Dietitian
Dietitians diagnose and treat people with nutrition problems and help people make healthy lifestyle and dietary decisions.
In this guide
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
Related subjects
Most relevant
- Biology - Dietitians need a deep understanding of human physiology, biochemistry, and how the body processes nutrients. They use this knowledge daily when assessing how conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or eating disorders affect a patient's nutritional needs and designing treatment plans accordingly.
- Chemistry - Dietitians need to understand the chemical composition of foods and how nutrients are broken down and absorbed in the body. Biochemistry underpins their work on metabolism, enzyme function, and how different dietary components interact with medications or medical conditions.
- Food Preparation and Nutrition - Dietitians advise patients on practical meal planning and work with hospital catering teams to design menus for patients with specific dietary needs. Understanding food groups, cooking methods, and how preparation affects nutritional value is central to giving realistic, helpful advice.
- Psychology - Dietitians regularly work with people who have eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, or who struggle with confidence and mental health issues that affect their diet. Understanding behaviour change, motivation, and how to support people sensitively is essential for helping patients make lasting improvements.
Also relevant
- Mathematics - Dietitians calculate calorie intakes, nutrient ratios, and portion sizes tailored to individual patients. They also interpret clinical data and research statistics when evaluating treatment outcomes or staying up to date with nutritional science.
- Sociology - Dietitians work with people from diverse backgrounds, including those on low incomes or from different cultural communities, where social factors strongly influence diet. Understanding how poverty, inequality, and social norms shape eating habits helps them give advice that is realistic and sensitive to people's circumstances.
- English Language - Dietitians write detailed clinical records, create treatment plans, and produce educational materials for patients and the public. They also need strong communication skills to explain complex nutritional information in a way that is clear and accessible to people of all backgrounds.
- Physical Education - Dietitians often advise patients on how nutrition and physical activity work together to improve health outcomes. Understanding exercise physiology and the role of diet in sports performance or rehabilitation helps them create well-rounded lifestyle plans.
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.
In this guide
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 original content developed by Coffee With Ltd. You may share this page as a link but you must not copy the content or use it with AI tools. All rights reserved.