Accredited Practising Dietitians
To find an APD near you search the 'Find an APD' feature on this website.
Accredited Practising Dietitians
Wondering what APDs do?
Seeing an APD for personal dietary advice
Accredited Nutritionist (AN)
Dietitian or Nutritionist?
Accredited Practising Dietitians
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are recognised professionals with the qualifications and skills to provide expert nutrition and dietary advice. They know about food and health and can help you sort through the maze of nutrition information.
APDs are qualified to advise individuals and groups on nutrition related matters. They also have clinical training to modify diets to treat conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancers, gastro-intestinal diseases, food allergies and intolerances and overweight and obesity.
APDs have sound university qualifications accredited by DAA, undertake ongoing training and education and comply with the Associations guidelines for best practice. They are committed to the DAA Code of Professional Conduct and Statement of Ethical Practice, and to providing quality service.
APD is the only national credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia. It is a recognised trademark protected by law.
Wondering what APDs do?
APDs translate scientific information about nutrition into practical advice about what to eat.
APDs:
- Assess people's nutritional needs;
- Develop personalised eating plans and nutritional guidelines;
- Provide information on:
- Healthy Eating;
- Reading food labels;
- Choosing the best foods when shopping and eating out; and
- Healthy ways to prepare food. - Sort out nutrition fact from fiction;
- Undertake nutrition and food research
- Train health care professionals; and
- Develop nutrition communications, programs and policies.
APDs work in a diverse range of fields including patient care in hospitals and nursing homes, community nutrition and public health, consultancy and private practice, food service and management, the food and medical nutrition industries, public relations, marketing and communications, government, and research and teaching.
Seeing an APD for personal dietary advice
APDs working in private practice, community health centres and hospitals see individual client and may run group nutrition educations sessions. Most private health funds provide rebates for visits to private practising APDs. A referral is not necessary to see an APD although it may help them to understand your dietary needs and health background.
Medicare initiatives provide rebates for visits to APDs treating chronic health conditions under a care plan coordinated by a general practitioner. Medicare rebates are now also payable for group services provided by eligible diabetes educators, exercise physiologist and APDs for people with type 2 diabetes, on referral from a GP. Contact Medicare for further information about rebates.
Accredited Nutritionist (AN)
Accredited Nutritionists (AN) are tertiary qualified nutrition professionals that have expertise in a range of nutrition services including public health nutrition, community health and tertiary education related to nutrition, but excluding individual dietary counselling, group therapy and medical nutrition therapy. APDs can choose to use the APD and/or AN credential.
Dietitian or Nutritionist?
There are no rules governing the use of the terms 'Dietitian' and 'Nutritionist' and they may be used by Dietitians, nutrition scientists and nutrition graduates, or people with very limited nutrition qualifications. To make sure you are receiving expert nutrition advice, always enquire about the qualifications of a dietitian or nutritionist and look for the APD credential.
Advanced APD (AdvAPD)
AdvAPDs are professional leaders in nutrition and dietetics who demonstrate a range of high-level skills in their professional work. AdvAPDs understand the wider context of dietetics and have skills in business, planning, staff supervision, resource management and industrial relations issues. Dietitians are awarded the AdvAPD credential after undergoing assessment by DAA.
DAA Fellow (FDAA)
DAA Fellows are high profile and proactive leaders who use their nutrition and dietetic skills and influence to enhance the health of the community.
DAA Fellows demonstrate the attributes of an AdvAPD at a broader and higher level. They have made an outstanding contribution to nutrition and dietetics and are recognised as experts nationally and internationally. The fellow credential is considered an honour by the Association.
To find an APD near you search the 'Find an APD' feature on this website.
