Dietitian
What is a dietitian?
Dietitians apply the art and science of human nutrition to help people understand food and health relationships and make dietary choices to get the most out of their lifestyle, and to maintain and promote 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.
What will I do?
Dietitians may perform the following tasks:
- counsel and educate individuals and groups, on appropriate diets, menu planning and preparation of food to treat an illness or disease and/or to enhance and maintain optimum health or enhance performance
- 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.
Where will I work?
The Dietitians Association of Australia details a diverse range of job opportunities and working conditions for dietitians including:
- Patient care: Working as part of a health care team in hospitals and nursing homes, dietitians are responsible for assessing the nutritional needs of patients, planning appropriate diets and educating patients and their families.
- Community nutrition and public health: Dietitians are involved in nutrition and health education programs. This can be at the local community level or for the population at a national level. Dietitians working in public health also assist with health planning, setting nutritional standards, and developing and implementing nutrition policies.
- Food service and management: Dietitians combine management skills and nutrition expertise when delivering food services in hospitals, nursing homes, meals on wheels, hospitality and catering. Dietitians also manage nutrition services and health programs.
- Consultancy/private practice: Dietitians provide consultancy services to individuals, groups and organisations which include individual counselling, group programs, preventive health programs and nutrition education. Dietitians also prepare nutritional information for publication, work with the media and in public relations.
- Food industry: Dietitians working in the food industry are involved in food regulatory issues (food law), food safety and quality systems, consumer and health professional education, nutrition research, product development, nutrition-related marketing and public relations.
- Research and teaching: Dietitians work as part of research teams investigating nutrition and health issues and developing practical nutrition recommendations. Dietitians are also involved in training student dietitians, doctors and other health professionals.
- Other fields: Dietitians are able to transfer their skills to other fields such as management, public relations, marketing, program management, communications, media, health promotion, policy development and information technology.
How much will I earn?
Starting salaries vary between industries and the public and private sector. To find out about salaries in the public sector visit the website of the relevant State/Territory Departments of Health or obtain the relevant awards (eg Health Professionals), collective agreements or enterprise agreements in your State or Territory. Dietitians working in the public sector earn the same as other allied health professionals
What qualifications and skills do I need?
To become a dietitian you need to complete a tertiary level course accredited by Dietitians Association of Australia such as UQ’s Master of Dietetics Studies.
The Bachelor of Health Sciences with a major in nutrition is the recommended pathway to the Master of Dietetics Studies and satisfies all the pre-requisite courses required for that program. Dietitians need also to have a critical and enquiring mind, good organisational skills and initiative, good written and verbal communication skills, and be able to work effectively with people.
Why study at UQ?
UQ is proud to offer students a program which focuses on excellence, innovation and best practice. You will be taught by world-class researchers, academics and clinicians to ensure you receive a comprehensive education that is of a high international standard.
The comprehensive theoretical and practical Bachelor of Health Sciences has been developed to equip its graduates in their chosen career through a broad foundation of training in health which is enhanced by work experience. UQ provides its graduates with the greatest platform for future success.
