Are you feeling curious about becoming a nutritionist or a Dietitian in Canada? Hold on a second cause you must get well-informed before making any professional decision (actually be informed before making any type of decision!).
In Canada, some professionals use the terms Dietitian and nutritionist interchangeably. However, depending on the province, the academic and professional path cause be very different.
In Canada, the term "dietitian" is protected by law through provincial legislation in all Canadian provinces. On the other hand, the title "nutritionist" is not regulated nor protected by law in some Canadian provinces.
This means that the term "nutritionist" could be used by anyone without formal education or training, except in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and New Brunswick.
The educational and professional requirements and certifications could be applied to dietitians and nutritionists in these specific cases. Get to know all the requirements you need to become a nutritionist in Canada!
It is always essential to consider this terminology and how the law and regulations impact each occupation in Canadian territory when you search for career opportunities in your location or weather to decide which career to choose.
Considering this, let's see how long it takes you to become a dietitian in Canada, as this profession involves many more years of study and academic and professional preparation.
If you want to learn more, here you will find How to become a nutritionist in Canada! And also, you will become aware of the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian in Canadian provinces.
What do you need to be a nutritionist in Canada?
Did you know dietitians must undergo rigorous education and practical instruction and pass a national licensing exam to practice in Canada? Regarding education, if you consider becoming a dietitian in Canada, you must consider completing a university degree.
We highly recommend completing a human nutrition and dietetics degree accredited by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP).
But what does PDEP mean? The Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice is joined by the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies, Dietitians of Canada, and dietetic educators from academic programs across Canada to provide excellence in dietetic education and practice along the territory.
For a degree program to be accredited by the PDEP, it must include classes in the following:
- Chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, and microbiology
- Nutrition through the lifecycle
- Chronic disease
- Foodservice
- Nutrition in the community and public health
Completing a university degree in nutrition is the first step you have to consider to become a dietitian in Canada.
How long does it take to become a qualified nutritionist?
So if it's an excellent idea to study for a degree in nutrition and dietetics, you should consider that if you want to work as a dietitian in Canada, this may take a long study.
After finishing your undergraduate degree, you can pursue a Master's program from which you can acquire coursework and practical experience.
To become a qualified dietitian, you must complete supervised practical training, which can occur during your university or after graduation. To fully complete the qualifications it can take 5 years to become a dietitian. And you can consider different ways to get the practical instruction you need, for example:
- Practical instruction during your undergraduate degree: These programs occur throughout each year or when the in-class learning is finished.
- Master's program: During a Master's program, you can acquire coursework and practical experience. This could be a great option since, after completing your program, you can have both qualifications and the applicable requirements to become a dietitian in Canada.
- Postgraduate programs or internships: These programs are usually offered by hospitals and healthcare facilities, where you can get experience in different practice areas for 35-40 weeks on average.
- Licensing exam and registration: In most provinces, you must attend the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) once you complete your degree and practical training in dietetics. The CDRE is a competency-based examination to enter the dietetics profession in Canada that is based on the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDF).
As you see, becoming a qualified dietitian can take some time for education and practice. Would you like to know the Salary expectations for a nutritionist in Canada? Find the most interesting positions related to nutrition and which ones are the best paid!
Do you need a license to be a nutritionist in Canada?
The answer depends on the province you are living in. However, it would help if you remembered that completing the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE) is required in all Canadian provinces except Quebec.
To be registered with a regulatory body is needed for dietitians. But this will be voluntary if you want a Dietetics and Nutrition association membership. In short, to get licensed to work in Canada, you need to:
- Completing the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE);
- Registering with a provincial regulatory body;
- Getting a membership in a national association such as Dietitians of Canada;
- If you are in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Alberta must register with a regulatory body. These professionals may require the same education as dietitians in other Canadian provinces. We recommend you check each province's requirements to be updated.
What is the best nutrition program in Canada?
If you want to know the best university degrees in Canada to become a dietitian, here you are going to find the university programs accredited by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP).
When a university program has been awarded a PDEP accreditation, it continues to be recognized by Canadian dietetic regulatory bodies as an approved program. Here are some of the most recommended programs for studying in Canada:
- University of British Columbia: Here you find the Food, Nutrition and Health Program (BSc), Dietetics Major;
- University of Alberta: Here you will find the Bachelor in Nutrition, Dietetics Specialization;
- University of Saskatchewan: Here you find the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition;
- Université d'Ottawa: Here you find the Baccalauréat spécialisé en sciences des aliments et de la nutrition (in French);
- McGill University: Here, you will find the Bachelor's in Nutrition and a Major in Dietetics;
- Université de Montréal: Baccalauréat en nutrition (also in French);
- Université Laval: Here you find the Baccalauréat en nutrition (a program also taught in French);
- Acadia University: Here you will find the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition;
- Vincent University: Bachelor in Applied Human Nutrition (Dietetics);
- Francis Xavier University: Here you will find the Human Nutrition Program;
- University of Prince Edward Island: Bachelor in Food and Nutrition;
- University of Manitoba: Bachelor in Human Nutritional Sciences;
- Brescia University College: Bachelor of Science, Honors Specialization in Nutrition and Dietetics;
- Ryerson University: Nutrition and Food (BASc) Program;
- University of Guelph: Bachelor in Applied Human Nutrition.
Did you know that graduates in nutrition may also become sports dietitians/nutritionists, food service managers, senior research technicians, or even marketing consultants?
Discover the different Career paths for a nutritionist in Canada! And fall in love with all the possibilities!
Find the best Nutrition tutor near you!
Sometimes understanding a complex subject like the human body requires the support of an expert private tutor. An experienced tutor will ensure you gain the knowledge and skills to succeed in becoming a dietician or nutritionist in Canada.
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Stop hesitating, and get ready to achieve your goals! With Superprof, it is always the right time to improve, practice at your own pace and score good marks! Who knows? You could become the most recognized nutritionist in Canada!
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