SPORTS AND PERFORMANCE NUTRITION
How is working with a Dietitian different to a Nutritionist?
All Dietitians can call themselves a Nutritionist. However, those without a Dietetic degree cannot call themselves a Dietitian and are not allowed to work in a clinical setting. A Dietitian is a qualified healthcare professional who is an expert in nutrition and dietetics. Dietitians can work in many clinical and non-clinical settings such as health policy, private practice, public health and research. In all settings, Dietitians tend to work as part of a large multi-disciplinary team.
As described by Dietitians Association of Australia:
‘A professional who applies the science of food and nutrition to promote health, prevent and treat disease to optimise the health of individuals, groups, communities and populations’.
The Dietetic profession is regulated and meets strict standards as set out by the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions. To become a Dietitian, one must qualify from an accredited dietetic degree, from an Australian university or abroad which involves strict examination processes. As a profession, Nutritionists are not regulated in Australia or certified under a single regulatory body. Anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist regardless of their qualifications.