Dietitian

Dietitians help people understand the science of nutrition and advise people on their food choices with an aim to promote good health and prevent diseases in individuals and communities.

You will assess, diagnose, and treat dietary and nutritional problems by translating scientific and medical research related to food and health into guidance for the general public. You will work in hospitals or in the community and with individuals and communities with both healthy and sick people.

Dietitian is also known as Nutritionist.

Role Characteristics

Asses the nutritional needs of individuals, families, and communities
Educate and advise people with diet-related disorders
Create, monitor, review, and improve nutritional care plans
Create and update private records
Promote good health
Work with other health and care professionals

Skills

Advice giving
Communication
Empathy
Goal-setting
Team work
Record keeping

Day in the life

Hear Monica's story about her work as a Dietitian.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

T-Level

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

How to become

There are many routes into becoming a Dietitian.

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent.
You will normally need either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers.
You will normally need a degree or postgraduate qualification in dietetics or nutrition

To practice as a Dietician you must be registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

You could specialise in a clinical area, such as cancer or diabetes or work with particular groups, such as elderly people or those with learning difficulties.
You could become a manager, where you would supervise the work of a team of dietitians. Eventually, you could be responsible for controlling a budget and planning and marketing a dietetic service. You could also teach and educate other Dieticians.