What does a Dietitian do?

Dietitians assist people in making more healthy lifestyle and dietary choices. Through their work, these professionals raise awareness of the direct link between nutrition and health. Dietitians work in a variety of environments, such as hospitals, health centres, research facilities, community and outpatient settings. They often collaborate with other medical professionals like Clinical Specialist Nurses, Psychologists and Surgeons to provide effective treatment for a wide range of conditions. These include diabetes, food allergies, eating disorders, malnutrition, IBS and mental health disorders. They also work with Athletes, advising them on how diet can improve their performance.

Dietitian skills and qualifications

The job of a Dietitian involves working with people throughout their working day, they therefore need excellent interpersonal and communication skills to successfully interact with clients, medical professionals and other stakeholders. Apart from actively listening to relevant parties, they must be able to effectively relay information. A successful Dietitian candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include: 

• Excellent organisational skills to balance the developmental aspect of the role with the clinical demands
• The ability to cope well under pressure and remain calm in crisis situations
• A willingness to remain current on new developments in the field
• A compassionate nature and a genuine interest in improving people’s lives
• Computer literacy and knowledge of relevant software programs, including Word and Excel
• The ability to do effective presentations and confidently speak in public

Dietitian experience requirements

The level and type of experience a Dietitian requires is dependent on the position and area of specialisation. Candidates who are applying for a primary care position, for instance, may need to show clinical experience in tube feeding. Conversely, positions that involve working with children will likely require experience in paediatric dietetics. Applicants who are applying for a position as a Diabetes Dietitian will typically need to show knowledge of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Dietitian education and training requirements

Candidates will need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In order to do so, they need to complete a degree in dietetics or human nutrition. Those who hold a degree in a relevant field can qualify for the profession by obtaining a postgraduate diploma or degree in dietetics. Candidates also need to pass enhanced background checks, as they often work with children and vulnerable people.

Dietitian salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Dietitian in the UK is £32,882 per year. Salaries vary, depending on factors like location, level of experience and employer.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description doesn’t adequately describe the job opening you have, here are a few job description samples of similar positions to consider:

• Dietary Assistant
• Nutritionist