How to become a nutritionist
Promote a healthy lifestyle and help prevent and treat illnesses by planning food and nutrition programs, studying dietary habits and supervising food preparation.
Pathways to this career
Complete an accredited diploma in nutrition and dietetics. Most employers in the space require professional qualifications.
Advance your skills as a nutritionist through additional higher education such as an undergraduate degree in health science.
Representation, support and recognition for qualified nutritionists can be found by contacting the The Nutritional Society of Australia.
What does a nutritionist do?
Duties and tasks
Conduct research, evaluate findings and make recommendations.
Perform consultations with clients (either individuals or groups) to examine current state of health, diet and lifestyle.
Design individualised diet and nutrition plans as per client requirements.
Use diagnostic procedures to identify and analyse nutritional deficiencies and reasons for specific health concerns.
Monitor patient progress and alter individual diet programs as necessary.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Consumer scientist
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
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