Dietitian

Dietitian job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

The National Health Service (NHS) employs the majority of dietitians within hospitals, community health organisations and outpatient clinics. Some dietitians are self-employed, while the remainder work for private health care sector employers or food, drink and pharmaceutical companies etc. Dietitians work on a group and an individual basis with patients of all ages. Responsibilities include:

• providing health advice and promoting healthy eating;
• helping people come to terms with their illnesses;
• advising about special diets;
• making presentations;
• writing reports;
• educating health professionals and the public about nutrition;
• establishing and addressing key health needs;
• helping to facilitate dietary changes;
• working as part of a multi-disciplinary team/supporting the work of other health care professionals.

Vacancies attract moderate competition. Jobs are advertised by careers services and recruitment agencies, in newspapers, in publications such as Network Health Dietitians and in vacancy lists produced by the British Dietetic Association. Speculative applications are not normally necessary as the majority of NHS posts are advertised. However, work experience and hospital visits can provide a useful insight into the profession.

Qualifications and training required

To become a dietitian it is necessary to possess a good honours degree in nutrition or dietetics, or alternatively a life sciences degree that incorporates human physiology and biochemistry. An appropriate postgraduate qualification is required for candidates without a first degree in nutrition or dietetics. Employers may also require specific science A levels.

The NHS funds the majority of undergraduate courses and some postgraduate courses - money provided covers fees and a means-tested bursary.

Key skills for dietitians

Dietitians need to possess a mature, confident and caring manner. The ability to interact well with people from a wide range of backgrounds, together with good interpersonal and communication skills are essential - as is an understanding of biochemistry/human physiology. Relevant experience is not normally needed, although postgraduate course providers may require some knowledge of the profession.