Inner West Health Clinic

What is a Dietitian?

What is the primary differences between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

A dietitian is a tertiary qualified health professional, who has undergone and completed between 4-6 years of study at University. An Accredited Practising Dietitian is also bound by a code of ethics to provide evidence based treatments and is required to undertake regular professional development to make sure that they are always improving their practise. Dietitians are trained in a clinical setting and are the only nutrition professionals recognised with Medicare to provide nutritional therapy for conditions. A dietitian may also be a nutritionist, but not vice-versa.

To date, there is no regulation in Australia on who can call themselves a nutritionist, which means that you may be receiving treatment from someone who is not properly trained in the area. A nutritionist may have also completed a University degree but there are also many nutrition-related short courses that allow individuals to call them a nutritionist.

By making sure that you are visiting a dietitian for nutrition therapy and counselling ensures that you are receiving ethical guidance and support, and you can be confident in their expertise to help you with your health concerns.

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