Careers News
CAREER SPOTLIGHT - DIETITIAN
Is being a dietitian worth it?
What is a Dietitian?
A dietitian is a university-qualified health professional who applies evidence-based nutrition science to assess, diagnose, and treat dietary and nutrition-related conditions. Dietitians work with individuals, groups, and populations to improve health outcomes through food and nutrition interventions.
Dietitians are different from nutritionists because they are clinically trained, professionally accredited, and able to work in medical and healthcare settings.
What Does a Dietitian Do?
Dietitians may work across clinical, community, industry, or private practice settings. Their work can include:
assessing nutritional status and medical history
developing personalised nutrition plans
managing chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders)
providing nutrition support (e.g. enteral feeding)
supporting weight management and eating disorders
educating individuals and communities on healthy eating
working with athletes to optimise performance and recovery.
Where Do Dietitians Work?
Dietitians are employed in a wide range of settings, including:
public and private hospitals
community health centres
private practice clinics
aged care and disability services
sports organisations and elite athlete programs
food industry and product development
public health, policy, and research roles
schools, universities, and government agencies.
Study Pathway (Australia)
To become a dietitian in Australia, students must complete an accredited dietetics qualification, such as:
Bachelor degree with a Master of Dietetics, or
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (accredited pathway)
Courses must be accredited by Dietitians Australia. The leading voice in nutrition and dietetics | Dietitians Australia.
Career Outlook
Demand for dietitians is strong and growing, driven by:
rising rates of chronic disease
increased focus on preventative health
growth in aged care, disability, and community health services
greater awareness of nutrition’s role in health and wellbeing.
Related Careers
Sports Dietitian
Clinical Dietitian
Public Health Nutritionist
Food Service Manager
Nutrition Researcher
Health Promotion Officer
COURSES:
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Science and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics - The University of Sydney
Our degree is tailored for those interested in life sciences and dietetics and prepares you as a qualified dietitian, eligible for Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) status. It offers a comprehensive study of nutrition science, with opportunities to specialise in human and animal nutrition.
UNSW
Bachelor of Nutrition/Master of Dietetics and Food Innovation (unsw.edu.au)
UNSW has received Program Qualification from Dietitians Australia (DA) and will seek accreditation within the required timelines, with the aim of achieving accreditation prior to graduation of the first cohort of students. A graduate of an accredited dietetic program is eligible to become a member of DA and join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program. Full details of the stages in the DA accreditation process are available at dietitiansaustralia.org.au. Direct inquiries to the Dietetics Program Authority, Associate Professor Sara Grafenauer.
University of Wollongong
Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics (Honours) - University of Wollongong – UOW
The Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) has full accreditation with the Dietitians Australia (DA), making all graduates eligible for the credential of Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). The course meets the requirements of the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) for graduates to register as nutrition scientists, following 3 years of relevant work experience after graduation.
University of Newcastle
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) - The University of Newcastle, Australia
The program is accredited by Dietitians Australia (formerly named the Dietitians Association of Australia); Students who complete this course are eligible to apply for the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential.
Joanne Cupac
Head of Careers