A person must regularly accumulate continuing education credits to become a member of the American Dietetic Association.
Nutritionist qualifications can vary in different parts of the world, although a typical basic requirement is completion of a bachelor’s degree with coursework in health sciences. In some areas, the term nutritionist has legal title protection and indicates the achievement of specific nutritionist qualifications. The title, qualifications, and responsibilities of a nutritionist sometimes vary depending on the work environment. Nutritionist, as a technical term, generally implies more specific qualifications than the word nutritionist, which may not have any legal meaning.
Nutritionists may work in day care centers or similar facilities to provide good nutrition to young children.
Many Western countries require some type of license or certification for nutritionists. Nutritionists are considered therapeutic or clinical professionals in the US and UK, as well as in many parts of Africa. In some areas of Europe and Japan, nutritionists tend to be primarily food workers.
The work of a nutritionist can take place in a wide variety of settings. Some nutritionists may work in nursing homes, hospitals, doctor’s offices, community facilities, or in people’s homes through home health care companies. Self-employed nutritionists can act as consultants in health centers or offer personalized advice on topics such as weight loss or cholesterol reduction.
A nutritional support dietitian may be responsible for monitoring the feeding process of patients who are unable to chew, swallow, or digest food without assistance.
Some nutritionists may choose to participate in a management position, supervising other nutritionists and food service staff. This type of management experience can take place in schools, prisons, cafeterias or health centers. Nutritionists may be known as community nutritionists, public health nutritionists, research nutritionists, food service nutritionists, or clinical nutritionists, depending on the setting in which the work is performed.
US states vary in their regulatory guidelines for nutritionist qualifications. Some states require a license, while others require certification or registration. In 2011, a handful of states had no laws regulating the qualifications of nutritionists. To become a member of the American Dietetic Association, individuals must successfully complete an exam and regularly accumulate continuing education credits by registering. Some nutritionists in the United States are also certified in specific types of dietary practices, such as diabetes-related education or pediatric nutrition.
In Canada, nutritionists must be registered and licensed to practice under the title of Registered Dietitian. Australian nutritionists must be recognized as Accredited Practicing Dietitians, or APDs, to legally offer services to clients. South Africa regulates its nutritionists and nutritionists under a variety of titles, all of which require a bachelor’s degree with specific coursework. In the UK, registration with the Health Professions Council is a requirement to meet nutritionist qualifications in addition to a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or postgraduate certification.