However, nutritionists work with people who are well, without any known existing medical conditions, to prevent disease.
Where as a dieticians’ job is to work as part of a medical team for disease treatment and prevention and to be consulted when nutrition therapy is required.
“Many registered dieticians may call themselves nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dieticians,” says local dietician Elride Labuschagne.
She adds they also have to fulfil continuing education requirements to qualify for recertification and stay current on the latest nutrition trends and news.
She claims registered dietitians are part detective, part counsellor and problem solvers.
They look for clues in a patient’s current eating and exercise habits that may excel or hinder their healthy eating goals.
They also rely upon their extensive nutritional sciences background to create a customised programme for a patient.
“This can include meal plans, with specific calorie levels, nutrient goals, and exercise,” she says.
The best part of being a dietitian is to help someone take control of their own health.
Elride calls herself a problem solver.
“Problem solving steps in when it comes to intravenous feeding,” she says, “it is a highly specialised field.”
There is no expiry date on a day’s supply of feeding per patient
“The nutrition of each patient is worked out according to his illness, blood values, liver and kidney function and weight, and according to the founding the order will be placed,” she adds.
Orders are placed at a Johannesburg company which is the only one in South Africa that produces intravenous feeding.
Requirements
Elride recommends mathematics and physical science, as definite subjects and says taking a medical career in any facet, biology is an automatic choice.
She also chose housekeeping as a school subject, but clearly states the theory meant more to her than the practical side.
Requirements for eligibility for registration at the Health Professions Council of South Africa include a recognised Bachelors degree from an accredited educational institution.
“The subject group nutrition is taught over four years as well as one year community service at a government hospital,” says Elride.
Two professional BSc degrees, namely in dietetics as well as the new nutrition programme, are presented at university.
Postgraduate qualifications in nutrition and dietetics can be obtained up to PhD level.
The undergraduate training should include the three practice areas of therapeutic nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management.
Elride adds the community service year tends to put some students off, of course, but it’s really not so bad.
During the community service year there are set working hours, a medical aid, a fixed salary, pension and a lot of other advantages.
“Thus working at a government hospital does have its advantages,” she says, “and you do not work on weekends,” she adds.
Two professional BSc degrees, namely in dietetics as well as the new nutrition programme, are presented at university.
Postgraduate qualifications in nutrition and dietetics can be obtained up to PhD level.
The undergraduate training should include the three practice areas of therapeutic nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management.
Costs
An average calculated estimate class fee is R40 000 for 2014, excluding all the extras.
Elride says the extra costs are mostly for accommodation and projects, but the costs for projects are little.
She adds she was selected on the basis of her portfolio and was chosen for an interview, after which she was accepted at the university.
Time frame
A typical day as a dietician/nutritionist is a nine-hour day, starting at 5am, finishing at 5pm. However, according to Elride, you never finish at 5pm.
“Working hours vary from dietician to dietician as it depends on the references from doctors and amount of patients you have to see,” she says.
She adds patients are not always open to your suggestions as some of them might still be in denial.
“When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, it takes a while to convince them to change their eating habits and follow the nutritional guidelines given to follow when discharged from hospital,” she says.
Advice:
“Concentrate on your studies – Through hard work you will reap the rewards,” concludes Elride.
