AIPT’s 10967NAT Diploma of Nutrition is Australia’s most practical, fully online nutrition coaching qualification that lets you confidently give evidence-based nutrition advice, that too, without stepping into dietitian territory.
For those interested in health and fitness, the course provides structured training aligned with industry needs.
The 10967NAT Diploma of Nutrition is a nationally recognised course focused on general, non-clinical nutrition advice. It aligns with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and supports career pathways in health care, recreation, and education-related industries.
Scope of Practice for Graduates
Graduating with the 10967NAT Diploma of Nutrition qualifies you for:
Giving healthy eating advice to the clients
Providing meal advice based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines
Educating on sports nutrition, weight management, and lifestyle change
Work as a Nutrition Coach or Nutrition Advisor in gyms, wellness centres, and online.
Important Note: This is NOT a dietitian qualification. You must refer clients with medical conditions, eating disorders, or clinical needs to an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD).
Who is This Course For?
This course suits anyone who wants to build practical, evidence-based nutrition skills without becoming a dietitian. It’s ideal for fitness professionals looking to legally expand their services with safe, scope-aligned nutrition advice. Also, it works well for career changes who love food, value flexible study, and want a respected qualification they can use across health, wellness, and community settings.
Ideal students and career goals
Current personal trainers & group fitness instructors
Health enthusiasts wanting to turn passion into a profession
Allied health workers looking to broaden their skill set
Anyone seeking a faster, more practical alternative to a university degree
Course Outcomes.
Designed for non-clinical practice, the Diploma of Nutrition equips graduates to provide general nutrition guidance that supports healthier lifestyle habits. The qualification complements roles in fitness, wellness, and coaching environments, including gyms and community-based programs.
Nutrition Advisor
A Nutrition Advisor provides advice to clients in accordance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
Note: The Australian Dietary Guidelines apply to all healthy Australians, as well as those with common health conditions such as being overweight. They do not apply to people who need special dietary advice for a medical condition, or to the frail elderly. The Advisor will refer clients to medical and allied health professionals for advice that falls outside their scope of practice.
Nutrition Coach
Follow your passion for health and fitness with a career as a Nutrition Coach. A Nutrition Coach’s role focuses on helping their clients build practices and make changes to optimise their health. There are many reasons why an individual would seek help from a Nutrition Coach; they might have a fitness or performance goal they’re working towards, or simply a desire to improve their quality of life and prevent diet-related disease. As a Nutrition Coach, you’ll have a broad understanding of nutrition science and how to appropriately advise clients and motivate them to stay on track. The Coach will refer clients to medical and allied health professionals for advice that falls outside their scope of practice.
Must have completed Australian grade 12 or overseas equivalent, be at least 18 years of age and possess high literacy and numeracy skills.
This qualification requires the candidate to complete 30 practical sessions in a health or fitness workplace under the supervision of one of the following:
* A qualified Personal Trainer who cumulatively holds the following:
A Certificate IV or Diploma of Fitness
Current Fitness Australia Registration or Equivalent
At least two (2) years consecutive current practice as a Personal Trainer offering guidance to clients in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines
* A person who holds a Diploma of Nutrition or Advanced Diploma of Nutrition
* A person who holds a Bachelor of Nutrition and/or Dietetics
* A registered and practicing Nutritionist
* A registered and practicing Dietitian.
Students may need to undertake a Working with Children check to meet individual work placement employer requirements.
Education: You will need to have completed year 12, or equivalent. Equivalency can be demonstrated by one of the following:
A qualification at Certificate IV level or higher OR
2 years of relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.
Minimum age: You will need to be at least 18 years of age or older at the date of enrolment.
Residency status: You need to be a permanent Australian resident or equivalent.
Working with children check: For the work placement portion of your course, you may need a current “Working with Children Check Clearance” issued by the relevant authority in your state/territory.
Practical Assessment: Please be aware some of your assessments require you to source participants to role-play clients, please work with your mentor to secure the required number.
This course equips you to provide nutrition advice to clients in accordance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
Note: The Australian Dietary Guidelines apply to all healthy Australians, as well as those with common health conditions such as being overweight. They do not apply to people who need special dietary advice for a medical condition or to the frail elderly. View the Australian dietary guidelines and companion resources here.
What You’ll Learn
The 10967NAT Diploma of Nutrition at AIPT provides evidence-based skills that one can use with clients from day one. To be more precise, the course covers everything from core nutrition science to goal setting, behaviour-change coaching, and real-world client communication, so you can support people safely and confidently.
You’ll also build a strong foundation in nutrition fundamentals, meal planning with the Australian Dietary Guidelines, and client-centred communication, learning how to translate complex research into simple, useful advice.
Nutrition fundamentals, meal planning and client communication
Here are some of the major concepts that you’ll master with the completion of this course:
How to assess a client’s current diet and goals
Building balanced meal plans using the Australian Dietary Guidelines
Sports nutrition for performance and recovery
Behavioural-change techniques that actually work
Communicating complex info in plain English
Working within Australian Dietary Guidelines
To make sure your advice is safe, reliable, and within your professional scope, you’ll learn how to base every recommendation on nationally recognised nutrition standards. These frameworks guide everything from portion balance to nutrient requirements, helping you support clients with confidence.
Your guidance will draw on:
Australian Dietary Guidelines (NHMRC)
Using these evidence-based tools ensures your advice remains ethical, compliant, and geared toward real, measurable results, all while strengthening your credibility as a nutrition professional.
Course snapshot
Qualification
Diploma of Nutrition.
Delivery structure
Theoretical Elements:
Are completed online
Practical Elements:
30 hours of practical placement sessions
Duration
Up to 12 months
Study load
13 course units to complete
30 practical placement sessions
Complete 1.5 course units every month to graduate in 12 months.
Delivery structure.
Studying the Diploma of Nutrition with AIPT fits around your life, not the other way around. AIPT has broken down the course into two parts:
1. Theoretical
Theoretical elements of this course can be studied anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform.
Components.
13 course units to complete.
Complete 1.5 course units every month to graduate in 12 months.
Resources Required
For the online part of the course, you may need regular access to:
Computer: Laptop or desktop computer with working speakers or headphone points. Internet: High-speed internet such as Broadband or ADSL, T1/T2, fibre optic (Dial-up access is not recommended). Windows: Operating system – Windows 8 or above. Mobile Phone with video capabilityor Video Camera: Some assessments in your course will require you to take and submit videos of you undertaking tasks for assessment. Office Equipment: Printer and scanner to print and upload some of your assessments. Internet Browser: Google Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer 11. MAC: Operating system - OS X 10.14 Mojave or later. Software: Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word (or Open Office which is free to download).
2. Practical
Practical Placement Sessions.
30 practical placement sessions in a health or fitness workplace.
Under the supervision of an appropriately qualified Supervisor.
Units.
Earn your qualification by completing these essential units of competency:
Diploma of Nutrition
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with basic information about the human body and to recognise and promote ways to maintain healthy functioning of the body. This unit applies to any worker who needs to use and interpret information that includes references to client anatomy and physiology.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret and use basic information about nutritional principles and healthy diet. It does not include the provision of therapeutic nutritional or dietary advice to individual clients or the recommendation of ‘practitioner only’ nutritional products.
This unit applies to individuals working with clients within the limits of the Australian dietary guidelines. They make referrals to other health professionals or accredited practising dietitians when those limits are exceeded.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australia/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide information about infection prevention and control procedures, integrate those procedures into work practices and monitor workplace performance. This unit applies to individuals working in health or direct client care contexts, who have coordination, team leading or supervisory responsibility in relation to infection prevention and control.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
Specific licensing/regulatory requirements relating to this competency, including requirements for refresher training should be obtained from the relevant national/state/territory Work Health and Safety Regulatory Authorities.
* This course contains the unit HLTAID011 Provide First Aid which must be completed through an external RTO. AIPT has an agreement in place with Red Cross Australia (RTOID 3605) which allows students to receive training for this unit at a reduced price or you may source your own training provider. Please note that the cost of this external training is not included in your course fee. Upon completion, you will need to submit a copy of your First Aid certificate for us to process a Credit Transfer againstthis unit of competencyon your student record.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others.
The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers.
This unit applies to a range of health and community service contexts where workers may communicate face-to-face, in writing or using digital media and work with limited responsibility under direct or indirect supervision.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to obtain and interpret information about client health status and to check a client’s physical health. It requires a detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
This unit applies to individuals working directly with clients and who assist in the provision of health care services. Some disciplines may be subject to state/territory regulatory determination regarding delegation and supervision.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work within the health care system and engage effectively with other health professionals, including writing referral reports. This unit applies to individuals working in health or community services who work autonomously with clients in the provision of services.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research information about compliance and ethical practice responsibilities, and then develop and monitor policies and procedures to meet those responsibilities.
This unit applies to people working in roles with managerial responsibility for legal and ethical compliance in small to medium sized organisations. There may or may not be a team of workers involved.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide educational information and advice in relation to fundamental nutrition principles in a non-clinical setting. It requires the ability to effectively utilise key nutritional principles in relation to food, diverse dietary practices, nutrition science and products to provide accurate information and education to clients in a non-clinical setting.
The unit applies to non-clinical nutritional advisors using fundamental principles of healthy eating and nutrition across a range of industries to educate clients.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide information to clients seeking nutrition-based weight management advice. It requires the ability to analyse anthropometric measurements that have been taken by a qualified professional using body composition techniques and providing information to clients seeking advice in relation to healthy eating and weight management.
This unit applies to non-clinical nutritional advisors working to provide healthy eating and nutrition information in a range of industries.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide tailored nutritional advice to physically active and sports people who are competing in individual or team sports at various levels. It requires the ability to provide relevant advice regarding performance and supplements to clients based on their individual needs and in keeping with the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
This unit applies to non-clinical nutritional advisors working to provide healthy eating and nutrition information in a range of industries.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to advise on the specialised nutritional requirements of clients from various age groups or with diet-related diseases. This involves identifying clients from specific populations, adhering to the scope of practice for non-clinical nutritional advisors and effectively referring when required.
This unit applies to non-clinical nutritional advisors working to provide healthy eating and nutrition information in a range of industries within the limits of the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
Supporting clients from specific populations is to be achieved by providing relevant nutritional advice in collaboration with medical and allied health professionals.
Enrolment and Support
Getting started with your nutrition qualification should feel simple and supported. With AIPT, you’re backed by a team that’s genuinely here to help you succeed, from your first enquiry to your final assessment.
Access to our student support team, available seven days a week.
Flexible, interest-free payment plans to make studying more manageable.
Seasonal offers and promotions that help you save on course fees.
Have questions or queries? Give us a call or connect with us via the details on the Contact Us page.
Cost & payment.
Choose what works for you. Pay upfront via VISA, MasterCard, or bank deposit, or opt for a flexible instalment plan paid weekly or fortnightly.
Your course fee includes
Delivery and assessment of your qualification
Study materials (including all resources)
Ongoing support from our Education Team
We offer two payment methods
Full fee upfront
Instalment plans
For more information about the course costs, please call us on 1300 616 180.
Why choose AIPT?
100+ campus locations
We're all around Australia, with locations near you.
Flexible payment options
A range of payment options to suit your lifestyle.
Learn from real fitness professionals, in real gyms
Designed to give you a practical experience in a real gym environment.
Largest network of industry partnerships
The largest network of employers, fitness professionals and fitness business owners.
“
They have an excellent range of courses on offer, as well as superb customer service that made me feel welcomed and supported throughout my studies.
Studying my theory online and at my pace allowed me to continue working full-time. The face-to-face component was amazing, working with an experienced instructor.
Studying with AIPT allowed me to study while working 5 days a week and at university. It allowed flexibility while ensuring I received the best education possible .
Dylan Garbutt
Certificate IV in Fitness Graduate
FAQs
ADiploma of Nutritiongives you the skills toprovidenon-clinicalnutrition guidance,but it does not qualify you as a clinical nutritionist or dietitian.Instead, it prepares you for rolesfocused on practical, everyday coaching, supporting healthier choices,designingbasicmealplans withinscope, and working alongside fitness and wellness professionals.
Personal trainers can share general, everyday nutrition guidance that supports clients’ fitnessgoals,ifit aligns with national frameworks like Australian Dietary Guidelines. The important part is stayingwithin scope; PTs can educate, encourage, and guide healthy choices, while anything clinical or medical should bereferred to a qualified dietitian.
Most nutrition coaches in Australia start with a non-clinical nutrition qualification, such asaDiploma of Nutrition. This level of study gives you the skills to confidently offer evidence-based nutrition advice in gyms, wellness programs, and lifestyle settings, without crossing into clinical nutrition practice.
The main difference comes down to training and scope. Dietitians are regulated health professionals with university-level qualifications, allowing them toprovide medical nutrition therapy and work in clinical environments.Nutrition advisors, on the other hand, focus oneveryday, non-clinical guidance to help people eat well, build healthier habits, and improve their lifestyle,with qualifications that can vary depending on their area of practice.
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