Dietitian

Dietitians play a vital role in promoting health and well-being through expert advice and guidance on nutrition and dietary choices. Their primary focus is on using their specialised knowledge of food, nutrition science, and human physiology to help individuals and communities make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. Their role revolves around improving health by offering personalised nutrition guidance, managing dietary needs in various settings, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Tasks that a Dietitian could be involved in include the following:

· Assessing and counselling patients in clinical settings

· Providing nutrition therapy for medical conditions

· Promoting public health through nutritional education

· Conducting research on nutrition and health

· Advising athletes on sports nutrition

· Addressing paediatric nutrition needs

· Assisting with specialised diets and allergies

The starting salary for newly qualified dietitians in the NHS is typically £31,049 (Band 5). Experienced dietitians in the NHS can earn up to £54,710 (Band 7). Highly experienced dietitians, such as consultant dietitians or those in leadership roles, can earn salaries up to £88,682 (Band 8c), depending on the level of responsibility and the specific role.

Salaries for dietitians working in private practice or in industries such as food manufacturing or consultancy can vary widely. They are usually affected by factors such as client base, demand, and the type of services provided. Dietitians with specialised expertise, such as sports nutrition or paediatric nutrition, may command higher salaries due to their specific skills and knowledge.

You will need to have studied at least one science at A level (biology/chemistry). Other useful subjects include maths, English, food technology, PE, psychology, or sociology.

To become a dietitian, you must first successfully complete an approved degree in dietetics. To join a postgraduate course, you will normally be expected to hold an honours degree which contains an acceptable level of human physiology and biochemistry.

You could receive at least £5,000 a year from the NHS Learning Support Fund to help fund your studies whilst at university, which you do not have to repay.

The other option is to apply for a degree apprenticeship. This gives you the chance to earn a living whilst gaining your qualification. Your employer and the government will pay the tuition fees.

The title ‘dietitian’ is protected by law, so you will need to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Once qualified, dietitians often join the British Dietetic Association. Registered dietitians have to keep their skills and knowledge up to date with annual continuing professional development (CPD). You could choose to specialise in a clinical area, such as cancer or diabetes or work with particular groups, such as the elderly or those with learning difficulties.

To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a dietitian, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.

British Dietetic Association

NHS Careers - Dietitian

National Careers Service - Dietitian

Health and Care Professions Council

Find an approved dietetics course

Want to know what it's like to work as a dietitian in the NHS? Watch the dietitian video in How Did You Get That Job? to find out more.