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Professional Certificate of Clinical Nutrition

Learn the role of therapeutic diets in the treatment of chronic illnesses and nutritional disorders.

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Professional Certificate of Clinical Nutrition

CPD

39 hrs Education
54 hrs Performance
8.5 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

93 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

This course teaches the foundations of dietary guidelines and how they can be applied in general practice to better manage medical conditions.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • This course is perfect for practitioners with no to little training in this area.

  • Learn key nutrition assessment techniques and intervention strategies.

  • This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses, and degree-qualified health professionals.

  • CPD-accredited and university-assured.

Your education pathway

Professional Certificate

Establish foundational clinical knowledge and essential skills.

You are here

Advanced Certificate

Develop advanced techniques and diagnostic capabilities.

Learn more

Learning outcomes

  • Provide patients with comprehensive nutrition guidance throughout pregnancy, fertility, and lactation. 

  • Effectively manage gut microbiome issues with the use of pre-biotic and pro-biotic treatments.   

  • Move beyond six-minute medicine and improve patient outcomes with comprehensive healthcare plans.

  • Offer nutrition counselling in your practice to meet growing patient demand for alternative treatment options.

Course contents

Understanding dietary guidelines and how they can be used to guide treatment
Gain a thorough understanding of dietary guidelines and their application in guiding patient treatment with this comprehensive course. Explore the Australian Dietary Guidelines, international comparisons, and evidence-based approaches to improving diet and preventing chronic diseases. This course equips healthcare professionals with the tools to assess patient diets, identify areas for improvement, and make practical recommendations. Learn to navigate common controversies, interpret nutrient reference values, and provide meaningful dietary counselling to optimise patient health outcomes.
Busting myths and fads: superfoods, paleo, organics and other popular diets
Discover the truths behind today's most popular diets and nutrition myths in this evidence-based course. Led by Dr. Ingrid Hickman, an expert in dietetics and metabolic research, this course evaluates popular diets like Paleo, Keto, and intermittent fasting against established dietary guidelines. Explore the facts about organic foods, superfoods, and nutrition myths surrounding coconut oil and green juices. Designed for health professionals and individuals passionate about wellness, this course equips you to separate nutrition fact from fiction, ensuring safe, informed dietary choices. Gain practical insights and trusted resources to support your patients or personal health journey with confidence.
Sports nutrition for high performance
"Sports Nutrition for High Performance" provides a comprehensive guide for optimizing athletic performance through evidence-based dietary strategies. This course explores key nutritional priorities, effective supplement use, and strategies for energy balance, recovery, and immune function. Participants will learn about addressing dietary myths, planning competition nutrition, and managing risks such as low energy availability and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). Presented by Associate Professor Gregory Cox, this course is ideal for professionals working with athletes or fitness enthusiasts seeking to enhance performance and health.
Pregnancy: Complete nutrition guide for fertility, pregnancy and lactation

The "Pregnancy: Complete Nutrition Guide for Fertility, Pregnancy, and Lactation" course offers a comprehensive overview of essential nutritional principles to support women before, during, and after pregnancy. Covering topics from optimal fertility nutrition to managing pregnancy symptoms and ensuring proper lactation, the course focuses on evidence-based dietary practices. Through real-life case studies, participants will explore critical nutrients, food choices, and supplements that promote maternal and infant health. This course is ideal for healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their expertise in maternal nutrition and improve patient outcomes.

Childhood nutrition
The "Childhood Nutrition" course provides healthcare professionals with essential knowledge on optimising nutrition during the critical early years of life. This course covers key topics such as breastfeeding, formula feeding, the introduction of solid foods, and managing common childhood nutrition concerns, including fussy eating, faltering growth, weight issues, and constipation. Through evidence-based guidelines and practical strategies, participants will learn how to guide families towards healthy eating habits and support the nutritional needs of infants, toddlers, and young children.
Food allergies and intolerances
The "Food Allergies and Intolerances" course offers healthcare professionals a comprehensive understanding of diagnosing and managing food allergies and intolerances in infants and children. It covers IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergies, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), eosinophilic esophagitis, and food intolerances. Through case studies, participants will learn to apply key diagnostic methods, including exclusion diets and testing, and develop tailored management plans. This course provides evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes in pediatric allergy and intolerance management.
The gut microbiome: Prebiotic and probiotic treatments
"The Gut Microbiome: Prebiotic and Probiotic Treatments" course provides healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of the gut microbiota and its impact on health and disease. The course covers the role of prebiotics and probiotics in managing conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional constipation. Participants will learn evidence-based approaches to using dietary interventions to promote gut health and improve patient outcomes. This course is ideal for clinicians seeking to integrate gut microbiome therapies into their practice.
Ageing, medication and nutritional management
The "Ageing, Medication, and Nutritional Management" course offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between the ageing process, polypharmacy, and nutritional requirements. Participants will learn to assess the physiological changes in older adults, recognize the impact of medications on nutrient absorption, and develop strategies to manage malnutrition in elderly patients. Through real-life case studies, the course provides practical insights into optimizing patient care, ensuring better health outcomes, and improving quality of life for ageing individuals.
Malnutrition in the older adult: Identifying and managing nutritional risk
The "Malnutrition in Older Adults: Identifying and Managing Nutritional Risk" course provides healthcare professionals with the tools to recognize and address malnutrition in older adults. This course covers nutrition screening methods, assessment tools, and intervention strategies, focusing on the unique challenges faced by the elderly, including multiple chronic diseases and limited access to food. Participants will learn how to implement nutrition care plans, use validated screening tools like the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), and apply evidence-based guidelines to improve patient outcomes. This course is ideal for practitioners working in aged care or managing geriatric patients.

Meet your instructors

Dr Lauren Ball Dr Lauren Ball
Dr Ingrid Hickman Dr Ingrid Hickman
Assoc. Professor Gregory Cox Course Chair Assoc. Professor Gregory Cox
Dr Kate Morgan Dr Kate Morgan
Dr Peta Paterson Dr Peta Paterson
Ms Kathy Beck Ms Kathy Beck
Dr Eirini Dimidi Dr Eirini Dimidi
Dr Treasure Mcguire Dr Treasure Mcguire PhD BPharm BSc
Professor Liz Isenring Professor Liz Isenring

Other ways to study this topic

Workshop

Complete your certificate online, then build practical skills in the accompanying optional hands-on workshop.

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Short courses

Study selected topics from this certificate as focused, standalone short courses for targeted upskilling in under 10 hours. 

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HealthCert 365

Access selected content from this certificate, plus 4,000+ hours of other CPD across a wide range of clinical areas.

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CPD accreditation and course details

CPD Accreditation and Activities

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity. The certificate provides 50 hours of CPD for medical professionals in Australia.*

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours
480493 38520 Understanding dietary guidelines and how they can be used to guide treatment 4.0 6.0
480514 38556 Busting myths and fads: superfoods, paleo, organics and other popular diets 4.5 6.0
482836 38557 Sports nutrition for high performance 4.5 6.0
482245 38558 Pregnancy: Complete nutrition guide for fertility, pregnancy and lactation 4.5 6.0
485089 38559 Childhood nutrition 4.0 6.0
485116 38563 Food allergies and intolerances 4.5 6.0
482814 38566 The gut microbiome: Prebiotic and probiotic treatments 4.5 6.0
485109 38568 Ageing, medication and nutritional management 4.5 6.0
480546 38569 Malnutrition in the older adult: Identifying and managing nutritional risk 4.0 6.0
Total hours 39.0 54.0

*When the optional outcome measurement activity (minimum 5 hours) is completed. See our FAQs for more information about annual CPD requirements.

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

Outcome measurement

The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.

HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:

  • Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.

  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.

  • Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.

Entry Requirements

The Professional Certificate of Clinical Nutrition is tailored for medical practitioners who wish to gain a better understanding of nutrition management in order to improve patient outcomes, especially for those patients with conditions commonly seen in general practice.

The course is suitable for medical doctors, degree-qualified nurses, degree-qualified health professionals, and International Medical Graduates. The course assumes no prior knowledge or training in the field.  

Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.  

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience. 

Certification

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Certificate of Clinical Nutrition and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

  • Is quality-assured by Bond University.

  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

  • Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).

  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Hours are calculated differently.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada.  Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.

  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.

  • Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

Pathways

Certificate Pathway

This course is the first stage of the two-part Certificate Courses in Clinical Nutrition. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of Clinical Nutrition and Advanced Certificate of Clinical Nutrition.

You might also be interested in the Primary Certificate of Medical Nutrition & Chronic Disease.

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider

This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program.

RACGP logo
ACRRM logo
AMA
Bond-Sep-09-2026-05-46-43-7981-AM
Griffith
IDS-1
Graz
Vienna
University of South Wales
Torrens
NSCC-2
Rila
UQ logo

Frequently asked questions

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

  • Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.

  • Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.

  • Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.

  • Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.

  • Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is listed at the top of this page. The estimated duration includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.

Cancellation policy: What happens if I can't attend a practical workshop?

Course/workshop cancellations and transfers policy

Should you be unable to attend a course or practical workshop you have registered for, please inform us asap at admin@healthcert.com so we can make your place available to waitlisted doctors.

Charges may apply for course/workshop cancellations and/or transfers. Click here for details.

What our alumni say

Join thousands of doctors who have advanced their clinical practice with our certificate courses.

"HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others."

Dr K. Abolarinwa

"Good, courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained."

- Dr A. Tucker

"This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be"

- Dr S. Shinwari

Get in touch with us

Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor your education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.

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Richard Silsby

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Campbell Elton

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Loretta Blackborough

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