Dietitians and nutritionists (NOC 3132)

Education, training & qualifications

In British Columbia, the legislation distinguishes between Registered Dietitians and nutritionists. Dietitians are regulated under the Health Professions Act, Dietitians Regulation and the CDBC Bylaws. The term nutritionist is not a reserved title in B.C.

• Dietitians require a bachelor's or master's degree in dietetics, nutrition or a related field such as food and nutritional science or biochemistry
  and
  A period of supervised practical training.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces for dietitians.
• Membership in the national association, Dietitians of Canada, may be required for dietitians to practise.
• In provinces where the title Nutritionist is reserved, education and training is equivalent to dietitians.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required for nutritionists in Nova Scotia, (as a registered Dietitian-Nutritionist) in New Brunswick, Quebec and Alberta.
• Membership with the national association, Dietitians of Canada, and/or a provincial regulatory body is available for nutritionists who have the same education and practical training as dietitians.

Dietitians and nutritionists who are certified for that occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check.

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

Contact the College of Dietitians of BC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of B.C. occupational regulators.

Education programs in B.C.

For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.