New dietetics course to combat nutrition challenges in the Territory

A new Master of Dietetics will soon commence at Charles Darwin University (CDU) to train more dietitians to improve nutrition and diet in the Northern Territory population.

A new cohort of students from across the Northern Territory will study the Master of Dietetics that will equip them with the professional qualification to become dietitians commencing in Semester 2 of this year.

All placements will be offered Territory wide including in regional, rural and remote communities, which means students will no longer need to leave the NT to study dietetics.

More than 60 per cent of adults and 25 per cent of children in the Northern Territory have become overweight or obese, making them more prone to chronic disease including diabetes, heart disease and renal disease

Less than six per cent of Territorians eat the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables which are essential for good health.

CDU College of Health and Human Sciences Dean Professor Dominic Upton said providing a local course would help fill the skills shortages in the Territory, especially in regional areas.

“This is about making sure Territorians are equipped with the best knowledge from in-demand professional dietitians here in the NT to support workforce needs and respond to these health trends into the future,” Professor Upton said.

“We know that many people in the Territory experience preventable chronic diseases including diabetes, and dietitians can support to address these health and nutrition challenges.”

Northern Territory Health Minister Natasha Fyles welcomed introduction of the program at CDU. 

“The Territory faces unique challenges when it comes to health and nutrition, and so we welcome the introduction of this new training opportunity for Territorians and those choosing to study here,” Minister Fyles said.

The dietetics course is tailored to the nutrition and dietetic needs of the Northern Territory while encompassing regional, national and international nutrition and dietetic issues.

The CDU Master of Dietetics has a unique focus on rural and remote practice, culturally diverse and First Nations people’s food and nutritional needs to address inequities in food, nutrition, and health and to promote culturally safe practice.

CDU Course Coordinator in Dietetics Ms Judith Myers said training more dietitians locally could help combat the unique nutrition challenges that the NT is facing.

“The NT faces specific nutrition challenges including greater rates of food insecurity – especially in remote communities,” Ms Myers said.

“There are also challenges of rural and remote health service delivery, high rates of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease and renal disease in which nutrition and diet are important for both prevention and treatment.”

It comes as Dietitians Week is recognised across Australia from March 21-27, celebrating the role dietitians play in improving and transforming lives.

Graduates can work in a range of settings at all levels of food and nutrition systems, such as clinical services in hospitals, public health, community, food systems, policy and research.

More information about the Master of Dietetics can be found at cdu.edu.au/study/course/master-dietetics-sdiet1