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Typical Career Progression

It is difficult to pinpoint earnings for the career of a Dietitian as there are so many different career positions that can be held. Earnings will depend on the work setting, the credentials of the person employed and the location. Earnings may possibly be in the ranges of around $46,000 to $65,000 + depending on experience, whether or not you have your own business, or whether you are employed by a business and the area in which you are working in. These remuneration amounts are an example only and will differ in the areas of employment.

Typical Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Your responsibilities and accountabilities will be focussed on the assessment of your clients nutritional needs, while developing specific eating plans and nutritional guidelines for them. As a qualified Dietitian you will be providing a wide range of information on healthy eating, food labels, choosing the best foods to buy, and healthier preparation of food. If your working position so calls for, you will possible train other health professionals and develop communications in regards to nutrition, programs and policies.

You will be required to undertake continuing professional development to keep up to date with all relevant information and changes, as well as a commitment to the DAA Code of Professional Conduct.
 

Career Path Options

The diverse range of job opportunities and working conditions for dietitians will enable you to develop a wide variety of interests and skills and use them in many different situations.

• Patient care - Working as part of a health care team in hospitals and nursing homes, dietitians are responsible for assessing the nutritional needs of patients, planning appropriate diets and educating patients and their families.

•  Community nutrition and public health - Dietitians are involved in nutrition and health education programs. This can be at the local community level or for the population at a national level. You’re working in public health also assist with health planning, setting nutritional standards, and developing and implementing nutrition policies. 

• Food service and management  - Dietitians combine management skills and nutrition expertise when delivering food services in hospitals, nursing homes, meals on wheels, hospitality and catering. You also manage nutrition services and health programs.  
• Consultancy/private practice  - Dietitians provide consultancy services to individuals, groups and organisations which include individual counselling, group programs, preventive health programs and nutrition education. You also prepare nutritional information for publication, and work with the media and in public relations.
• Food industry - Dietitians working in the food industry are involved in food regulatory issues (food law), food safety and quality systems, consumer and health professional education, nutrition research, product development, nutrition-related marketing and public relations.
• Research and teaching -  Dietitians work as part of research teams investigating nutrition and health issues and developing practical nutrition recommendations. You are also involved in training student dietitians, doctors and other health professionals.
• Other fields - Dietitians are able to transfer their skills to other fields such as management, public relations, marketing, program management, communications, media, health promotion, policy development and information technology.