In short, a dietitian may also be considered a nutritionist, but a nutritionist isn’t always a dietitian. The only exception is Alberta, where the term ‘nutritionist’ is also protected and only dietitians can call themselves nutritionists.
The term ‘registered dietitian’ is a protected title and a dietitian is a regulated healthcare practitioner who has 1) completed at least a 4-year university dietetics degree from an accredited university, 2) has completed a dietetic internship and 3) who has passed the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam.
In many provinces, the term ‘nutritionist’ is not a protected title. A nutritionist may or may not have other education or qualifications in the area of nutrition.
Employee health benefits typically cover registered dietitians vs. nutritionists.
Registered Dietitian, Dietitian, RD
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- Works in private practice (such as NutriProCan offices), hospitals, clinics, as well as in food labs and senior care
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- Has a minimum 4-year dietetics degree from an accredited university (including courses in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology). Many dietitians also have post-graduate degrees
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- Completed an accredited dietetic internship or equivalent supervised practical training
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- Successfully completed the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination
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- Does not advise on starting “diets” or “dieting” but is focused on education and behavioural changes for sustainable healthy eating habits
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- The only regulated nutrition profession in Canada, overseen by the provincial Colleges of Dietitians
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- Registered Dietitians (RDs) must be licensed
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- The title “Dietitian” is protected by law
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- Provide personalized nutrition advice and therapy helping with many concerns including food sensitivities and allergies, disease-specific nutrition care plans, healthy weight loss, and family nutrition
Nutritionist
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- Provides individual and group services
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- Promotes healthy lifestyle and food
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- May have a diploma from a community college or a bachelor’s degree in nutrition
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- Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist in most provinces
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- Not a regulated profession with any minimum requirements to help ensure clients receive safe, competent and ethical nutrition services. NOTE: In Alberta, only Registered Dietitians are able to use the title Nutritionist.