You’ll assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems. Your aim is to promote good health and prevent disease in individuals and communities.

Dietitians:

Work in hospitals or in the community and with individuals and communities with both healthy and sick people. You could, for example, work with people who:

• Have digestive problems
• Want to lose weight
• Need to put on weight after an illness
• Have HIV
• Have an eating disorder
• Want to improve their sports performance
• Have an allergy

Entry requirements:

You must first successfully complete an approved degree in dietetics, usually at undergraduate level. You’ll need:

• two or three A levels, including chemistry, maths or biology, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C or 4-9), including English language and maths

or equivalent qualifications:

• BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science subjects
• relevant NVQ
• science-based access course
• equivalent level Scottish or Irish qualifications

A degree apprenticeship is another way to become a Dietitian. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification

Once qualified, dietitians often join the British Dietetic Association. Registered dietitians have to keep their skills and knowledge up to date with annual CPD (continuing professional development). BDA runs courses, conferences and seminars where Dietitians can exchange ideas and update their skills.