How to Become a Dietitian in the UK
Dietitians in the UK assist their clients to make wise decisions about their food options and physical lifestyle. Their client's health and well being are a top priority.Most UK dietitians are employed with the NHS. They educate the public and other health professionals on prevention of nutrition related health issues. With your training, you could be employed in additional areas of the food industry where your responsibilities could include private consultations on food allergies, to writing articles for a newspaper, interpreting the scientific research on diet and lifestyles. If you worked in a hospital setting, you could be working in children's health, cancer care, diabetes clinics or be working with patients with eating disorders. In a hospital, you may also be working with the hospital catering team to develop menus tailored for a variety of dietary needs.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Strong interest in healthy eating
- Nutrition degree from a four year university
- UK citizenship
Instructions
-
-
1
Attend a college to get your degree or postgraduate degree in dietetics or human nutrition. Most degrees take four years to complete. For a list of universities, log on to bda.uk.com to find a complete list. The B.D.A is the British Dietetics Association.
-
2
Inquire with your school advisers that the courses you are taking are approved by the Health Professions Council of the UK.
-
-
3
Go for an honors degree in a life science like human physiology or biochemistry if you are trying to get employed by the Health Professionals Council. Meet with your guidance counselor to find out what relevant course are required. Postgraduate degrees are usually two-year programs.
-
4
If you plant to work in the N.H.S (National Health System), you may get them assist you in course fees and living expenses. The British Dietetics Association and H.P.C (Health Professions Council) will have a list of Universities you can attend that they support.
-
5
Decide if you want to take further training. Log on to the British Dietetic Association website and look for workshops and classes that can help you advance your training.
-
6
Expect a typical work week to be about 38 hours for a full time dietitian in the N.H.S. You may be working weekends and part time positions may be an option for you.
-
7
Expect your salary to be £20,000 pounds or $35,000 (USD) to about £30,000 pounds or $50,000 (USD) a year if you are working in the N.H.S. as a dietician. After several years of work, your salary could reach about £35,000 pounds or $60,000 (USD).
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You may have an upper hand for a position if you have some relevant work experience in your field. You can call your NHS Dietetic department for advice on any positions that might give you advantage.
The British Dietetic Association is the national group that administers many dieticians activities and training. They are a great resource to develop your career. Their mailing address is: 5th Floor, Charles House, 148/9 Great Charles Street, Queensway, Birmingham, B3 3HT. Their phone number is 0121 200 8080.
