Dietetics
Dietitians are classed as Allied Health Professionals and will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of doctors and nurses, in a range of settings including hospitals, clinics and the community
Dietitians diagnose and treat people with nutrition problems and help people make healthy lifestyle and dietary decisions, mostly working with individuals diagnosed with medical conditions. Dietitians undertake specialist training and apply knowledge that is supported by medical research and evidence. They are also legally allowed to supply and prescribe medication.
Training
You will need to complete an undergraduate degree in dietetics or human nutrition. Alternatively, you may be eligible to apply for a degree-level apprenticeship, or could complete a postgraduate degree or diploma in Dietetics if you already have a degree in another relevant subject.
You will combine academic study with placements, training and hands-on, practical experience. However you decide to train, your course should be accredited by the British Dietetic Association.
Regulation
Dietitians are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the regulator for allied health professionals which is overseen by the Professional Standards Authority. Only practitioners registered with the HCPC can use the protected titles of ‘Dietitian’ or ‘Registered Dietitian (RD)’.
Professional body
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is the professional association and trade union for dietetic and nutrition professionals in the UK. You may also want to register with the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT).