Dietitian | Selby College
Skip to main content

Dietitian

Dietitians diagnose and treat people with nutrition problems, and help people make healthy lifestyle and dietary decisions.

Potential salary

£24,907 to £37,890

Employment by 2024

+4.68%

Working hours

38 to 40 a week

  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • customer service skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to read English
  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

In a hospital, you could:

  • specialise in an area like children's health, renal dietetics or cancer care
  • run clinics for people with diabetes or eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia
  • work with catering services to create menus for patients with a range of dietary needs

In the community, you may:

  • raise awareness of the importance of healthy eating
  • run health promotion workshops
  • advise people who lack confidence, are experiencing mental ill health, or are on a low income

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in the community, at a research facility or at a health centre.

With experience you could become a team leader or department manager.

You could also become self-employed.

You might take further training to use your skills in education, manufacturing, research, journalism, marketing, advertising or public relations.

You'll find more advice about becoming a dietitian from the British Dietetic Association and Health Careers.

Powered by Pathways.