Dietitian

You'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in dietetics or human nutrition, accredited by the British Dietetic Association.

You may be able to take a postgraduate course if you already have a degree with an acceptable level of human physiology and biochemistry.

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
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You may be able to do a dietitian degree apprenticeship.

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
• guide to apprenticeships

You could work as a dietetic assistant and study part time for a degree 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 could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join organisations like the British Dietetic Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

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

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to read English
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

In a hospital, you could:

• specialise in an area like children's health, renal dietetics or cancer care
• run clinics for people with diabetes or eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia
• work with catering services to create menus for patients with a range of dietary needs

In the community, you may:

• raise awareness of the importance of healthy eating
• run health promotion workshops
• advise people who lack confidence, are experiencing mental ill health, or are on a low income

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