Joining a professional association that is relevant to your career as a nutritionist will boost your credibility, making it easier for you to gain the trust of potential clients and advance to your goals. You were probably told about this by your teacher back in college, but we're quite sure they didn't discuss the features and benefits of your membership thoroughly.
Here below, we list the four peak professional bodies and associations for nutritionists in Australia, their objectives and goals, and what you can get out of being a member.
Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
The Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) is the largest professional body that represents natural health professionals in Australia. It consists of more than 12,000 practitioners across a broad range of modalities.
ATMS supports the principles and practice of holistic healing systems while instilling the highest standards of education and professionalism among its members. As a registered member, you are eligible for up to 43 health funds and can avail professional indemnity insurance. Additionally, you have access to the ATMS Continuing Professional Education program, seminars, webinars, events and newsletters about the latest industry news and trends.
Membership Requirements
- Submit a certified copy of your qualifications
- Fill out and submit the application form
- Pay $200 membership fee for practitioners or $85 for non-practitioners
- Student membership is free
Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
Public safety is the foremost priority of the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA), a 60-year-old professional body of natural health practitioners, including nutritionists, in Australia. It advocates the principles of various holistic disciplines and the interests of its members, while ensuring that the public receives the highest standards of health care.
As well as advertising opportunities for their practice, ANTA members have access to the latest industry news and developments on the ANTA website. They can also take advantage of the regular seminars which the association organises to ensure their constant growth and development.
Membership Requirements
- Certified copy of qualifications along with completed application form
- Copy of professional indemnity insurance
- Pay the membership fee of $185
- Student membership is free
International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)
The International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) is a world-renowned community of natural healers that aims to provide its members with professional recognition minus the high costs associated with it. Once they have met IICT's minimum educational standards for membership, eligible applicants can automatically register.
Current members aren't required to undergo continuing education, which is mandatory in most professional bodies before membership renewal.
Besides its low membership fee, IICT prides its ability to provide its members with professional insurance coverage under a single policy at an extremely low price. That means if you're practising other modalities besides nutrition, you don't have to secure separate insurance policies for each.
Membership Requirements
- Pay the membership fee. Full membership is priced at $196.90 and $1 for student membership
- Fill out and submit the application form
- Academic transcript or certified copy of the modalities you have qualifications for
The Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA)
The Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) is composed of practising nutritionists, dietitians, food scientists, teachers, medical practitioners and allied health professionals. It is committed to ensuring the highest standards of education and professional ethics in nutrition for the benefit of the general public.
The NSA has a register of nutritionists which is made available to potential clients and employers looking for a qualified nutritionist. Besides serving as a doorway to your future clients, being on the list also gives you access to NSA's exclusive events, job and training opportunities and webinars to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry. Apart from a certificate of membership, the right to use a title after your name, i.e. RNutr, ANutr or RPHNutr, shall also be bestowed upon you.
Membership Requirements
- Must be a member of the NSA. Membership fees range from $85 (student) to $200 (practitioner)
- Submit the completed application form
- Submit CV with a certified copy of your academic transcript
Obtaining your qualification opens the door to a fulfilling career in nutrition, but joining these professional bodies and associations for nutritionists in Australia will expedite your journey to success.
Originally published on Nov 11, 2020
