How to Become a Nutritionist in Australia: Qualifications, Pathways and Course Options
In Australia, the job title “nutritionist” is not legally protected. This means that anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, even if they don’t have any qualifications at all. This also means that any course provider can say that their courses will qualify you as a nutritionist, but this is basically meaningless.
Who can call themselves a nutritionist? How do I choose a nutritionist course?
Many Australian and international nutritionist courses claim to qualify you as a “professional nutritionist,” “recognised nutritionist,” or simply a “nutritionist.” This can be pretty misleading because what they often fail to explain is that the title “nutritionist” is not legally protected in Australia – so you could call yourself a nutritionist right now with no study at all (we do not recommend this). Many “nutritionist” courses are expensive and make unrealistic promises about career opportunities and professional recognition. This makes it difficult to navigate your options and choose a reputable, evidence-based nutrition qualification that genuinely supports what you hope to achieve.
A degree in nutrition and / or dietetics at an Australian university that meet the registration requirements of Nutrition Society of Australia or Dietitians Association of Australia is your best option. Nutritionist degrees typically take 3-4 years of full-time study and cost more than $50,000 (Australian government study loan schemes may be available). Certificate IV or ‘Diploma’ courses in nutrition that claim to qualify or certify you as a nutritionist are generally not widely-recognised in the Australian nutrition industry (even if they are very expensive).
Completing our Advanced Certificate of Nutrition & Health Coaching gives you to the option to take out professional membership and insurance to provide nutritional advice and coaching. To find out more please see: https://www.beckhealth.com.au/advanced-certificate-of-nutrition-and-health/
“We are not trying to take the place of university degrees in nutrition. If you want to become a professional nutritionist in Australia, your best option is a nutrition and dietetics degree at an Australian University.
We focus on providing flexible, high-quality nutrition courses designed for personal use and for your professional development, so you can work with clients to improve their health with practical, scientifically-validated nutrition and health strategies.”
Kristen Beck (M.Hum.Nut., B.H.Sc).
Beck Health & Nutrition offers high-quality, flexible, online nutrition and health coach courses that give you the option to gain professional membership and insurance to provide nutritional advice and Health & Nutrition Coaching. Our courses are also accredited by industry bodies and organisations for professional development.
Can I call myself a nutritionist after competing your nutrition course?
Yes, if you want to. In Australia, the title “nutritionist” is not legally protected, meaning anyone can use it regardless of qualifications. Some nutritionist courses give the impression of professional recognition, but it is important to keep in mind that any qualifications below a degree level are not well recognised or regarded in the Australian nutrition and health industry (even if they are very expensive). So it’s important to choose your nutritionist course carefully and be clear about what you hope to gain from your study commitment and investment.
Our Advanced Certificate of Nutrition & Health Coaching course gives you the option to access professional membership and insurance, allowing you to provide nutritional advice and personalised nutrition, diet and healthy lifestyle plans, programs and coaching to clients. It is, however, short-course in nature and does not take the place of a professional degree in nutrition. Please go to the course page to find out more.
Nutritionist qualifications – What qualifications do I need to become a nutritionist?
In Australia, a nutritionist is typically expected to hold at least a degree in nutrition science and/or dietetics. Many private colleges and nutrition course providers, both in Australia and internationally, offer courses in fields such as health coaching, food coaching, wellness coaching, and nutrition certification. Despite lots of promises and marketing, these courses are not equivalent to a professional degree in nutrition, nor do they qualify graduates to provide clients with private health fund or Medicare rebates. There are two key organisations in Australia that regulate and accredit professional nutritionists:
- The Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) recognises Registered Nutritionists (R Nutr.). To become a Registered Nutritionist you need a bachelor-level degree in nutrition or a related health or nutritional science, plus at least three years of advanced postgraduate study or professional experience in nutrition.
- The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) registers Accredited Practicing Dietitians (APDs). To become an Accredited Practicing Dietitian you are required to complete specific, DAA-approved university qualifications.
In the Australian nutrition industry, a degree recognised by the Nutrition Society of Australia or the Dietitians Association of Australia is the best way to ensure you have the necessary qualifications to become a professional nutritionist.
There are several things you need to think about when choosing which course to become a nutritionist. Most professional nutrition degrees take at least four years of full-time study and will cover subjects such as anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, counselling, diagnostics, nutrition, pathology, physical examination, practice management, and research skills. Nutrition degrees also generally require hundreds of hours of (unpaid) clinical placement. Universities are still the most well-regarded institutions in the nutrition industry, but it’s important to choose a course that best suits your needs, goals and life commitments.
Things to think about when comparing professional nutrition courses:
Medicare and / or private health fund rebates?
It’s important to understand what the qualification you choose will allow you to do in the future. Some courses or degrees may not let you work as a private practice nutritionist, while others may not allow you to access medicare or private health fund rebates for clients.
Academic qualifications of your lecturers or learning support
Make sure that your lecturers, tutors and / or course developers are qualified in nutrition and / or dietetics. Many online and private college course providers are not specialists in nutrition, and many do not hold professional qualifications in nutrition at all.
Nutrition Course Costs
Before enrolling in a nutritionist course, make sure you are aware of all costs. This includes tuition fees, fess for extensions, taxes, international currency exchange rates, exam fees, laboratory fees, clinical placement fees, and textbook costs. Keep in mind that private colleges tend to have higher upfront fees compared to public universities where you may be eligible for government-funded options such as Fee Help loans. Also find out if you are charged extra for extensions of time.
Australian nutrition degrees
To become a recognised and registered nutritionist with organisations like the Nutrition Society of Australia or the Dietitians Association of Australia, you need a degree like a Bachelor of Science with a focus on health or nutrition science and honours. You will also need at least three years of professional experience or ongoing postgraduate education.
The following Australian Universities have very strong nutrition faculties:
University of Wollongong (NSW)
The courses listed above include both nutrition and dietetics degrees. The information about accredited dietetic degrees comes from the Dietitians Association of Australia. For details regarding programs accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia please go to www.daa.asn.au or for details regarding the Nutrition Society of Australia’s nutritionist registration please visit www.nsa.asn.au
Beck Health & Nutrition courses are not designed or intended to take the place of a degree in nutrition. Nutrition courses from any private provider below a degree level will not provide you with the qualifications you need to become a Registered Nutritionist or Accredited Practicing Dietitian. Some of our courses give you the option to take out professional membership and insurance to provide personalised nutrition advice and optimise health. We are very happy to offer this option to optimise professional opportunities for our students.
Beck Health & Nutrition courses
We love teaching people more about nutrition and health. Our courses provide a comprehensive, professional and flexible format to study nutrition and health. Our nutrition and health coaching courses are suitable for health professionals, including GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and personal trainers, as well as anyone interested in a solid understanding of nutrition and health. While these courses are not equivalent to a degree-level nutritionist or dietitian qualification (which require several years of full-time study and costs tens of thousands of dollars), they are an excellent, flexible study option for professional development, personal interest, continuing education points and for health, nutrition, medical and fitness professionals to widen their range of services for their clients. Our Advanced Certificate of Nutrition & Health Coaching course gives you the option to gain professional membership and insurance for Health & Nutrition Coaching – Advanced Certificate of Nutrition & Health Coaching. We are very happy and proud to be able to offer this valuable option for our learners to maximise and tailor their professional options.
Health & Nutrition Coaching Course
Our Advanced Certificate of Nutrition & Health Coaching course gives you the option to gain professional membership and professional indemnity insurance to provide nutritional advice and coaching for clients or groups. The course is not designed to take the place of a degree in nutrition, but provides a flexible, comprehensive study of nutrition and health that gives our learners professional options and opportunities to work with clients to improve their health and nutrition.
Health & Nutrition Coaching Course
Advanced Certificate of Nutrition & Health Coaching
Nutrition Certificate Courses
Certificate of Nutrition for Stress & Mental Wellbeing
Certificate of Nutrition & Diet
Certificate of Nutrition for Perimenopause & Women 40+
Certificate of Sports & Exercise Nutrition
Certificate of Health, Nutrition & Weight Loss Coaching
Disclaimer: this information is, to the best of our knowledge, accurate and current. The information is provided in good faith in order to help people considering study options to become a nutritionist or study nutrition, health or wellness coaching. Beck Health & Nutrition will not be held liable for any errors or omissions contained.