A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a nutrition expert who has completed an undergraduate education in human nutrition, accredited dietetic internship training, and has obtained a licence to practice dietetics from the province’s regulatory body (College of Dietitians of Ontario). Many dietitians additionally obtain a Master’s degree either in conjunction with their internship training or while already practicing dietetics. Dietitian is a protected title in Canada, meaning it cannot be used unless an individual completes the required education and training, and obtains a licence from the appropriate regulatory body in their province.

Dietitians are sources of credible, evidence-based nutrition information, and have expertise in evaluating and translating nutrition research into language that is understandable and useful to the general public. They work with individuals and groups, encouraging safe, sustainable and realistic health behaviour changes. Dietitians work in many environments including private practice, hospitals, community health centres, public health, and others.

Some dietitians work under the title nutritionist, however not all nutritionists are dietitians. The nutritionist title is not protected, and can be used by a variety of individuals with a wide range of educational backgrounds and experience. It can be useful to ask a nutritionist about their education, training and approach when deciding if their expertise aligns with your needs.

In private practice, Registered Dietitian services are not covered by OHIP. However many private extended health benefit plans offer coverage for these services. Check our Insurance Coverage page under About for more info.

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Prior to the initial assessment, it is beneficial to obtain any recent and relevant blood work when seeking nutrition counselling for issues such as diabetes and heart health. A dietitian can interpret lab results and take these into account when working with the client to set nutrition-related goals.