In the public health sector, qualified nutrition professionals play a pivotal role in promoting community health and well-being. From impacting policies, nutrition education and food system innovations, their expertise stretches far beyond nutritional issues and healthy eating habits. As a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition graduate, working in public health provides an opportunity to engage with people in community clinics, hospitals, schools and more. In this article, we unpack the importance of pursuing a career in public health and its diverse job opportunities, and examine how our Bachelor of Food and Nutrition degree can help you reach your professional goals.
Job opportunities for food and nutrition graduates
With the increasing awareness and link between diet and chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes, the demand for qualified nutrition professionals is surging. Throughout your career, you’ll collaborate with industry experts from other disciplines like medicine, social science and economics. You will work in a rich interdisciplinary environment, doing impactful and dynamic work.
Food and nutrition jobs in the public sector make a significant impact on community health and food systems, and play a vital role in keeping populations healthy. Graduates with a degree in food and nutrition have a wide range of career opportunities in public health, including:
- Nutritionist: To ensure communities remain healthy, public health nutritionists develop and implement nutritional programs and conduct nutritional assessments and healthcare campaigns. Public health nutritionists work in government health departments and for public health agencies.
- Research Assistant: Through hands-on lab and fieldwork, assist government research bodies and research scientists in discovering nutritional breakthroughs.
- Menu Monitor: Protect the health of vulnerable communities by providing them with proper dietary guidelines, and assessing and approving meal plans in hospitals, schools and aged care.
- Dietitian: With further study, you can provide clinical nutrition services to the general public. The role of a dietitian is crucial in public hospitals and community clinics. Dietitians create patient-specific meal plans and conduct nutrition counselling to ensure communities remain healthy and avoid food-related illness. Further study and specialisation are required to become a dietitian.
Take a look at our Food and Nutrition Career Guide to learn more about the career options you have in this exciting industry.
Making an impact on public health
In recent years, health and wellbeing—in both the public and private sectors—has been driven by the link between diet and chronic diseases. Working in public health allows you to influence the health and well-being of entire communities, and in doing so, help prevent disease, reduce healthcare costs, and expand the life expectancy of large populations. As someone working in public health nutrition, you’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Developing nutrition guidelines and educational resources.
- Implementing school-based nutrition programs.
- Conducting research on food systems and dietary patterns.
- Advocating for policies to improve food access and affordability.
- Working with communities to address specific nutrition-related health issues.
Working in nutrition means that you will be directed by evidence-based findings backed by the latest scientific research. In public health, you will work alongside governments and organisations to create everything from dietary guidelines and food fortification programs to implementing initiatives that address obesity, malnutrition and chronic disease.
Bachelor of Food and Nutrition – your path to a career in public health
According to an Australian nutrition employability and graduate readiness study, 77% of graduates with a food and nutrition degree go on to work in food, nutrition science or health‐related roles. The most frequently cited employees, according to the study, were government or public health organisations. If you are interested in working in public health or in a government-related field in nutrition, it is essential that you gain a high-quality, credible degree like the one offered at Federation University Online.
A Bachelor of Food and Nutrition equips you with the essential skills for a rewarding career in public health. Blending science, wellbeing, and business principles, it will prepare you to support community health. Throughout your studies, you’ll explore how food impacts physical health, nutrition, human physiology, behaviour, and health promotion. You’ll also gain business management insights, crucial for those who choose to work in the rapidly growing wellness sector. These skills will also help manage and lead teams within public health.
This degree takes a holistic approach, teaching you to consider the social and cultural influences on food choices, enabling you to provide more personalised, meaningful nutritional guidance. You’ll be prepared to work as a nutritionist in health and fitness centres, as a nutritional advisor in the food industry, or even as a consultant for public health initiatives. Graduates of Federation University Online will be eligible to register with the Nutrition Society of Australia. If your passion lies in community healthcare that benefits large populations, our food and nutrition degree will give you the knowledge needed to do so.
Your journey into public health starts with Federation University Online
At Federation University Online, we will prepare you for a career in the public health sector. Whether a nutritionist or health promotion officer, our degree in food and nutrition allows you to pursue your career goals. Our online degree gives you the flexibility to study on your terms – anytime, anywhere. And with the guidance of our Course Consultants, digital peer community and Student Advisors, you’ll be fully supported in reaching your career in public health.
Start your journey to making a real difference in public health today with a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition. Contact one of our Course Consultants today to get started.
Download our brochure to learn more about this exciting degree.
