Dietitians can have an important impact on the care of sick and preterm babies. They provide specialist nutritional advice, assisting in improved outcomes to each infant. They design nutrition practice protocols and monitoring tools.
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-Cor 4-9), including English language and mathsor equivalent qualifications
- BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science subjects
- relevant NVQ
- science-based access course
- equivalent level Scottish or Irish qualifications
To get onto a postgraduate course you will normally be expected to hold an honours degree which contains an acceptable level of human physiology and biochemistry. The other option is to apply for an apprenticeship degree.
Degree apprenticeship
Undertaking a degree apprenticeship is another way to become a dietitian. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification. Your employer and the government will pay the tuition fees, so apprenticeships aren’t eligible for student grants.
Training and career development
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.
The BDA produced the following in response to the little amount of specific neonatal nutrition training available:
The current undergraduate dietetic curriculum contains little training on neonatal nutrition and feeding of the preterm infant. In response to this a group of dietitians who had developed the necessary knowledge and experience to work as an integral part of the neonatal team, chose to work closely together with a mutual commitment to share their expertise with other members of the profession. In 2006 they established a national training course for dietitians wanting to gain knowledge in this highly specialised area of nutrition and dietetics.
BDA-Formatted-Competencies.pdf
Pay and benefits
Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours with the need to work flexibly over a seven day period. As a dietitian, you’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on band 5.
You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
