Nutritionists, Nutritional Therapists and Dieticians
Nutrition professionals come in many different guises and their educational qualifications and experience may differ. Qualified and registered professionals will generally be Nutritionists, Nutritional Therapists or Dieticians.
Dieticians generally work within the NHS. They will have taken a four-year undergraduate dietetic degree or a postgraduate course accredited by the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council.)
Registered Nutritionists (RNutr) will have taken a 3 or 4-year undergraduate degree, or a one-year postgraduate degree accredited by AfN (Association for Nutritionists), plus three or more years practice experience before they are qualified and accepted by AfN as a registered nutritionist. As an interim, once study competencies have been gained but before an approved period of practice experience achieved, a person may be registered with AfN as an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr)
Nutrition professionals, registered with an appropriate association, will also undergo regular Continual Professional Development (CPD) to ensure they maintain standards.
Many complementary therapists may also offer broad-based nutritional advice as part of their service and based on years of experience but for expert nutritional advice, particularly if relating to specific health issues, always seek a qualified professional.