Dietitian? (1 Viewer)

[lizzobeth]

I'm thinking about maybe becoming a Dietitian but from researching different degrees, it seems like it's so easy to do the wrong degree and then wind up in debt with 3 years down the drain.

I know there's a big big difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian and that basically anyone can call themselves a nutritionist but you need to be very specifically qualified to become a certified dietitian which is why I'm worried about choosing to do the wrong degree.

Does anyone have any advice about pursuing this career path?

 

[RyanT7]

I'm thinking about maybe becoming a Dietitian but from researching different degrees, it seems like it's so easy to do the wrong degree and then wind up in debt with 3 years down the drain.

I know there's a big big difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian and that basically anyone can call themselves a nutritionist but you need to be very specifically qualified to become a certified dietitian which is why I'm worried about choosing to do the wrong degree.

Does anyone have any advice about pursuing this career path?

Which degrees do you have in mind, and at what University ?

 

[Renaaa]

In hospitals, Dietitians ensure that the patient has a suitable diet for his condition. E.g when for a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy (which 'wipes out their immunity), dietitians suggest a neutropenic diet for the patient (Aka, low pathogen/bacteria/micro-organism diet) which advises them to avoid certain types of food, food intake at a certain temp blah blah. Similarly, for a patient with hypertension (high blood pressure), they would recommend low sodium diets and after reviewing the common food a patient consumes, advises what to cut out etc.

(Maybe it is just me, but I haven't seen a nutritionist around in hospital yet. They do seem extremely different, as nutritionists probably can 'advise' which food is nutritious, while dietitians plan specific diets out. Its like a specialised health professional. Not too sure about nutritionists but this is the general vibe I get in hospital)

Take a look at the dietitians association of australia website

http://daa.asn.au/universities-recognition/dietitians-in-australia/