What is a Dietitian?

A Registered Dietitian is a health professional who is an expert in food and nutrition and has extensive knowledge in biochemistry, human physiology, lifestyle and health behaviours.  To become a dietitian in Canada, you need to complete a minimum of five years of post secondary education (bachelor of science degree and a practicum) in an approved program and pass a national registration exam.

Dietitians provide nutrition care along the entire continuum of life – from before conception to end of life. Dietitians actively contribute to the health and wellbeing for the residents of Saskatchewan and are essential members of interprofessional healthcare teams

Dietitians empower their patients, clients, and communities to embrace food, to understand it, and to enjoy it. The advice and information they provide is tailored to their clients and patients personal needs and challenges, including taste and accessibility. They translate the science of nutrition into terms everyone can understand to support healthy living for all Canadians.

If you are looking for more information on nutrition or a career in dietetics, you may find the following resources of interest:

• Dietitians of Canada–www.dietitians.ca
• University of Saskatchewan (College of Pharmacy and Nutrition)