Dietitian
Dietitians diagnose and treat people with nutrition problems and help people make healthy lifestyle and dietary decisions.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- assess the nutritional needs of adults, children, families or groups
- create treatment plans to improve nutrition and overall health
- give practical and sensitive dietary advice, tailored to people's needs
- monitor people's progress towards healthy eating targets
- create and update confidential clinical records
In a hospital, you could:
- specialise in an area like children's health, renal dietetics or cancer care
- run clinics for people with diabetes or eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia
- work with catering services to create menus for patients with a range of dietary needs
In the community, you may:
- raise awareness of the importance of healthy eating
- run health promotion workshops
- advise people who lack confidence, are experiencing mental illness, or are on a low income
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in the community, at a research facility or at a health centre.
Career path and progression
With experience you could become a team leader or department manager. You could also become self-employed.
You might take further training to use your skills in education, manufacturing, research, journalism, marketing, advertising or public relations.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- active listening skills
- knowledge of biology
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work on your own
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in dietetics or human nutrition, accredited by the British Dietetic Association.
You might be able to take a postgraduate course if you already have a degree with an acceptable level of human physiology and biochemistry.
You might be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology or chemistry
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
You might be able to do a dietitian degree apprenticeship.
This typically takes 4 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university.
If you complete your apprenticeship successfully, you'll be eligible for full membership of the British Dietetic Association.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
You could work as a dietetic assistant and study part-time for a degree to qualify as a dietitian.
You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in the health or care sector before you apply for a course.
You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Career tips
When applying for courses and apprenticeships, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join organisations like the British Dietetic Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You'll find more advice about becoming a dietitian from the British Dietetic Association and Health Careers.
Related videos
Suggested videos
Coffee With is in early release mode with a limited number of videos. New videos are being added every week, so please check back for updates.
External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.