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How to become a registered nutritionist in Australia: careers in nutrition

Nutritionists consult clients about adjusting their diets to improve general health, regulate moods and address specific diet-related health problems. They ask their clients about eating habits, exercise regimes and health issues to identify what dietary requirements or physical factors need to be addressed to promote a healthy lifestyle. At least three years of professional experience and a post-graduate qualification are required in order to become a registered nutritionist.
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Pathways

Being a registered nutritionist: daily duties

Registered nutritionists consult with clients on their eating behaviours, assessing their current diets and health and fitness goals. They work with them to structure diet plans specific to their needs, which can include weight loss, improving fertility or addressing allergies. Nutritionists may work in research settings, examining technological innovations or clinical studies of diets in groups of people.

Tasks:

  • Creating personalised diet plans
  • Monitoring healthy progress in clients
  • Keeping abreast of developments in nutrition
  • Educating public about nutrition
  • Carrying out research
Skills

Being a registered nutritionist: skills for success

Registered nutritionists spend a lot of time talking face-to-face with clients, so need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. They need a high level of scientific abilities and health science knowledge. They need to be willing to develop an understanding of nutritional science and keep up-to-date with research findings.
Skills/attributes
  • Good communication skills
  • Knowledge of human nutritional science
  • Passionate about helping others
  • Interest in food preparation
  • Advocates healthy living
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Specs

Specialised roles within nutrition

Multiple career options exist to those who study nutrition science. Nutritionists can undertake further qualifications, pursue research positions, devise public health programs or specialise in their practice to target specific health conditions.
  • Exercise scientist
    Exercise scientists structure diet plans for athletes who have strict dietary requirements aligning with their particular level of physical exertion and activity. They aim to ensure optimal physical health and performance for athletes.
  • Environmental health officer
    Environmental implications on human health are assessed by environmental health officers. Impacts of pollution or asbestos, for example, can adversely affect human health, and these professionals monitor and analyse health and actions that can be put into place to counteract it.
  • Dietitian
    Nutritionists need to undergo further study in clinical nutrition and dietetics in order to become a dietician. Dieticians are highly specialised professionals who are qualified to give medical advice and detailed insights that nutritionists cannot give.
Pathways

Educational pathways for nutritionists

There are a range of qualifications you can pursue to become a registered nutritionist, depending on the specialisation you wish to follow.
  • Start your career
    Gain an understanding of what professional registered nutritionists do by exploring a health scientist and food nutrition course.
    Explore your study options >
  • Strengthen your skills
    Gain competence in important aspects of food and nutritional science and work towards your goals with these targeted study options.
    Find courses that fit you >
  • Build your resume
    Target your studies to your desired nutrition specialisation and build on your understanding.
    Expand your qualifications >
  • Industry requirements
    To work as a registered nutritionist in Australia, you will need a relevant tertiary qualification and professional experience in your field. Following this you can apply to the Nutrition Society of Australia for registration.
    Jump to resources section >
  • Finding Work
    Put your training to good use and get the best professional head start in your nutrition career. Emphasise your personal strengths and achievements in your resume and target your cover letter to the job description listed.
    View sample resumes >
  • Employment Prospects
    Nutritionists can expect rises in employment, reaching a peak in 2017.

Resources for nutritionists

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