Dietitian
On this page
- What's it like to be a Dietitian?
- How to become a Dietitian
- Latest Dietitian jobs
- Top skills and experience for Dietitians
- Dietitian role reviews
What's it like to be a Dietitian?
Dietitians provide advice, guidance and tailored diet plans to clients. They also educate their clients on the impacts of healthy food choices as well as poor nutrition. They may work in hospitals, clinics and other community health settings, or with food companies, sports teams and in fitness settings. Dietitians typically work regular business hours but may need to work in the evenings and on weekends in some health settings, such as hospitals. Dietitians are qualified to provide diet-related medical advice.
Tasks and duties
- Planning tailored diets and menus for clients.
- Collecting, organising and assessing relevant health and nutrition data.
- Planning and implementing nutrition assessments and intervention programs.
- Monitoring food intake and quality.
- Consulting with other health professionals and related workers to manage the dietary and nutritional needs of patients.
How to become a Dietitian
Dietitians in New Zealand must hold a bachelor and masters degree, and be professionally registered.
Focus on science subjects in your final years at school, as well as English.
Complete a Bachelor of Science/Applied Science in human nutrition, or food science and nutrition. This takes three years of full-time study.
Continue your studies with a masters degree in dietetics or nutrition and dietetics. This takes two years of full-time study.
Become registered with Dietitians New Zealand, a professional body that monitors the profession and ensures practising Dietitians meet government requirements.
