Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: is anyone here a nutritionist/dietician or studying to be such?

Helloooo
I just happened to be lurking on the board (had a quick second because I am away for thankgiving...usually things have become too insane for me!). lovely to see you all on the board again!
I am a nutritionist and about one year away from being a registered dietitian. they are two different things, kind of. basically, anyone can call themself a nutritionist becuase it isn't legally bound enough,so all you need is to take some certification courses and then you can call yourself one, or a holistic health practitioner, or nutrition counselor etc. You get the picture.
It isn't very well regulated though, so if you go to a nutritionist, sometimes they can be excellent because they take the trouble to be up on all the research and are very well trained OR you can get someone who has just taken a weekend course and they don't really know what they're doing.
The only organisation nationwide that regulates this kind of thing is the American Dietetic Association which trains and certifies registered dietitians; those of us who work in hospitals and private practise. This is your safest best in the sense that it means that these practitioners have a science background, but on the other hand, the ADA does hardly any holistic training, are very old school (with their food guide pyramid, which lets face it, doesn't work).
So the crux of the issue is this: I decided to train as a registered dietitian because I want my patients to be able to claim under insurance, to feel safe with me re: my education etc. But when I practise I am extremely holistic and naturopathic while also being conventional e.g. seeing their bloods etc.
So if you want to train to be a nutritionist, you need to think about how much time you are willing to commit to it.I will say this: It is the best career if you are passionate about food and nutrition and health. I absolutely adore what I do. Its my life. It is faster to become a nutritionist then an RD.
Hope this helps and hope you are well!!!

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Feel the fear and do it anyway!

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