Dietitian

Dietitians are qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose, and treat diet and nutrition problems. Dietitians help to promote nutritional well-being, treat disease, and prevent nutrition related problems as well as providing advice based on current scientific evidence.

Dietitians must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To register with the HCPC as a Dietitian you must complete an approved degree in dietetics. This is usually a BSc (Hons) degree, although there are shortened postgraduate programmes available.

A degree apprenticeship standard in dietetics has also been approved – you can information on how to qualify as an dietitian here.

Specialist dietitians working in primary care can support patients with a wide range of conditions including obesity, diabetes, IBS and allergies.  Dietitians have the expertise and behaviour change skills to support these patients more quickly and effectively, helping people manage their conditions and make important lifestyle changes. 

Training Requirements

  • Dietitians must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To register with the HCPC, completion of an approved degree in dietetics is required. This is usually a BSc (Hons) degree, although there are shortened postgraduate programmes available. A degree apprenticeship standard in dietetics has also been approved.
  • NHS England Primary care First Contact Practitioner (FCP) training must be completed as the minimum threshold for entry to primary care and be supported by appropriate governance and indemnity.
  • NHS England primary care First Contact Practitioner (FCP) training can begin 3-5 years postgraduate.
  • A guide to dieticians in primary care can be found at: Dietitians in primary care a guide for general practice.

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