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Nutritionist

Nutritionists study and provide advice about dietary habits to encourage the achievement of a healthy lifestyle.

Nutritionists may have a high level of contact with the public.

TASKS

Nutritionists may perform the following tasks:

consult with individuals and groups, including sportspeople, about their dietary habits and assess potential nutritional deficiencies
prescribe diet plans based upon the assessment of nutritional needs
liaise with other health professionals about nutrition, including controlled diets for people with special needs
monitor clients' progress and quality of food to provide ongoing nutritional care
collect, organise and analyse data relating to the health and nutrition behaviours of specific groups and the population as a whole
plan, conduct and evaluate nutrition intervention programmes and compile educational material

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy food and food preparation
interested in health and wellbeing
good communication skills
able to work as part of a team
aptitude for science and research

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a nutritionist you usually have to study nutrition, science, health science or applied science at university with a major in nutrition. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer relevant degrees.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Before undertaking clinical or professional placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate, immunisations and a Working with Children Check (NSW) or a Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Student membership is available with Nutrition Australia or the Nutrition Society of Australia. Contact the relevant association for details on the types of membership available.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Nutritionists work in a diverse range of food and health areas, including public nutrition and health education, private practice and consultancy, food industries, health promotion and marketing, teaching and research. There may be opportunities for some nutritionists to specialise in working with animals and the provision of dietary and nutrition advice. Some nutritionists work on a part-time basis.

Opportunities for nutritionists depend upon the recognition of nutrition by the community as a health strategy in preventing and treating diet- related disorders and medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The level of public and professional awareness and acceptance of nutrition services have an effect on the demand for nutritionists.