What is the Difference between a Dietitian and Nutritionist?

The primary difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist is their training. A dietitian, in addition to or as part of their qualification in human nutrition, has undertaken a course of study that includes substantial theory as well as supervised and assessed professional practice in clinical nutrition and medical nutrition therapy.

In Australia, all dietitians are considered to be nutritionists however, nutritionists without a dietetic qualification cannot take on the specialised role of a dietitian. There is no industry specific assessing authority that assesses the qualifications of nutritionists who are not dietitians.

When choosing your nutrition professional, is it strongly advised that you seek a professional who is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). The APD credential is the only credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and most private health funds: it is the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia.

Accredited Practising Dietitians undergo tertiary study covering food, nutrition, health and diet-related medical conditions.  They learn a wide range of skills in communicating information, counselling, education, health promotion, and management, to help them best disseminate their knowledge and expertise.  Most importantly, Accredited Practising Dietitians are taught how to conduct, understand and interpret research findings: these skills provide them with the ability to critically analysis new research and review existing literature and databases so they can provide the very best up-to-date advice.

Accredited Practising Dietitians must undertake ongoing professional training and education to comply with the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) guidelines for best practice. They must also adhere to the DAA Code of Professional Conduct and Statement of Ethical Practice.