What's the difference between a nutritional therapist, nutritionist and dietitian?

Ever wondered what the difference is between a dietitian, nutritionist and nutritional therapist? We’ve got the low-down

What is a nutritional therapist? And why is it important for nutritional therapists to be registered?

Because the term is not protected in law, anyone can call themselves a nutritional therapist. However, practitioners who have undertaken accredited training can register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) to become a registered nutritional therapist, and can also register with the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). At ION, this is important to us. Our degree course enables all our graduates to become a registered nutritional therapist.

Registered nutritional therapy practitioners apply a science-based approach, using nutrition, to promote individual health. They may use a wide range of tools, such as testing for individual nutrient status, to assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances and to understand how these may contribute to an individual's symptoms and health concerns.

Registered practitioners consider each individual to be unique and recommend personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. They will never recommend nutritional therapy as a replacement for medical advice, will often work alongside medical professionals, and will always refer clients with ‘red flag’ signs or symptoms to their medical professional.

Find out more about how to become a nutritional therapist

What is a dietitian?

In contrast to nutritional therapists, dietitians mainly work in the National Health Service or private clinics treating complex clinical conditions such as diabetes, food allergies and intolerances, IBS syndrome, eating disorders, chronic fatigue, malnutrition, kidney failure and bowel disorders.

Only those registered with the statutory regulator, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), can call themselves a dietitian and the only route to become one is through degree-level education.

The minimum requirement is a BSc Hons in Dietetics or a related science degree with a postgraduate diploma or higher degree in Dietetics.

What is a nutritionist?

Nutrition scientists (nutritionists) often work outside of the clinical context in research, industry or education.

There are many courses of varying lengths available in nutrition, hence anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. However, courses that have applied and met strict standards of professional education in nutrition are accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). Professionals from accredited courses can then apply to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) and call themselves a Registered Nutritionist (RNutrs).

Interested in finding out more about nutritional therapy?

Find out about some of the different aspects of working as a nutritional therapist.

Download our eBook "Why become a Nutritional Therapist"

Stories from our graduates, now working in nutritional therapy

Ready to take the next step?

Find out more about studying with ION.

About ION:

ION is a leading provider of accredited nutritional therapy training, established in 1984. ION’s BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy is validated by the University of Portsmouth. Be part of a growing community of nutritional therapists and build a rewarding, flexible career helping others to make positive lifestyle changes.

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Key facts

Award
Certificate

Duration
7-9 months

Study time
10-17 hours per week and Touch point sessions

Course code
ED200PTD (online learning), rNTSAC

Entry dates
October: ED201PTD
January: ED202PTD
May: ED203PTD

Tuition fees
£2,900

Key facts

Course codes
C0502FTD (full-time)
C0502PTD (part-time)

Award
Graduate Diploma

Credits
120

Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Study time
20 hours per week full-time
10 hours per week part-time

Entry month
February

Tuition fees*
£7,875 full-time
£3,940 part-time

£200 per 20 credits RCPL (certified)
£375 per 20 credits REPL (experiential)

£475 registration fee

* For 2022/23 academic year. Fees for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation

Key facts

Entry:
September and February

Location:
Online with optional attendance activities

Duration:
4.5 years part-time or
3 years full-time

Course code:
C0503PTD (part-time)
C0503FTD (full-time)

Fees part time:
£5,250 - per year, years 1-4
£2,625 - year 5

Fees full time:
£9,250 - per year

Awarding body:
University of Portsmouth

* Fees may increase in line with inflation

Key facts

Course codes
C0503PTD (online)

Award
BSc (Hons)

Credits
120

Pathways
Qualified nutritional therapist

Duration
1.5 years part-time

Study time
15-20 hours per week plus time to watch lectures

Entry dates
September, February

Tuition fees*
£5,950 per year
£2,625 year 5

* For 2023/24 academic year. Fees for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation