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Dietitian



Fact Sheet

Educating a client about nutrition

Dietitians apply the science of human nutrition to help people understand food and health relationships. They work with people to make dietary choices, promote and maintain health, and prevent and treat illness and disease. Dietitians use their skills and knowledge to modify diets to treat medical conditions, and to advise the general public about eating for health.

Duties and Tasks

Dietitians may perform the following tasks:

  • counsel and educate individuals and groups, including sportspeople, on appropriate diets, menu planning and preparation of food to treat an illness or disease and/or to enhance and maintain optimum health
  • manage nutrition and related food services in institutions and the community
  • plan, evaluate and conduct nutrition intervention/education programs for vulnerable groups to promote appropriate dietary practice in the community
  • plan appropriate diets and menus to meet the needs of individuals whose medical condition can be treated or controlled by diet therapy
  • advise the food industry on product development and marketing strategies, and provide food and nutrition information to staff and the public
  • develop resource materials for health professionals, the community, schools and the food industry
  • participate in preventative health programs in industrial health centres, including monitoring canteens and providing nutrition education and counselling
  • conduct and evaluate dietary studies and other food- and nutrition-related research
  • develop and administer food and nutrition policies for government, industry, health institutions and other organisations
  • act as consultants to provide food service assessments, nutrition education, training and counselling, and research support to hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions
  • consult with medical practitioners and other health professionals to manage the dietary and nutrition needs of clients/patients
  • participate in the education and training of students, and medical and other health professionals

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspects of CHEMISTRY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a chemistry-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HOME ECONOMICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a home economics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of physical education provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physical education subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs providing health care diagnosis and treatment, such as general medicine, pharmacy, optometry, radiography, speech therapy, dental health, etc. Also covered are community and welfare services, such as social work, family and children services, and counselling, and personal services such as hairdressing and funeral services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.

Work Conditions

Dietitians have a high level of contact with the public.

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

Labour Market Information

Australian JobOutlook for Dietitians

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Occupation Video - Dietitian