community nutrition, and professional practice domains. The passing score is scaled, and candidates receive their preliminary results immediately.
For Dietetic Technicians:
DTR candidates must pass the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians, also administered by CDR. This exam focuses on foodservice operations, basic nutrition care, and technician-level competencies. Like the RD exam, results are available immediately after completion.
Continuing Professional Education
Both credentials require ongoing professional development:
- Registered Dietitians: 75 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) every five years
- Dietetic Technicians: 50 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) every five years
These requirements ensure that professionals stay current with the evolving field of nutrition science, clinical guidelines, and practice standards.
State Licensure Requirements
State licensure adds another layer of regulation and varies considerably by location. Most states require licensure for RDs, while DTR licensure requirements are less consistent.
Registered Dietitians:
The majority of US states require state licensure for Registered Dietitians to practice. Some states use “licensure,” others use “certification,” but both restrict who can use nutrition titles and provide medical nutrition therapy. States that don’t require licensure typically have fewer restrictions on practice.
Dietetic Technicians:
Fewer states regulate the practice of DTRs specifically. Some states license DTRs separately, while others include them under dietitian regulations, and many have no specific licensure requirements for DTRs. In regulated states, DTRs must meet state-specific requirements that may include background checks, jurisprudence exams, or additional documentation.
The CDR provides detailed information on state-by-state licensure requirements for both credentials. Checking your state’s specific requirements is essential before beginning your education, as some states have unique prerequisites or restrictions that may apply.
States with licensure requirements typically offer higher average salaries for both RDs and DTRs compared to unregulated states, as licensure creates professional standards and can limit competition.
Salary Comparison and Job Outlook
The educational investment difference between RD and DTR pathways translates directly into earning potential. Understanding both the salary gap and job market trends can help you make an informed career decision.
Current Salary Data (2024)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 data:
Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists:
- Mean annual salary: $74,770
- Median annual salary: $69,680
- 10th percentile: $46,190 (entry-level or part-time positions)
- 90th percentile: $105,480 (experienced, specialized, or management roles)
- Mean hourly wage: $35.95
Dietetic Technicians:
- Mean annual salary: $39,560
- Median annual salary: $37,320
- 10th percentile: $28,090
- 90th percentile: $53,660
- Mean hourly wage: $19.02
The salary difference of approximately $35,000 annually reflects the RD’s greater educational investment, clinical autonomy, and expanded scope of practice. However, DTRs enter the workforce faster and with less student debt, which can be advantageous depending on your personal circumstances.
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors influence earning potential for both credentials:
- Geographic location: Metropolitan areas and states with licensure requirements typically offer higher salaries
- Practice setting: Outpatient clinics and private practice often pay more than institutional settings
- Experience level: Salary increases with years of practice and specialized expertise
- Specialty certifications: RDs with board certifications (oncology, pediatrics, sports dietetics, etc.) command premium salaries
- Management responsibilities: