Dietitian

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 that includes a sufficient level of human physiology and biochemistry.

You might be able to get extra 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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• NHS Learning Support Fund|https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You may be able to apply for a Dietitian Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, with an NHS trust.

This typically takes around 4 years to complete and is a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could work as a dietetic assistant or an assistant practitioner in the health service and study part time for a degree, or degree apprenticeship, 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 .

Registrations

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 could join the British Dietetic Association for professional development opportunities, access to resources and to make contacts.

Further Information

You'll find more advice about becoming a dietitian from the British Dietetic Association and Health Careers .

As a dietitian, you could:

• assess patients and diagnose dietary issues
• create personalised treatment plans with patients
• monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments as necessary
• provide practical and sensitive dietary and medication advice
• support people living with or recovering from disease
• run community clinics for issues like food allergies or weight loss
• manage a caseload and update confidential clinical records
• work closely with other health professionals
• raise awareness of the importance of diet and healthy eating

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in the community, at a research facility or at a health centre.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.