The short version: all registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians.
If you’ve ever wondered what a dietitian actually does, you’re not alone. People often use the titles “nutritionist” and “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” (RDN) interchangeably, but they mean very different things.
What makes an RDN different?
- Education. An accredited bachelor’s degree, a supervised clinical practicum, and — since 2024 — a master’s degree.
- A rigorous national exam you must pass to earn the title, plus ongoing learning throughout your career to stay current.
- A protected, regulated credential. You know exactly what training and accountability sit behind an RDN.
What about “nutritionist”? The title isn’t regulated. Anyone can use it, with or without formal training. Well-intentioned as many are, that lack of a standardized foundation can sometimes lead to quick fixes and passing trends rather than lasting, sustainable change.
Why Working with a Dietitian Nutritionist Matters
Credentials matter because they shape the care you receive. Every member of Boston Nutritionist is a Registered Dietitian, trained to provide medical nutrition therapy — supporting people with health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders, kidney disease, and GI concerns — not just handing out meal plans.
We work alongside you to build a food relationship rooted in wellbeing, not restriction, shame, or comparison. We honor your lived experience, your traditions, and your culture’s food heritage, because health looks different for every body and every community.
Virtual nutrition therapy, across Massachusetts
Here’s what we love about working with Boston: this city is full of busy people — students, professionals, families, and everyone in between — and finding time for appointments isn’t always easy. So we bring care to you. Our dietitians offer virtual nutrition therapy across Boston and all of Massachusetts, from the North Shore to Worcester to the Cape. Wherever you are, you can connect with a compassionate dietitian from the comfort of home, on your schedule.
And yes — it’s often covered by insurance. Because our team members are registered, medically qualified professionals, many insurance plans cover their services in part or in full. We’ll help you understand your benefits and navigate coverage, so cost doesn’t stand between you and the care you deserve.
Whether you’re in Beacon Hill or Berkshire County, we’d be honored to walk alongside you.