We Always tend to need clarification and know the difference between nutritionist and dietician and their roles. Hence jumping deep into it, a dietitian is a board-certified food and nutrition expert. They are experts in nutrition and dietetics, that is, the science of balance nutrition diet, food, and their result on human health. With the help of extensive training, dietitians understand the knowledge to provide evidence-based medical nutrition therapy and nutritional counseling designed to understand a person’s needs. They have a lot of practices to be done in places like hospitals, research institutions, and local communities before they are qualified to practice in some settings.

Various types of dietitians

There are four significant types of practice for dieticians — research, food service management, community and clinical 

Research dietitians

It specifically works in research organizations, hospitals, or universities. They work within a research team led by a primary investigator and analyze nutrition-focused interventions.

Food service management dietitians

Study the production of nutritionally excellent and healthy food and diet that investigates the food safety guidelines within a comprehensive organization, such as a school or military space.

A community dietitian

It can help prepare and apply programmed targeted at populations rather than individuals, for example, community cooking campaigns or diabetes prevention interventions. They can also work for public policies regarding nutrition, food, and health issues.

Clinical dietitians

The ones who practice in an inpatient hospital surrounding. Outpatient dietitians are also allowed to work in a hospital or clinic. Still, they practice sessions with people outside the inpatient care and usually out of severe disease. Both inpatient and outpatient dietitians guide the medical team in treating many chronic illnesses. Dietitians must work in other settings like universities, research hospitals, or food service management. 

Conditions dietitians treat

Dietitians have the qualifications and knowledge to manage nutrition therapy in conditions of a span of acute and chronic conditions. The setting of their practice depends upon the types of situations. This means that they are allowed to treat nutrition problems that affect cancer or its treatment with a client to resist and control the onset of diabetes. In hospitals, many people who are clinically malnourished also require nutrients via feeding tubes.  

The Role of a Nutritionist 

Sometimes people don’t bother to translate their title as “nutritionist” rather than “dietitian “because their educational background is similar to that of a dietitian. Specific qualifications must be there to call an individual a nutritionist. Also, accredited certifications permit titles like Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) in many countries, those who get these certifications have permission to practice medical nutrition therapy and nutrition care. In states that don’t regulate the practice of this term, any person interested in nutrition may title themselves a nutritionist.   

Conditions that nutritionists treat

Many states also permit the title “Licensed Nutritionist” or the more generic “nutritionist.” nutritionists with licensure may support treating any condition and prescribe nutrition therapy, which is particular care meant to manage or treat illnesses or other conditions. Nutritionists may also oversee community nutrition education programs. Those without credentials or licensure may get approaches to nutrition that are the external scope of traditional medicine.   

Dietitians can implement their expertise across various settings, such as sports teams, hospitals, and research institutions. To help treat chronic illnesses, they may prescribe diet and nutrition plan and nutrition therapy.