The main difference between dietician and nutritionist is that a dietician is a regulated and qualified nutrition professional, whereas a nutritionist may or may not have the same level of qualifications and regulation.
Both dieticians and nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition. Although most of us use these two words interchangeably, there are differences between them, especially in terms of their qualifications.
Key Areas Covered
1. Who is a Dietician
– Definition, Role, Qualifications
2. Who is a Nutritionist
– Definition, Role, Qualifications
3. Similarities Between Dietician and Nutritionist
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Dietician and Nutritionist
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Dietician, Nutritionist, Nutrients
Who is a Dietician?
A dietician is a person who has expertise in food and nutrition. Dieticians have a good knowledge and education related to food science, nutrition, and their effect on human health. To become a dietician, an individual has to complete many mandatory prerequisites. Educational qualifications, professional qualifications, as well as professional experiences are considered when one is appointed to this post.
Professional dieticians work with people who are overweight and struggle to lose weight. Dieticians also help people who want to improve their diets for other health-related factors. When planning diets, dieticians consider the needs and challenges of the patients. Accordingly, they design diet plans for patients who need them. Dieticians not only design diet plans but also conduct nutrition education in classrooms as well as in class settings. At the same time, dieticians have the right to work in clinical conditions. They may work in food service operations, health care centres, and weight-management facilities.
Who is a Nutritionist?
A nutritionist refers to a person who advises people on matters and issues related to food. They also give advice on the impact of food on health also. There are different specializations, such as sports nutrition, public health, and animal health. Therefore, there are different designations, such as sports nutritionists, pediatric nutritionists, and gerontological nutritionists. At the same time, there are other nutrition professionals, such as health coaches and holistic nutritionists.
In most countries, there are no specific prerequisites to be a nutritionist. Thus, a person can become a nutritionist without training, experience, education, or a professional license. Most nutritionists work in hospitals, nursing homes, and medical offices. According to the places where they work, nutritionists may sometimes be required to have specific qualifications, certifications, and or a license. When it comes to community health care, a nutritionist may work in places like schools, community health clinics, recreational centres, and health maintenance organizations. Generally, a nutritionist deals with general nutritional aims and behaviours.
Similarities Between Dietician and Nutritionist
- Both dieticians and nutritionists are experts in nutrition
- Both dieticians and nutritionists have good knowledge of how diet can affect one’s health.
- Dieticians and nutritionists are considered healthcare professionals.
- Both help people find the best diet plans and foods.
Difference Between Dietician and Nutritionist
Definition
A dietician is an expert in food and nutrition, whereas a nutritionist is a person who advises people on matters and issues related to food.
Certification
In most countries, dieticians are certified to work in clinical conditions, whereas nutritionists are not always certified to work in clinical conditions.
Training
Dieticians generally require training, whereas training is not compulsory in becoming a nutritionist.
Educational Qualifications
Although educational qualifications like a bachelor’s degree are required to become a dietician, degree-level educational qualification is not required to become a nutritionist.
Conclusion
The main difference between dietician and nutritionist is their qualifications. Dieticians are always certified and entitled to a license, whereas nutritionists are not always certified professionals.
Reference:
1. “Dietician.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Nutritionist.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “A nutritionist holding a plate full of fresh organic fruits and vegetables for weight loss” By Marco Verch Professional Photography (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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