22 December 2021
What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
In Australia, all dietitians are also nutritionists, or more accurately nutrition scientists.
Becoming a nutrition scientist requires a 3-year undergraduate degree resulting in a Bachelor of Nutrition Science, or a 4-year Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition scientists can complete a postgraduate degree to also become dietitians, resulting in a Master of Nutrition & Dietetics, a total of 5 years of full-time study.
Nutrition scientists can work in research, or in group or community settings with a focus on community and population health. They are able to provide expert advice across many sectors such as public and community health, education, government, media, food industry, and media.
Dietitians are Allied Health Professionals, registered with their professional association (Dietitians Australia) and held to strict professional standards. They work in hospitals, community health centres, private practices, organisations, and businesses. Accredited Practising Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals recognised by the Australian Government (Medicare, Department of Veterans Affairs), the NDIS, and all health funds. Dietitians are able to provide individual counselling and group dietary therapy. They are uniquely qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): a tailored nutrition therapy service for medical conditions.
Unfortunately, both the terms ‘nutritionist’ and ‘dietitian’ are not regulated in Australia. A person calling themselves a nutritionist could have very limited qualifications (e.g. a quick online course) or a university degree. Their primary qualification could be in something else, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, or naturopathy. Either way, they are not qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. Nutritionists are not able to work in hospitals, and are not recognised as health professionals by the government. In private practice, anyone can theoretically also call themselves a dietitian because the profession is not regulated by AHPRA (Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
Dietitians Australia is a self-regulating professional association that has trademarked the term ‘Accredited Practising Dietitian’ (APD) to help Australians find qualified practitioners that are committed to the Association’s Code of Professional Conduct and Statement of Ethical Practice. You can be sure you are getting evidence-based expert tailored advice when you see an APD.