What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

I have had a number of people tell me they liked how I described the training and credentials of a registered dietitian on my website.  The summary from my website is copied below.

A dietitian is a health professional who has a Bachelor's degree, specializing in foods and nutrition, as well as a period of practical training in a hospital or community setting. Many dietitians further their knowledge by pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree. Registered dietitians are your trusted experts for food, nutrition and diet advice. The title “registered dietitian,” “professional dietitian” and “dietitian” are all protected by law so that only qualified practitioners who have met education qualifications can use that title. The title nutritionist can be used by people with different levels of training. Some qualified dietitians use the word “nutritionist” or “nutrition consultant” in their job title, so check their credentials to be sure you are talking to an expert. All registered dietitians must have the credentials RD after their name in Ontario. Dietitians are members of a provincially regulated profession that has Public Protection as their mandate. Dietitians are held accountable for their conduct and the care they provide.

Find out more at the Dietitians of Canada website. Follow the "Eat Well, Live Well" link on the left hand side navigation bar to find out how to track your eating and activity, analzye a recipe and find interesting nutrition resources.  There are many job opportunities for RD's as there is a job shortage of trained dietitians, especially in the province of Ontario.  Maybe you know a young people person you can encourage to explore this interesting and varied career as it is described below by Dietitians of Canada.

Dietitians are in demand; with the increased recognition of the relationship between good eating habits and disease prevention, dietitians have assumed a new and important role in promoting and contributing to the health and well-being of all Canadians.

Today's dietitians are also entrepreneurs. Dietitians counsel individuals and groups through their own private practices; assist the food industry with consumer research, product development and marketing; write cookbooks and magazine or newspaper columns showing consumers how to eat healthy without sacrificing taste, and tackle the issue of food security while working at food banks and community agencies.

Dietitians' employment opportunities are extensive and varied. A recent New Graduate Employment Survey shows a good employment situation for graduates of dietetic training programs.