Dietitian - 251111

Previously referred to in ASCO as:
2393-11 Dietitian

Job description

Applies the science of human nutrition to help people understand the relationship between food and health and make appropriate dietary choices to attain and maintain health, and to prevent and treat illness and disease.

Skill level

This occupation has a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification of at least four years (or equivalent). In some instances relevant experience may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Information on the skill level of each occupation is consistent with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and may differ from the requirements set by the assessing authorities for obtaining a skills assessment. Please contact the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation to check on their requirements.

Skills assessment authority

Before you can migrate to Australia as a skilled migrant you must have your skills assessed by the relevant national assessment authority. The assessment authority for your occupation is Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).
See: Dietitians Association of Australia

In Australia, all dietitians are considered to be nutritionists however; nutritionists without a dietetics qualification cannot take on the specialised role of a dietitian. DAA does not carry out skills assessment for nutritionists who do not hold dietetic qualifications.

If you want to claim points for your qualifications and/or work experience in your nominated or closely related occupation you should forward all the relevant documents to the relevant skills assessing authority. Based on your documents, the assessing authority will provide advice to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on your qualifications and/or work experience. The department will consider this advice when awarding points for your qualifications and work experience.

Note: If your qualifications are not in a relevant field to your nominated occupation and you want to claim points, the assessing authority will be unable to provide advice to the department. In these circumstances, the department will make a determination of how many points will be awarded to your qualifications.

Licensing or registration requirements

In Australia dietitians can apply to the DAA for the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential. They are required to undertake prescribed levels of professional development each year and comply with the DAA Code of Professional Conduct and Statement of Ethical Practice.

Eligibility for APD status, current APD status or eligibility for full DAA membership is a prerequisite of many dietetic positions in Australia and APD status is required for a Medicare or Department of Veterans Affairs provider number and for provider status with many private health insurers.

Professional associations

You may benefit from becoming a member of a relevant industry association for your occupation. This could help you with your employment prospects, networking, contact with industry and professional development and may provide you with important information and support.