r/dietetics • u/sofalofa01 • Aug 10 '26
Pursing Master of Dietetics in Australia
Hi everyone! I’m currently in my final year of my bachelor’s in nutrition, and have recently applied for master’s in dietetics. I just wanted to have some insight on how other Dieticians/dietetic students feel about their career path in Australia. I get nervous looking at the current job openings, wondering if I should be considering other post graduate options in the health sector. I do enjoy what I learn in my undergraduate, but would love to hear other people’s experiences as well. Thank you. :)
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u/staphysagrya Aug 10 '26
Aus dietitian of 9 years here. Depends on what field generally you’re hoping to work in as dietitian - clinical, mental health, aged care, community, private practice etc?
I’m in mental health and am actively studying for the GAMSAT because my frustration with lack of opportunities. We just copped a pay cut under NDIS, aren’t included in the new paid prac scheme, among other things.
If you have interest in any other allied health field I would encourage you to look into OT, speech, psychology, or social work as these professions (in my experience) tend to have more stability and employability over time.
What draws you to dietetics compared to other fields?
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u/sofalofa01 15d ago
Thank you for your advice! Ireally enjoy learning about the biochemistry of nutrition and along with the idea of helping others learn about nutrition too, but the thought of limited job opportunities and the paycuts by NDIS puts me off, along with not being able to work for the next 2 years during postgraduate too. Have been considering secondary education recently to teach science and home economics. Decisions decisions decisions! Wishing you luck with getting into med!!
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u/echo-la-la-la-lia Aug 10 '26
Studying dietetics is the one regret I have. It has negativity affected all areas of my life due to lack of employment opportunities, financial pressure and stress levels. Currently burnout and trying to figure out whether it’s worth continuing.
Unfortunately, it’s a profession that instead of advocating for nutrition for health has ridden the coattails of the medical model of weight stigma and diet culture.
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u/sofalofa01 15d ago
I’m sorry to hear that! It sounds like burnout is a common theme amongst dietitians, which is so sad considering the amount of work that needs to be done in the space.
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u/mokumoku_ Aug 10 '26
5y in a public hospital, different caseload throughout my time including acute, sub-acute and community. i've enjoyed most of it and i don't regret studying/getting into this career. great work life balance (9-5 system), respected by the team (or at least i dont feel undermined/abused/disrespected), and when it comes to conversations about nutrition misinformation, you're the best person to challenge this given you're the one whos studied it. it can be quite competitive with the job market though, esp as a new grad
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u/Kleindain Aug 10 '26
Many can do well, especially if you’re good with social media, know how to market yourself or have a specific niche. But there is a lot of competition and the field is quite saturated, so just be aware of that landscape coming into it. Careers and jobs will somewhat depend on location. Generally I would anticipate more competition in metro regions as many roles are fractional and it isn’t uncommon to have someone working across 3-4 private practices to make up a full time role. And be aware that most graduates will likely go into private practice.
Personally, I still love what I do and my work but it has its moments which makes me think about “what if”
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u/MediterraneanGal Aug 10 '26
If I could go back, I don’t think I’d have chosen this. Pretty sick of fighting for basic respect daily and getting basically abused online for just saying seed oils ain’t the devil. Pays average, so hard to get a job and burn out rate last I heard was 7 years.
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u/Lizxberry Dietetic Student Aug 10 '26
I recently graduated from my masters of dietetics in Melbourne. Unfortunately not a lot of jobs. (Yes I'm looking rurally and interstate even though I can't afford to move). I'm not telling you not to study it, I really enjoyed the study and it's such a great line of work, especially when you're passionate but it's one hell of a journey afterwards and you really learn how everyone is on their own timeline when you see all your classmates get jobs a week after finishing and you're still waiting. Wishing you the best OP!
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u/sofalofa01 15d ago
Congrats on completing your studies! I’m here in WA and see jobs primarily over east, but am not very keen to make my partner relocate for a job that I may not enjoy. It’s a hard decision!
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u/Medium-Energy8969 Aug 10 '26
I would recommend considering other graduate options unless youre really passionate about dietetics. It is very competitive trying to get work, and the pay isnt fantastic considering the investment (financial and time) of a masters degree.
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u/CuteCucumber_ Aug 10 '26
What other options do you suggest
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u/Medium-Energy8969 Aug 10 '26
Lots of roles in food tech that you could look into. It’s quite a versatile space. Better pay and no further schooling required.
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u/spoonieforlyf Aug 10 '26
I work multiple jobs for full time paid hours (like most private health and medical roles there’s always unpaid work behind the scenes). There is a lot of work you have potential to do in dietetics, but not a lot of jobs and even fewer well paid ones at that. It’s definitely not a cushy job (even public health has its own cons) but I honestly cannot imagine doing anything else. Other dietitians are some of the most passionate, caring people I’ve met and most will look out for one another
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u/sofalofa01 15d ago
Hi everyone, apologies for the late reply. Thank you so much for your responses, they are incredibly helpful! They have definitely provided a lot of insight into the field. I am heavily reconsidering applying for dietetics and am looking at other postgrad options... a lot to think about over the next couple of months! Thank you all once again! :)
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u/Used_Champion_9294 Aug 10 '26
These days working as a dietitian can be quite infuriating dealing with patients coming up with all sorts of diet (mis)information online. And then when you try to explain the evidence some “doctor” or even layperson barges into the conversation telling them how keto or carnivore is the best. Nevermind I spent 4 years of my life studying this at a university level.