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Dietitian

Alternative titles for this job include

Dietitians diagnose and treat people with nutrition problems and help them to make healthy lifestyle and dietary choices.

Average salary (a year)

£32,000 Starter

to

£48,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

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

Apprenticeship

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

Work

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.

Volunteering

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.

More Information

Registration

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of biology
  • active listening skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • diagnosing, monitoring and recording skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could become a team leader or department manager. You could also become a self-employed dietitian.

You might choose to specialise in a particular area, for example diabetes, weight management, cancer care or eating disorders.

You could also use your skills and knowledge to work in:

  • health promotion and education
  • medical and technology research
  • food manufacturing
  • sports nutrition

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a dietitian right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to Health Science (Blended)

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 30 September 2026
  • Location: Selby

Access to HE - Health Science

  • Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: Halesowen
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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