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Dietetics/Nutrition studies food science and how food and nutrition impact human health and the body. It studies the effect of diet and nutrition on wellbeing, recovery, prevention of disease and management of health, including management of chronic health conditions as well as complex/high dependency health conditions. Professionals working in this area provide advice on good nutrition and food choices and implement positive dietary changes. They can adapt diets to meet individual needs and requirements, considering factors like age, weight, allergies and intolerances, and health conditions. Dietetics/Nutrition is considered an area of Allied Health and is practiced in both clinical and non-clinical settings, including aged care, community health and mental health, private practice, health policy, research, the food services industry, or in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings.

Dietetics Jobs

Dieticians/Nutritionists work in community health centres, hospitals, private health clinics, research organisations or in the food services industry. They assess and improve the nutrition and diet for patients with a range of health conditions. They plan menus for aged care residences, collaborate with other health and medical professionals regarding patient care and ongoing diet/nutrition management, create educational and technical information regarding nutrition and food, make recommendations and give advice to agencies, primary and secondary care institutions, and the private sector. They have undertaken a relevant science/health science bachelor’s degree, or Master of Dietetics. Some roles require membership of the Dietitians Australia (DA) and commencement (or completion) of the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) programme. Dieticians can work in clinical nutrition settings and assess and treat more complex health/dietary issues. This may include managing food and nutrition intake for patients who are in hospital recovering from cancer treatment or severe illness, for patients who require parenteral (tube) nutrition, or for patients living with chronic disease.