Where the Difference Lies

How does a registered dietitian (RD) achieve their credentials? Where does their scope of practice stem from?  Many times people may think that a nutritionist and dietitian are the same, when in fact, there is a key ingredient in the recipe of becoming a dietitian that is different from a nutritionist.  In order to obtain the professional credentials, RD, an individual must complete a four-year undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Food, followed by the completion of a Masters in Nutrition or a clinical internship (most often through a hospital network).  Once completed, the RD completes a written exam under the regulatory body to which they will belong to (specific to each country and/or province/state).  In the end, Registered Dietitians are a regulated health professional belonging to a regulatory body which they are to report to.

Once our training is complete, many dietitians may choose to specialize in an area of practice.  We take an evidence-based approach in our teachings and education, and therefore complete additional trainings when necessary and keep up with the latest research in the field of nutrition, food, disease, and dietetic practice.

Nutritionists, on the other hand, have varying degrees of education and knowledge, and no regulatory body to which they report to.  There are often many more nutritionists throughout the cities, as the training and education levels vary widely.  An individual can complete a weekend training or course on nutrition, an undergraduate in Nutrition and Food (and not continue forward), a college certificate or online courses and have the title of a “nutritionist”.  Since nutrition and food is an evolving science, it is important to note how well nutritionists keep up with the changing field and practice amongst their clients.  Some nutritionists are truly dedicated to bringing their clients the latest research in nutrition and food and will therefore have the most successful clients however, this is not always the case.  It is therefore important to note where their education is coming from in order to benefit your health to the utmost capacity.

http://www.dietitians.ca/Find-A-Dietitian/Difference-Between-Dietitian-and-Nutritionist.aspx