by Valerie Mrakuzic, RHN in : Blog: Nutrition & Wellness
A Registered Dietitian (RD) and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N.) are both qualified professionals in the field of nutrition, but they may have slightly different qualifications and responsibilities.
A RD is a qualified health professional who has completed an accredited degree program in nutrition and dietetics, completed a supervised practice program, and passed a national registration exam. RDs are regulated by the College of Dietitians in each province of Canada. They are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy and work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and private practice.
A R.H.N. is a qualified professional who has completed a diploma in nutrition and met certain requirements set by the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in Canada. This program utilizes a comprehensive science-based curriculum, supervised live case studies and tested with a national exam. The connection between body, mind and spirit is an integral and important part of these studies. It is scientifically demonstrated that our state of mind and spiritual wellbeing affect our physical health. R.H.N.'s are qualified to provide nutrition advice and work in a variety of settings such as public health, education and research, food industry and private practice.
Both RDs and R.H.N.'s are qualified to provide evidence-based nutrition information and advice to individuals and groups. They are able to assess individual needs, provide personalized recommendations and monitor progress.
The approach to treatment between a Dietitian and a Registered Nutritionist may vary slightly depending on their specific training and area of practice. Both RDs and R.H.N. are qualified to provide evidence-based nutrition information and advice, but their specific areas of focus and treatment methods may differ.
RD's tend to focus on the use of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to prevent and treat medical conditions. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement nutrition plans for individuals with specific health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. They also provide counseling and education to help individuals make lifestyle changes and manage their condition.
R.H.N.'s also provide nutrition advice to individuals and groups with the aim of improving health, preventing chronic disease and achieving optimal health. However, Registered Nutritionists may also have a broader approach, and focus on the importance of natural nutrition in complementary health care.
In summary, while both RDs and R.H.N.'s are qualified professionals in the field of nutrition, RDs tend to focus more on the medical aspect of nutrition and treatment of specific health conditions, while R.H.N.'s may have a broader approach including the imbalances in mind, body & spirit, covering multiple areas of nutritional imbalances and having a focus on public health and individual coaching.
Both RDs and R.H.N.'s are qualified to provide evidence-based nutrition information and advice to individuals and groups.