What is Nutrition?
Your body requires a broad range of nutrients to perform at its best, and the study of nutrition is all about ensuring that your body gets what it needs to thrive. Essential nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and fibre and together they help your body heal, grow and maintain itself.
What Do Nutritionists Do?
Nutritionists study the relationship between a person’s diet and their overall health and provide recommendations regarding the most effective ways to make improvements. The average day of a nutritionist is spent working in an office setting and can include meeting with clients, explaining the basics of nutrition, designing custom meal plans and staying up to date on the latest industry research.
Nutrition in Australia
There are currently around 6,000 Nutritionists working throughout Australia, many of whom work in the fields of research, fitness, community health, food production and education. The average working week is 36.8 hours long and average salary $74,152. Most jobs are in New South Wales (32.3%), Victoria (24.7%) and Queensland (21.1%).
Nutritionist Courses Online
The nutrition industry encompasses a huge range of roles and specialities, each of which requires lots of skill and knowledge.
There are endless study possibilities to become a nutritionist, including in-class and online nutrition courses. Some popular nutritionist, health science and dietetics courses include:
- Certificate in Human Nutrition
- Certificate III in Nutrition and Dietetic Assistance
- Certificate III in Public Health
- Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Nutrition and Dietetics)
- Diploma of Nutrition
- Diploma of Sports Nutrition
- Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional Medicine)
- Bachelor of Food and Nutritional Sciences
Certificates in Nutrition
Certificates in Nutrition are a great place to start as these nationally recognised programs cover all of the fundamentals of the nutrition industry. In a Certificate IV in Nutrition and Dietetic Assistance, for instance, you’ll learn the science behind proper nutrition, how to evaluate the current health and dietary needs of your clients, as well as master the art of planning, implementing and monitoring healthy diets. Graduates will be ready to thrive in entry-level roles such as nutrition and dietetics assistant.
Diploma Courses
A Diploma of Nutrition is a fantastic option for those looking to move into higher level positions, start their own nutrition-related business, or even just develop their knowledge of nutrition for personal benefit. These popular programs cover everything from the basics of how the human body works and the core principles of nutrition through to the link between nutrient deficiency and disease. Completing a diploma can be a great stepping stone towards roles such as wellness coach, nutritionist or dietician.
Bachelor Degree
Bachelor degrees such as the Bachelor of Health Science can take up to four years to complete and involve the study of food sciences, disease, sports performance and even the public health and social aspects related to nutrition. With a bachelor level qualification under your belt, you can work anywhere from the food and sports industries to government, media and marketing or even start your own business. Keep in mind that while the field of nutrition is currently unregulated in Australia, to register with industry bodies – such as the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) – you may need to complete a Diploma or Bachelor level degree.
At tafecourses.com.au you will find both in-class and online nutrition courses to suit wherever you are at in your personal and professional journey right now, so whether you are looking for in-depth dietician courses in your local area or short nutrition courses online, we’ve got you covered.
Careers in Nutrition
Australian men and women have become far more interested in their health in recent years, and thus the demand for skilled and knowledgeable professionals in the field of nutrition has never been greater.
High growth is expected throughout the nutrition industry over the coming years with as many as 9,000 nutritionists predicted to be working across Australia within the next few years.
Some of the different careers in nutritionist that you can take part in following your studies include:
- Nutritionist
- Clinical Dietician
- Public Health Educator
- Nutritional Consultant
- Food and Health Researcher
- Sports Nutritionist
- Health and Aged Care Nutritionist
- Diabetes and Specialist Dietician
Is a Career in Nutrition Right for You?
To thrive in nutrition, you need to have a mind for science, a keen interest in personal health, as well as a knack for explaining what all that complex information means to your clients. This is also a profession best suited to those who enjoy dealing with people; after all, most roles involve working directly with the public and a tactful, patient and supportive approach can go a long way.
Are you ready to learn more about nutrition or even start a professional career in the industry? If so, there has never been a better time to get trained up. Check out the wide range of programs available, choose one that suits your goals and sign up today!
