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Dietitian

State/Territory Specific Information

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.

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.

Specialisations:

Sports Dietitian

A sports dietitian works with athletes and coaches to plan diets for athletes so they will eat the correct balance of foods needed for strenuous or extended physical activity.

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.

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