How to become a registered nutritionist in Australia: careers in nutrition, Career FAQs

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.

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

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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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.

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.

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Strengthen your skills

Gain competence in important aspects of food and nutritional science and work towards your goals with these targeted study options.

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Build your resume

Target your studies to your desired nutrition specialisation and build on your understanding.

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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.

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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.

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Employment Prospects

Nutritionists can expect rises in employment, reaching a peak in 2017.