What's the Difference Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
If you've ever felt confused about whether to see a dietitian or a nutritionist, you're not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they don’t always mean the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you feel more confident in choosing the right professional for your health needs.
Dietitian vs Nutritionist: What’s the Key Difference?
Here’s the most important thing to know: all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
Nutritionists
In Australia, nutritionist isn’t a regulated title. That means anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, even without formal qualifications. Some nutritionists have studied nutrition at university, while others might have done a short online course — or no training at all. It can be hard to know what kind of experience or evidence their advice is based on.
That said, there are many incredible nutritionists doing amazing work — especially in the areas of health promotion, lifestyle coaching, and community education. They can be a great support if you’re looking for general wellness advice or want to make healthy changes in a non-clinical setting. But because the title isn’t protected, it’s worth doing a bit of digging before working with someone. Check their qualifications, whether they’re a member of a recognised professional body (eg. Nutrition Australia), and if they have experience relevant to your needs.
Dietitians
Dietitians are university-qualified health professionals who are trained in both the science of nutrition and how to apply it in clinical settings. To become an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), you must undertake years of education at the tertiary level, and meet ongoing professional standards set by Dietitians Australia. In my case, I completed a Bachelor of Science, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Human Nutrition, and then a Master of Dietetics — that’s six years of study, plus over 10 years working in clinical practice. That’s a lot of hours of professional development (and counting!).
How to Become a Dietitian and Where Dietitians Work
To become an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) in Australia, you need to complete a university degree in nutrition and dietetics, which usually takes at least four years. This includes a Bachelor of Science (or equivalent), followed by a Master’s degree in Dietetics. Dietetics courses are rigorous, covering subjects like human physiology, biochemistry, nutrition science, food systems, and clinical nutrition. Students also gain hands-on experience through supervised placements in hospitals, community settings, and food service operations. This ensures dietitians are well-equipped to provide evidence-based nutrition care.
Dietitians can work in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and private practice to research, community health programs, and the food industry. Many work in clinical settings (like hospitals, aged care, and oncology), providing specialised nutrition advice for various health conditions. Others work in community health, offering public nutrition education, or in corporate roles, supporting the food and wellness industries. Some dietitians also work as researchers or educators, contributing to the growing field of nutrition science.
Why Choose an Accredited Practising Dietitian?
If you're managing a health condition, feeling overwhelmed by nutrition advice online, or just want tailored support from someone who understands the evidence, seeing a dietitian can make a world of difference.
Seeing a dietitian means you’re getting expert, evidence-based guidance tailored to you. It’s about real support from someone trained to understand the full picture of your health — not just what’s on your plate.
A dietitian can help you:
Make personalised nutrition changes that actually work for your lifestyle
Manage health conditions with safe, practical strategies
Feel more confident and informed in your food choices
Improve your energy, digestion, and overall well-being
Work through emotional or disordered eating with compassion
Navigate complex diagnoses with clarity and support
Common reasons people seek dietetic support:
Diabetes: Managing blood sugar levels through diet.
Body image concerns, disordered eating, and eating disorders: Providing nutrition counseling and support through to recovery.
Food allergies and intolerances: Identifying triggers and planning safe, enjoyable meals.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Optimising your diet to address or prevent issues like low iron, B12, and other key nutrients.
Gastrointestinal issues: Managing conditions like IBS, Crohn's disease, stoma care and post-surgery recovery.
Heart disease: Supporting heart health through dietary changes.
Malnutrition: Addressing weight loss, muscle wasting, and poor appetite with tailored nutrition support.
Weight concerns: Offering respectful, non-diet support that focuses on overall health and well-being.
Renal disease: Tailoring diets for kidney health.
Pregnancy and fertility nutrition: Supporting your body through conception, pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum recovery.
Menopause: Helping manage symptoms and long-term health through food and lifestyle.
Cancer Care: Specialised support for people with cancer — through treatment, recovery, survivorship and palliative care.
Aged care: Ensuring good access to food and nutritional needs are met in older adults.
At Feel Better Nutrition, I also bring a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach to all of this — helping you feel more confident in your food choices without the stress of rigid rules or restrictions.
How to Find a Dietitian
Looking for personalised, evidence-based support? You can use the Find a Dietitian tool on the Dietitians Australia website to search for an Accredited Practising Dietitian near you.
Whether you're managing a condition like breast cancer, navigating menopause, or just feeling unsure about what’s best for your body right now, working with a qualified dietitian can give you clarity, confidence, and support — without the overwhelm.
If you'd like to learn more about how I can support you, head to Services or get in touch.
