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Dietitian or Nutritionist: Which Do You Need?

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Written by Felicity Bull, Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)

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Dietitian and nutritionist sound similar, and many people use them interchangeably, but in Australia they mean different things. The difference matters when you are choosing who to see, especially if you want a Medicare or private health rebate, or help with a medical condition. This guide explains what each title means, how training and regulation differ, and how to decide which you need.

At a glance

  • Dietitians in Australia complete an accredited dietetics degree, at least four years of university study, and can hold the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential.
  • Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist in Australia, regardless of qualifications, although some register voluntarily with the Nutrition Society of Australia.
  • Medicare, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and many private health insurers recognise the APD credential.
  • With a GP chronic condition management plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health visits a year, including with a dietitian.
  • For medical conditions, eating disorders, pregnancy or tube feeding, see a dietitian.

What a dietitian is

According to Dietitians Australia, all dietitians have graduated from an accredited dietetics degree at an Australian university, or studied overseas and passed strict examination. APDs have at least four years of university training, and dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy: using food and nutrition to help manage health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, gut disorders, eating disorders and malnutrition.

Dietitians are not registered with AHPRA. Instead, the profession is self-regulated through Dietitians Australia, which sets standards under the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions. APDs must keep up professional development and follow a code of conduct to keep the credential.

What a nutritionist is

Dietitians Australia notes that nutritionists are not regulated under a single body in Australia, and anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their qualifications. Many nutritionists do hold science degrees and do valuable work, particularly in public health, food industry and research roles. The Nutrition Society of Australia runs a voluntary registration scheme: Associate Nutritionists have a bachelor’s degree and less than three years’ experience, and Registered Nutritionists have three or more years. The Society notes that registration does not provide a Medicare or health care provider number.

Accredited Practising DietitianNutritionist
Title protected?APD credential is managed by Dietitians AustraliaNo, anyone can use the title
TrainingAccredited dietetics degree, at least 4 yearsVaries, from none to a degree
Medical conditionsTrained in medical nutrition therapyNot the usual scope
Medicare rebatesYes, with a GP planNo
Private health and DVAMany insurers and DVA recognise the APDVaries

Paying for a dietitian

If you have a chronic condition, your GP can prepare a GP chronic condition management plan, which replaced the older GP management plans and team care arrangements from 1 July 2025. Services Australia says this can give you Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health services a calendar year (up to 10 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), and dietitians are one of the eligible providers. Plans made before 1 July 2025 can continue until 30 June 2027. Dietitians Australia notes that APD visits may also be covered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the NDIS or your private health fund, depending on your circumstances and cover.

Which do you need?

For general healthy eating information, a qualified nutritionist may be able to help. For anything involving a medical condition, a medicine that changes how you eat, pregnancy, an eating disorder, food allergy or intolerance, or if you want a Medicare rebate, see an Accredited Practising Dietitian. If you are unsure, our should I see a dietitian? checklist can help you decide.

Talk to an Accredited Practising Dietitian

Whether a dietitian is the right fit, and whether you can get a rebate, depends on your health, your goals and your GP plan or health cover. Felicity can tell you what a consult would cover for you and how to make the most of a Medicare plan.

Felicity Bull is an Accredited Practising Dietitian. She sees clients in person in Mount Hutton (Newcastle and Lake Macquarie) and by telehealth across Australia. See all our services.

Book with Felicity →

Common questions

What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

In Australia, dietitians complete an accredited dietetics degree and are trained in medical nutrition therapy. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, although some register voluntarily with the Nutrition Society of Australia.

Is a dietitian better than a nutritionist?

It depends on what you need. For medical conditions, eating disorders, pregnancy or a Medicare rebate, see an Accredited Practising Dietitian. For general healthy eating information, a qualified nutritionist may help.

Can I claim a dietitian on Medicare?

With a GP chronic condition management plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health services a year, including dietitian visits.

Are dietitians registered with AHPRA?

No. Dietetics is a self-regulated profession. Dietitians Australia runs the Accredited Practising Dietitian program under the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions.

Do I need a referral to see a dietitian?

No, you can book directly. You need a GP plan to claim a Medicare rebate, and private health rebates depend on your cover.

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Where this comes from

General information only, not personal advice. It does not replace advice from your doctor or dietitian.