Dietitians are individuals who have studied the science of nutrition. Many dietitians have a master's or doctoral degree in nutrition science and conduct research on food safety, eating habits, or the impact of food and nutrition on health.
Dietitians supervise, plan and prepare meals that aim to help people in the community, such as students, athletes and patients, obtain proper nutrition and stay as strong and healthy as possible.
The following are 10 interesting facts you might need to know if you would like to pursue a career in dietetics.
- Some nutritionists are also called registered dietitians (RDs).
- A registered dietitian is a health professional who is trained to provide reliable nutrition advice and care in a variety of settings. They must be licensed or certified to practise in clinical and community settings.
- The word dietetics originates from the Greek word diaita, meaning "way of life". From the earliest recorded history, nutrition has been part of the cause, cure and prevention of diseases.
- Dietitians are those who translate the science of nutrition into daily advice for health promotion and disease management.
- Nutritionists are different from dietitians. Dietitians undergo clinical internships and are equipped to provide medical nutrition advice and therapy for people with nutrition-related diseases. They also need to pass a registration exam to earn their job title.
- Dietitians teach, motivate and provide nutrition counselling to patients who need to change their eating behaviour to meet their particular needs. Dietitians empower their patients to make healthier food choices to achieve optimal health.
- Dietitians working in hospitals or healthcare facilities are known as Clinical Dietitians. Community dietitians are those that have an involvement in the community through home visits.
- Dietitians play a vital role in providing nutrition support for people who are or at risk of being malnourished. These include patients who are unable to eat orally.
- Dietitians typically work one-on-one with people who have specific disorders, like diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other chronic diseases. Others may work in sports nutrition and figure out what kind of food will help athletes perform better.
- Dietitians have at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics and an advanced degree before entering the field. Some go on to get additional training in areas like gerontological nutrition, community nutrition, sports dietetics, pediatric nutrition, obesity and chronic disease, or food policy and sustainability.
Like a clinical nutritionist, all dietitians provide evidence-based advice in their professional practice to effectively address a wide range of health issues, from gastrointestinal diseases and food allergies to parenteral nutrition and food-drug interactions. However, unlike a clinical nutritionist, qualified dietitians can provide medical nutrition therapy and nutrition plans based on each patient's medical condition.
People who want to become a dietitian have to enjoy working one-on-one with people to help them solve their problems and develop healthy diets. Dietitians are all about healthy eating, but it's not just a job for them because they also love being around food and cooking.
Dietitians are very important members of any healthcare team and can work in different healthcare settings, including clinical settings, aged care facilities, long-term care facilities, community health centres or in public health nutrition.
Educational and Professional Requirements for Dietitians in Australia:
To become a dietitian in Australia, individuals must complete a tertiary-level degree accredited by the Dietitians Australia (formerly Dietitians Association of Australia). Programs include a Bachelor's, Master's, or Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics. Upon completion, graduates can apply for the credential of an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and the Accredited Nutritionist (AN) through Dietitians Australia. Dietitians are also required to complete continuing professional development activities to maintain their APD status.
The Role of Clinical Dietitians in Australia:
In Australia, clinical dietitians work in various healthcare settings, such as public and private hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialized health facilities. They assess patients' nutritional needs, develop and implement individualized nutrition care plans, and monitor patients' progress. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to provide comprehensive care and manage nutrition-related conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and malnutrition.
Community Dietitians and Public Health in Australia:
Australian community dietitians play a crucial role in public health by working in various settings, such as community health centres, government health departments, and non-governmental organizations. They develop and implement community-based nutrition programs, provide nutrition education, and support individuals and families to improve their dietary habits. Community dietitians also participate in health promotion initiatives, such as campaigns to reduce obesity, address food insecurity, and promote healthy eating habits among vulnerable populations.
Dietitians in Sports Nutrition in Australia:
Australian sports dietitians work with athletes, sports teams, and sporting organizations to optimize their nutritional intake and enhance performance. They provide tailored nutrition advice, develop meal plans, and monitor dietary intake to ensure optimal energy levels, muscle recovery, and overall health. Sports dietitians may work in various settings, such as high-performance training facilities, sports institutes, and professional sports teams.
Medical Nutrition Therapy and Patient-Specific Nutrition Plans in Australia:
Dietitians in Australia provide medical nutrition therapy to patients with specific health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. They develop personalized nutrition plans based on patients' medical history, current health status, and individual needs. Dietitians also educate patients on managing their conditions through dietary modifications, monitor patients' progress, and adjust nutrition plans as needed.
Can dietitians work in private practice?
Yes, dietitians can work in private practice, providing personalized nutrition counseling and support to clients for various health conditions, weight management, and overall wellness. They can also collaborate with other healthcare professionals and offer services like meal planning, nutrition workshops, and group education sessions.
Career Opportunities and Settings for Dietitians in Australia:
Australian dietitians have diverse career opportunities in various healthcare settings, including public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, long-term care facilities, and community health centres. They can also work in research, academia, foodservice management, food industry, and private practice. Dietitians may choose to specialize in areas such as pediatric nutrition, gerontological nutrition, oncology nutrition, or bariatric nutrition, among others.
To learn more, find and talk to a dietitian in your area.
Originally published on Apr 04, 2018
