How to become a dietitian
Dish up expert diet advice, promote health, and prevent disease through the science of food and nutrition.
Pathways to this career
Study a course in dietetics accredited by Dietitians Australia.
Already have a bachelor degree? Change career pathways by completing an accredited postgraduate dietetics degree.
Complete one year of supervised Provisional Program. This will allow you to gain Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) accreditation from the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).
Once APD accreditation is achieved, you can then practice as a dietitian.
ADP accreditation must be renewed annually by completing 30 hours Continued Professional Development.
What does a dietitian do?
Dietitians work with patients, healthcare workers and community members to recognize healthy nutrition and understand health implications of diet. They teach proper eating habits for mainstream and individualised needs in order to produce optimal health and treat or prevent illness.
Duties and tasks
Advise individuals and community groups such as educational institutions on healthy eating patterns and provide sample diets and menus.
Conduct research and understand health, nutrition and food as it relates to communities, cultural and ethnic groups.
Determine nutritional values of foods and interpret best foods for particular needs or illnesses.
Generate educational literature on healthy eating habits for different age groups and high-risk eating and drinking practices.
Meet with individuals to conduct nutrition assessments and manage nutrition with health goals.
Research illnesses and diseases relating to nutrition as well as nutritional components of food and beverages.
Work with healthcare professionals to supplement health treatments and recommendations with dietary planning and restrictions.
Industry bodies
Related jobs and job titles
Dietary Aide
Food Technologist
Health Promotion Practitioner
Nutritional Scientist
Sports Scientist
Weight Loss Counsellor
Explore online nutrition degrees
Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
UndergraduateLAT-HUN-DEG
Join a rapidly growing industry
Study nutrition as a science as well as a crucial part of wellbeing. Work towards a career as a nutritionist in a range of sectors. Graduate with the opportunity to move into Dietetics, and register with the Nutrition Society of Australia.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Health Science
PostgraduateUNE-NHS-GDI
Boost your career with specialised nutrition skills
Upskill and unlock opportunities in healthcare, nutrition, and the food industry. Explore diet and health through a scientific lens. Get familiar with dietary assessment and think about the role of food in community health and wellness.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Nutrition and Health Science
PostgraduateUNE-NHS-GCE
Boost your career with specialised nutrition skills
Upskill and unlock opportunities in healthcare, nutrition, and the food industry. Explore diet and health through a scientific lens. Get familiar with dietary assessment and think about the role of food in community health and wellness.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 5 months full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Nutrition and Health Science
UndergraduateUNE-NHS-DEG
For a thriving career in health, food, and biomedicine
Build a science foundation covering human health, chemistry, biology and more. Explore food systems, clinical nutrition, and public health. Work on research skills and analyse data. Get ready to shape solutions to modern nutrition challenges.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Explore online nutrition subjects
UndergraduateLTU-DTN101
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 1 Dec 2025, 2 Mar 2026, 2 Mar 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 31 Aug 2026, 30 Nov 2026
Next enrolment closes 23 Nov
UndergraduateLTU-PHE3016
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026
PostgraduateTAS-KLA604
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 23 Feb 2026
UndergraduateTAS-CXA322
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 23 Feb 2026
Need help making study choices for your career?
Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources
How to write a business plan
Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.
10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.
5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.