Distinction between Dietitian and Nutritionist

In Australia there is a distinction made between dietitians and other occupations in the nutrition and food science field, including that of nutritionist.

The key difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist is that, in addition to or as part of their qualification in human nutrition, a dietitian has undertaken a course of study that included substantial theory and supervised and assessed professional practice in clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy and food service management.

Therefore, in Australia, all dietitians are considered to be nutritionists however, nutritionists without a dietetics qualification cannot take on the specialised role of a dietitian.

There is no industry specific assessing authority that assesses the qualifications of of overseas trained nutritionists who are not dietitians.

DAA is unable to provide advice regarding assessment of qualifications or employment opportunities to overseas trained nutritionists who are not dietitians.