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Dietitian
This page introduces the role of dietitan, explains the difference between dietitians and nutritionists, and includes information on entry requirements, career prospects and funding.
The difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist:
Dietetics is the interpretation and communication of the science of nutrition to enable people to make informed and practical choices about food and lifestyle, in both health and disease. A dietitian will have trained in both hospital and community settings as part of their course. Most dietitians are employed in the NHS, but may also work in the food industry, education, research and on a freelance basis. It is necessary to have a recognised degree, MSc or post graduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics to work as a dietitian.
Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how nutrients are used by the body, and the relationship between diet, health and disease. Most of the major food manufacturers and retailers employ nutritionists and food scientists but opportunities also arise in research, education and journalism. There are a variety of careers within the field of food science and technology.
Nutritionists also have an increasing role to play in healthcare and there are opportunities to work in the NHS. For more information on working as a nutritionist, click here
The job:
Registered dietitians translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food.They undertake the practical application of nutrition with both individuals and population groups to promote the well being of individuals and communities to prevent nutrition related problems. They are also involved in the diagnoses and dietary treatment of disease.
Dietitians work with people who have special dietary needs, inform the general public about nutrition, give unbiased advice, evaluate and improve treatments and educate clients, doctors, nurses, health professionals and community groups.
Dietitians can work in a variety of areas, many of these are in the NHS within hospitals or in the community as dietitians, health educators or as managers. Both hospital and community dietitians educate people who need special diets as part of their medical treatment, for example patients with/in:
- kidney disease
- food allergies
- eating disorders
- diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- oncology
- gastroenterology
- food industry
- education
- research
- business
- charities
- media
- freelance work
A registered dietitian needs to have an interest in science, people and food, be able to communicate with people from all areas of the community, an ability to explain complex things simply, a positive and motivating attitude and an understanding, non-discriminatory approach as well as patience and a sense of humour.
Entry requirements:
To work as a dietitian in the NHS you must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). This means first obtaining either a BSc in dietetics or a postgraduate qualification, if your first degree is in an appropriate subject. Courses must be approved by the HPC. For the degree course, you will need five GCSEs, or the equivalent, including maths and English, and at least two relevant A levels or equivalents. At least one science is usually required. Alternative qualifications, such as an approved access course may be acceptable as an alternative to A’ levels. It is essential to check the entry requirements of the university/universities to which you wish to apply.Training programmes:
The training - both the four year university degree course and the two year postgraduate course - involve theory and practice.Applying for a degree in dietetics
Applications for degree programmes are administered by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).Career prospects:
You could go on to specialise in a clinical area, such as oncology or gastroenterology, or to work with particular groups, such as elderly people or those with learning difficulties. Teaching or health education are also options, or you could take on a management role, eventually being responsible for controlling a budget and planning and marketing a dietetic service.Financial support for students on dietetic courses
For information about financial support while taking a course in dietetics, please click here.Assistant dietitian/dietetic assistants
There are opportunities to work in dietetics as an assistant. Please click here for further information.Staff working in a support role at a more advanced level, may be known as an assistant practitioner.
Applying for job vacancies
Once you have completed a pre-registration programme in dietetics and have registered with the Health Professions Council, you will normally be in a position to apply for jobs.Job vacancies for dietitians and dietetic assistants/support workers are advertised in a range of places. Most NHS trusts will advertise their vacancies on the NHS Jobs website (www.jobs.nhs.uk). Some will also advertise in trade journals and on trust websites.
For a list of trusts, please visit the NHS Jobs website NHS Choices website.
Further information:
For more information on careers as a dietitian, please contact:The British Dietetic Association
5th Floor, Charles House
148/149 Great Charles Street
Queensway
Birmingham
B3 3HT
Tel: 0121 200 8080
Fax: 0121 200 8081
Email: info@bda.uk.com
Website: www.bda.uk.com
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