The study of nutrients and how the body uses them is called nutrition. A nutritionist is one who offers advice on matters about health as it relates to food and nutrition. Such a person may not have any formal training or education and may not be licensed. In some cases, the nutritional information they have and provide may be self-taught or learned at home.
In some places; however, a nutritionist must have received formal training, and some of these places even have a regulatory body to guide the training process. Such places offer formal licensing programs and offer certificates at the end of the program.
What It Takes To Become a Nutritionist
The first step in the path of becoming a licensed nutritionist on the Gold Coast is to get a Bachelor degree in a health-related undergraduate field like Microbiology, Food Science, Biochemistry to mention a few. The entire length of the Bachelor degree program can last about four years.
After obtaining this degree, students are required to take an internship program for a year. Once this stage is completed, nutritionists must meet the licensing and certification requirements for the state. This may involve passing certain examinations to get the required certificates.
After obtaining a license to practice, nutritionists may choose to continue their education. To do this, they can enrol in a doctorate program in a field that relates to nutrition. This additional education may extend for two years. At the end of this program, nutritionists may choose to engage in research.
What Does a Nutritionist Do In Society?
The job of a nutritionist is to assist individuals in making a healthy choice of food or nutrients. They do this by taking the time to advise on the right type of food to choose for a healthier life. They are also responsible for giving food and nutrition education to patients.
To give accurate information on the nutritional status of a patient, a nutritionist must assess their daily dietary habit. Evaluating this information acts as a guide for a nutritionist to be able to plan a patient’s diet or even to monitor nutritional progress.
The nutritionist does not only give advice or plan menus, but they also follow up with patients to ensure that a chosen diet is working correctly. A follow up is necessary as a nutritionist can modify an already existing menu and get to know the concerns of a patient.
A nutritionist can also speak in schools to children, educating them on the need for a healthy diet and how easily health problems can be prevented with proper nutrition. They also assist children with eating disorders and those with diabetes choose foods to help maintain their health.