What Is A Dietitian?
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are uniquely qualified to translate scientific information about food into practical dietary advice. As well as providing impartial advice about nutrition and health, dietitians also advise about food related problems and treat disease and ill health. Many dietitians work in the National Health Service (NHS) and may work in one or more specialist areas e.g. diabetes, children's health, cancer, whilst others work with people in the community, often visiting them in their own homes. They are a key part of the healthcare team.
There are also a wide range of opportunities for dietitians outside the NHS such as the food industry, sports, scientific research and journalism.
If you are interested in people, food, science and medicine and want a job which offers a wide range of possibilities and the opportunity to excel, becoming a dietitian is the ideal career.
What Are The Career Prospects?
Employment amongst BDA members is currently running at well over 95%. Career prospects are mainly in the National Health Service, food industry, education, research, health promotion, sports nutrition and the media. There is every opportunity for your career to progress in a way that suits your individual strengths and interests.
There are many opportunities for working in dietetics across the UK and abroad and in a wide range of specialisms. The BDA has a website named Career Choices listing dietetic positions which is frequently updated.
Leaflet 'Want a career as a dietitian?'.