There are many qualified professionals out there who are considered experts in the field of food and nutrition. The different professionals will play different roles within the health care environment, and subsequently have different study and training requirements.
There are three main titles, dietician, nutritionist and nutritional therapist/advisor. Whilst all three professionals will offer advice around health and nutrition, the key responsibilities and aims will differ.
So what is the difference between the three?
Dietician
In most developed countries, dieticians must be trained at University to a degree level or usually above, and working as a dietician is regulated by law. Therefore you are not legally permitted to call yourself a dietician unless you have been assessed to satisfy a certain criteria. Dieticians often work within a hospital system, preparing specialised diets for people with special dietary needs. Dieticians will work with people who require specialised dietary advice and supervision for treatment and rehabilitation from illness and disease. Dieticians are qualified to treat certain medical conditions.
Nutritionists
Unlike ‘dietician’, ‘nutritionist’ is rarely affected by statutory regulation. As such (in most countries) anyone is able to refer to himself or herself as such, even if they do not possess adequate training and experience. Nutritionists can study at a university, or through a vocational training school. Many have started their career or business via one of our certificate or diploma courses. It is important to be able to get professional indemnity insurance after study (Our courses have established arrangements with some selected insurance companies for this)
Nutritionists generally have a sound scientific understanding of food and nutrition and the human body, and whilst they will not specifically treat people with an illness or disease through a therapeutic diet, they will offer general dietary advice to support people with issues such as food intolerances, allergies, diabetes, hypertension and weight loss.
Nutritional Therapists
Nutritional therapists provide generalised health advice to people who are seeking to live a healthier lifestyle. They tend to work on a one to one basis with clients with a focus on optimising health and alleviating the symptoms of many common ailments and chronic conditions such as digestive and bowel disorders, weight concerns etc.
Similar to nutritionists, laws don't usually regulate nutritional therapists, though there are various voluntary organisations that require proof of qualifications in order to be listed.