Dietitians examine the food and drink consumption, and lifestyle choices of their patients to assess and diagnose a variety of different medical conditions. Those in dietitian jobs use the skills, knowledge and experiences gained throughout their education and career to determine whether specific food groups are affecting a client’s health, as well as being enthusiastic ambassadors for healthy eating. 

A dietitian can be based in either the NHS or the private sector, working in hospitals, surgeries or community healthcare centres to help patients suffering from nutrition-related illnesses. Dietician jobs also involve advising individuals on their options for a healthier lifestyle, enabling them to diagnose and treat potential dietary diseases. 

Responsibilities can include:

• Treating those with special dietary needs and requirements

• Educating the public about nutrition

• Developing treatments

• Informing and training other healthcare professionals

These professionals can help treat a wide range of illnesses by adjusting their patients’ diet and reducing any symptoms they may be experiencing. Patients being treated for HIV and AIDS, diabetes, kidney diseases and food allergies can all be helped by a dietitian, as can people with eating disorders. 

Anyone looking for dietician jobs can also venture beyond the healthcare system to contribute their skills to other fields, such as charitable work, freelance consultancy, research or education. They can also take up a role within the food industry to advise on the development and nutritional value of products. 

To be eligible for dietitian jobs, you must have completed a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved degree in dietetics, human nutrition and dietetics, or another relevant course. However, to begin your training in a dietetics assistant role, all you need is a good educational background with a high standard of GCSE results.