What do you need to be a dietitian in the NHS?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the British Dietetic Association, there is a high demand for dietitians in the UK. If you are wondering what do you need to be a dietitian in the NHS, the essential requirements include an accredited university degree, mandatory clinical placements, and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the precise educational qualifications, compulsory supervised clinical placements, and regulatory body registration required to practice as a registered dietitian within the NHS, detailing the comprehensive pathway from student to qualified professional.

Key Points

HCPC-Approved Degree: You must complete a university degree (BSc or MSc) in Dietetics that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Clinical Placements: Mandatory supervised practical experience within NHS settings is a required component of your degree programme.
HCPC Registration: After graduating, you must register with the HCPC to legally use the title 'dietitian' and work in the NHS.
Strong Science Background: Entry into dietetics courses typically requires strong academic performance in science subjects, like Biology and Chemistry.
Apprenticeship Route: A dietetic degree apprenticeship is an alternative pathway that combines on-the-job training with academic study.
Professional Skills: You will need excellent communication, empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork skills for a successful career in the NHS.
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: A dietitian has a legally protected title and can work in clinical settings, unlike a nutritionist, whose title is unregulated.

Your Journey to Becoming an NHS Dietitian

Becoming a dietitian in the NHS is a structured and highly regulated career path that combines rigorous academic training with practical, supervised clinical experience. The 'dietitian' title is legally protected in the UK, meaning only those who meet specific criteria and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) can use it. The journey typically starts with obtaining an accredited university degree, followed by registration and securing a position within the NHS.

Academic and Educational Pathways

The foundation of a dietitian's career is a university degree in dietetics. There are two primary routes to achieving this in the UK:

Undergraduate Degree: A BSc (Hons) in Dietetics is a direct route that typically takes three or four years to complete. Entry requirements for these courses usually demand A-levels in science subjects, such as Biology and Chemistry.
Postgraduate Route: If you already hold a relevant science degree (e.g., in human nutrition, biochemistry, or health sciences), you can pursue a postgraduate diploma (PgDip) or Master's (MSc) in Dietetics, which typically lasts two years.

All prospective dietitians must ensure their chosen course is approved by the HCPC. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) also accredits many high-quality programmes. An apprenticeship pathway also exists, combining work-based learning with university study.

Mandatory Clinical Placements

Integral to any HCPC-approved dietetics course are mandatory clinical placements. These placements are a critical opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings, including NHS hospitals and community trusts. Under the supervision of qualified dietitians, you will gain experience across a range of specialities, such as:

Working with patients with complex conditions like diabetes, renal disease, and digestive disorders.
Managing oral nutritional support and tube feeding.
Counselling and educating patients and their families on dietary changes.
Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, including doctors, nurses, and speech and language therapists.

Placements are full-time, often 37 hours per week, and provide invaluable hands-on experience and professional development opportunities. They are essential for demonstrating the competencies required for professional practice.

The All-Important HCPC Registration

Upon successful completion of your HCPC-approved degree and placements, the next crucial step is registering with the HCPC. This is a legal requirement for anyone wishing to practice as a dietitian in the UK. The registration process involves demonstrating that you meet the council's rigorous standards for competence and professional conduct. As part of your registration, you must also commit to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure your skills remain current.

Key Skills for an NHS Dietitian

Beyond academic qualifications, a successful NHS dietitian possesses a range of interpersonal and professional skills.

Communication: Dietitians must be able to communicate complex scientific information clearly and empathetically to a wide range of patients and healthcare professionals.
Problem-solving: Developing personalised nutritional plans requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Teamwork: Working effectively within multi-disciplinary teams is essential for providing comprehensive patient care.
Empathy and Compassion: Dealing with patients who face challenging health conditions requires a caring and understanding approach.
Organisational skills: Juggling a varied caseload and managing patient records efficiently is vital.

Comparison Table: Dietitian vs. Nutritionist

It is vital to understand the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist, as the NHS only employs registered dietitians for clinical roles.


Feature	Dietitian	Nutritionist
Regulation	Legally protected title, must be registered with the HCPC to practice clinically.	Title is not legally protected. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, though some may join voluntary registers.
Scope of Practice	Can work in clinical settings (NHS), public health, and private practice to diagnose and treat dietary problems.	Offers advice on food and nutrition in non-clinical settings, such as sports nutrition or the food industry. Cannot diagnose or treat clinical conditions.
Training	Mandatory HCPC-approved degree with integrated, supervised clinical placements.	Variable training and qualifications, from short courses to degrees. No mandatory placements.
NHS Employment	Essential for clinical dietetic roles within the NHS.	Not typically employed in clinical NHS roles that require treating patients with medical conditions.

Securing Your Role in the NHS

Once registered with the HCPC, you are eligible to apply for dietitian positions within the NHS. Roles are advertised on the NHS Jobs website and can range from entry-level Band 5 positions to more senior or specialist roles. New graduates are often well-prepared for entry-level posts due to their structured training and placements. The NHS offers a diverse range of specialities and opportunities for career progression, from community dietetics to highly specialised acute care roles.

Conclusion

The path to becoming a dietitian in the NHS requires a significant commitment to education and practical training. By completing an HCPC-approved degree with mandatory placements and registering with the HCPC, you will be equipped with the necessary skills and legal status to diagnose and treat dietary problems within the UK's healthcare system. It is a rewarding and demanding career for those passionate about improving public health through nutrition. The structured nature of the training ensures that NHS dietitians are highly competent and qualified professionals at the forefront of medical nutrition therapy.

Check the British Dietetic Association's website for an up-to-date list of accredited courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

For an undergraduate degree, you will typically need A-levels in science subjects, such as Biology and Chemistry, along with GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science. Entry requirements vary by university, so always check specific course details.

A dietitian is a regulated healthcare professional who can diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems in clinical settings like the NHS. The title 'dietitian' is legally protected. A nutritionist gives advice on diet and nutrition but cannot work in clinical roles within the NHS unless they also qualify as a dietitian.

Yes, a dietetic degree apprenticeship is a valid route into the profession, allowing you to combine paid, practical work with academic study. The resulting qualification is still HCPC-approved, leading to full registration.

HCPC registration is a legal requirement for UK dietitians. It ensures professionals meet strict standards of training, skills, conduct, and ethics. Once qualified from an approved course, you apply to the HCPC to be added to the register.

Starting salaries for newly qualified NHS dietitians begin on Band 5 of the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scale. Salaries increase with experience and progression into more senior or specialist roles.

While not always a formal requirement, relevant work experience or voluntary work, especially in a healthcare or food-related setting, is highly recommended to strengthen your application and demonstrate your commitment.

If you trained outside the UK, you can apply for HCPC registration via the international route. Your qualifications, training, and experience will be assessed to ensure they meet UK standards. You may need to undertake additional training or an aptitude test.