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.

As of July 1, 2017 when the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) came into force, you will not need significant additional training, experience, testing or assessment if your qualifications or certificates are recognized by a Canadian regulatory authority. This applies whether you were trained in Canada or internationally. Learn about labour mobility at www.workersmobility.ca. For information about labour mobility and foreign qualifications recognition, contact the B.C. regulator for your occupation.

Education programs in B.C.

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