Nutritionist
On this page
- What's it like to be a Nutritionist?
- How to become a Nutritionist
- Nutritionist role reviews
What's it like to be a Nutritionist?
Nutritionists work with clients in various settings to provide advice on food and diet. Nutritionists may work in community health settings, with government and non-government agencies, the food industry, gyms and clinics. Nutritionists often work one-on-one with clients to create tailored meal plans and track health goals. Unlike Dietitians who are qualified to provide medical advice, Nutritionists educate clients on the impacts of healthy and unhealthy eating habits.
Tasks and duties
- Planning and implementing diets, menus and meal plans.
- Educating clients on the importance of nutrition in the context of diet and food preparation.
- Monitoring client progress against planned goals and milestones.
- Calculating nutritional values of food in menus and meal plans.
- Planning and conducting nutrition interventions with the use of curated educational material.
How to become a Nutritionist
While you don’t need a formal qualification to become a Nutritionist, many have a relevant degree.
Focus on science-related subjects at school, as well as English.
Complete a Bachelor of Science/Applied Science majoring in human nutrition or food science and nutrition. This usually takes three years of full-time study.
If you want to become a Registered Nutritionist and improve your career prospects, gain a minimum of two years of professional experience before registering with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand.
