How to become a Nutritionist

Nutrition is a growing field, driven by increasing awareness around preventative health and lifestyle medicine. Whether you're passionate about food science, wellness, or helping people make better choices, becoming a Nutritionist could be a great path for you.

Here’s how to qualify as a nutritionist in Australia, step by step.

Get qualified with a nutrition degree

The first step in becoming a Nutritionist is completing an approved Nutrition degree. In Australia, this means enrolling in a Bachelor-level course rather than just a diploma. While a Diploma of Nutrition might offer useful foundational knowledge, it won’t meet the criteria for professional accreditation.

You can choose between two pathways: the Bachelor of Nutrition and the Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) at Torrens University.

What’s the difference?

The Bachelor of Nutrition focuses on population and community health. You’ll explore public health policies, food science, behaviour change, and the role of nutrition in chronic disease prevention.

The Bachelor of Clinical Nutrition prepares you to work one-on-one with clients in a clinical or private practice setting. This course includes a deeper focus on nutritional therapeutics, clinical assessment, and personalised nutrition interventions.

As well as knowledge of nutrition, health and biology, both degrees are designed to build your essential industry skills in critical thinking, research, communication, and evidence-based practice.

So how long does it take to become a Nutritionist? A bachelor’s degree usually takes 3 years full-time. If you’re studying part-time, it will take longer but you’ll be able to balance study with other life commitments.

Complete professional placement hours

Before you can practice as a Clinical Nutritionist, you will need to undertake a certain amount of supervised nutrition practice. Our Clinical Nutrition degree incorporates Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) into the curriculum.

If you choose the Bachelor of Clinical Nutrition, your course will include a minimum of 455 hours of supervised professional placement. These placements take place in clinical settings and give you valuable hands-on experience with real clients.

It lets you apply your knowledge in practical environments with the safety net of a supervisor. You’ll refine your interpersonal skills, and develop confidence in nutrition assessment and dietary planning. These hours are essential not only for your learning but also as a prerequisite for certain types of nutritionist certification.

Apply for professional membership and certification

After graduating, the next step is applying for Nutritionist membership and registration status. The minimum qualification standard to register as a Nutritionist is a bachelor degree.

Registration gives you access to ongoing education and recognition by industry peers.

There are two main options, depending on your degree:

• If you complete a Bachelor of Nutrition, you may be eligible to join as a member and also register with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) as an Associate Nutritionist.
• If you complete a Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) and meet the 300 clinic hours requirement, you may qualify for registration with the Australasian Association & Register of Practicing Nutritionists (AARPN), and as an Associate Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia, as well as membership with the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA), Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and the Complementary Medicine Association (CMA).

These professional bodies make sure that you’re meeting ethical and educational standards. They also provide resources for networking, career growth and advocacy.

Build your own personal network and continuously learn

But accreditation isn’t the end of the road! It’s the beginning of a career built on constant learning and connection.

As a Nutritionist you ought to be doing continuing professional development (CPD) every year. Through your registration with NSA or AAPRN, you’ll gain access to workshops, seminars, journals and other professional development opportunities. Staying updated with the latest research helps you improve client outcomes and meet industry expectations.

Networking also plays a key role in developing your career. It will surround you with a community of nutrition professionals who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and job leads. Whether you’re aiming to join a health practice, work in policy, or start your own consultancy, your relationships will open doors and shape your future.