What does an accredited nutritionist do?

An accredited nutritionist has the responsibility of advising clients on structured diet and exercise plans aimed at improving their health and wellbeing. Accredited nutritionists also liaise with health care professionals regarding the needs of a client in order to properly monitor their progress and ensure existing health conditions are considered. Administration work is required to maintain up-to-date client records. Duties include scheduling appointments, invoicing clients, filing and records management. Accredited nutritionists can work in hospitals, homes, government organisations, or in private practice. 

Tasks:

  • Consult clients on eating and exercise plans
  • Monitor progress of clients’ health
  • Conduct research in nutrition
  • Structure educational programs promoting healthy lifestyles
  • Maintaining records

What skills do I need to be an accredited nutritionist?

Working in nutrition often involves face-to-face consultations, so strong customer service skills are beneficial in effectively communicating with a patient. A passion for helping people change their lifestyles to improve their mental and physical health, will make working as an accredited nutritionist a rewarding and challenging career. Your enthusiasm for healthy living will encourage your clients to persevere and push themselves to achieve their health goals. You should be comfortable with scientific research and analysis methods if you wish to work in nutrition research, however all nutritionists should be skilled at interpreting and using scientific data in their work.

Skills/attributes
  • Good rapport with clients
  • Excellent problem solving skills
  • Enthusiasm for helping others
  • Comfortable with scientific research
  • Organised and attentive
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Specialisations

A background in nutritional science has wide-ranging applications across the health sector, including sports science, counselling and scientific research. In addition to understanding nutritional principles, the skills developed in helping people can be further utilised and advanced in a number of varied people-facing roles.

Sports scientist

Sports scientists consult with athletes on their exercise programs and eating regimes to ensure they are in peak physical condition. This specialisation requires knowledge and experience in sports science and human biology, but understanding the psychology behind performance is a crucial element of sports science.

Weight loss counsellor

Many people are in need of assistance in achieving their weight loss goals. Working as a weight loss counsellor involves helping clients address the unhealthy lifestyle factors that affects their weight and helping them cope with emotional obstacles and personal issues that negatively impact their health.

Environmental health officer

An environmental health officer is responsible for surveying and maintaining environmental conditions, by analysing pollutants, pests and other detrimental forces to nature as well as recommending systems to help mitigate these issues. The may be involved in a number of different industries, including agriculture and manufacturing.

Study pathways for accredited nutritionists

In order to work as an accredited nutritionist in Australia, you must complete a course recognised by the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA), Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) or Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA).

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Getting Started

Gain essential knowledge and build your skills in the field of nutrition

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Skill Building

Develop an understanding of the role and responsibilities of a nutritionist

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Professional Development

Work towards your career goals with recognised study options

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Industry Recognition

Joining a professional association may help you find more employment opportunities, raising your profile within the industry

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Getting a job after graduation

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.

Job Prospects and Salaries

There is expected to be very strong employment growth in nutrition over the next five years, building on previous growth in the health and wellness sector.

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