The Qualifications and use of these terms depends on the country you are in.
Australia
Professional nutritional practice is not regulated by the government, and there is no legal protection over the terms ‘Nutritionist’ and ‘Dietitian’ – anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist or Dietitian. The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) has developed credentialing systems for the credentials ‘Accredited Practising Dietitian’ (APD) To become an APD one must complete a tertiary level course accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia. These courses vary depending on the university, and may include: a one to two year post-graduate Diploma or Masters degree following a Bachelor of Science degree (including physiology and biochemistry) Accredited Practising Dietitian is the only credential recognised by the Australian Government. Clinical Nutritionist is also an unregulated term, it's possible to practice as a clinical nutritionist even without formal training.
United States
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a dietitian who meets all of a set of special academic and professional requirements, including the completion of a bachelor's degree with an accredited nutrition curriculum, an internship at an approved health-care facility, foodservice organization, or community agency
The term "nutritionist" is also widely used; however, the terms "dietitian" and "nutritionist" should not be considered interchangeable. In the US, the title “nutritionist” is not as regulated. The title is not generally protected, meaning that it can be used by anyone. Nutritionists typically do not have any professional training. There are nutritionist certification boards, which require applicants to have an advanced degree along with practical experience before taking their certification exam. Nutritionists who pass this test may refer to themselves as certified nutrition specialists, or C.N.S, which is a protected title. Clinical Nutritionist is an unregulated term, it's possible to practice as a clinical nutritionist even without formal training.
United Kingdom
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level. Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals to be regulated by law, and are governed by an ethical code to ensure that they always work to the highest standard. Nutritionists work in different roles including public health anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, however only registrants with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) can call themselves a Registered Nutritionist (RNutrs).
Also anyone can call themselves a Nutritional Therapist, a Clinical Nutritionist or a Diet Expert.
There exist many other individuals who style themselves as ‘diet experts’ or ‘nutrition experts’ sometimes with many letters after their name. Some may have no more qualifications than an interest in food. This is largely a self-regulated industry where anyone can set up and practice, meaning there is no real protection for consumers.
It is advisable to ask anyone who you are considering taking advice from about their background and qualifications and satisfy yourself that they are appropriately qualified and regulated or discuss with your GP, consultant or health visitor.
There are many on this forum who give great advice, but please remember you do not know who is on the other side of the screen, It is always advisable to see a qualified professional face to face. Especially If you have medical issues.
Australia
Professional nutritional practice is not regulated by the government, and there is no legal protection over the terms ‘Nutritionist’ and ‘Dietitian’ – anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist or Dietitian. The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) has developed credentialing systems for the credentials ‘Accredited Practising Dietitian’ (APD) To become an APD one must complete a tertiary level course accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia. These courses vary depending on the university, and may include: a one to two year post-graduate Diploma or Masters degree following a Bachelor of Science degree (including physiology and biochemistry) Accredited Practising Dietitian is the only credential recognised by the Australian Government. Clinical Nutritionist is also an unregulated term, it's possible to practice as a clinical nutritionist even without formal training.
United States
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a dietitian who meets all of a set of special academic and professional requirements, including the completion of a bachelor's degree with an accredited nutrition curriculum, an internship at an approved health-care facility, foodservice organization, or community agency
The term "nutritionist" is also widely used; however, the terms "dietitian" and "nutritionist" should not be considered interchangeable. In the US, the title “nutritionist” is not as regulated. The title is not generally protected, meaning that it can be used by anyone. Nutritionists typically do not have any professional training. There are nutritionist certification boards, which require applicants to have an advanced degree along with practical experience before taking their certification exam. Nutritionists who pass this test may refer to themselves as certified nutrition specialists, or C.N.S, which is a protected title. Clinical Nutritionist is an unregulated term, it's possible to practice as a clinical nutritionist even without formal training.
United Kingdom
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level. Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals to be regulated by law, and are governed by an ethical code to ensure that they always work to the highest standard. Nutritionists work in different roles including public health anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, however only registrants with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) can call themselves a Registered Nutritionist (RNutrs).
Also anyone can call themselves a Nutritional Therapist, a Clinical Nutritionist or a Diet Expert.
There exist many other individuals who style themselves as ‘diet experts’ or ‘nutrition experts’ sometimes with many letters after their name. Some may have no more qualifications than an interest in food. This is largely a self-regulated industry where anyone can set up and practice, meaning there is no real protection for consumers.
It is advisable to ask anyone who you are considering taking advice from about their background and qualifications and satisfy yourself that they are appropriately qualified and regulated or discuss with your GP, consultant or health visitor.
There are many on this forum who give great advice, but please remember you do not know who is on the other side of the screen, It is always advisable to see a qualified professional face to face. Especially If you have medical issues.