Become a Nutritionist in the UK

The demand for nutrition and dietary experts is growing rapidly in the world as people begin to pay more attention to what’s in their food. It will be your profession as a nutritionist to help others make healthy dietary decisions and make recommendations for the nutrients they may be missing out on. There is no established path to take to get a career in nutrition in the United Kingdom, but with long-term planning and dedication, you can begin working to make that dream into a reality.

Steps

Obtaining an Education in Health Science

1. Excel at your GCSEs, with a focus on the sciences. Having anything from a C to an A is passing your GCSEs, but if you want to stand out, focus on taking science and health-related courses if possible and do your absolute best to maximize your final grade.
   • While simply finishing your GCSEs is a good first step, excelling in your classes is the best way to find an optimal career path through A levels and university.
   • Study Efficiently recognizing subjects and classes you can improve in, and set attainable goals to continuously celebrate your progress through the last years of your compulsory education before moving onto sixth form.
2. Attain A levels, either in biology or chemistry. Either option will meet the basic qualifications for entry into university for health science, but it does look better if you have an A level in both subjects.
   • Your A levels should focus on maths and sciences, with health science classes added to the mix as well.
   • Enroll in A level courses that you simply enjoy. A-levels can be stressful, so be sure to take at least one class for the sake of pleasure alone. For example, taking a drawing class can be relaxing and help you reduce the strain of studying for your other classes.
3. Look into alternative qualifications. BTEC (Bollman Technical Education Center), HNC (Higher National Certification), and HND (Higher National Diploma) qualifications will also allow you to get into university to further your education
   • BTEC: This program is an alternative to GCSEs, and can be helpful in getting into A level courses.
   • HNC: Equivalent to a 1 year university course, a HNC can help with entry into a major university.
   • HND: Equivalent to a 2 year university course, a HND allows you to further your higher education.
4. Study nutrition and health science at university. Having a degree in health science in some form is essential to establishing a career in the field. Most, if not all, nutrition professionals working in the UK have a university degree, making it a base requirement for entry into nutrition health.
   • When signing up for classes, pay special attention to health science, animal health science, human nutrition or public health classes. These are often accredited and monitored by the AfN and are fantastic for building your foundation of health knowledge.
   • There are few nutritionists who do not have a degree who work with the NHS and other organisations. This is very rare, and it can take a significantly longer time to build up experience equivalent to a university degree.
5. Take supplemental accredited courses. Courses accredited by the AfN, the Association for Nutrition, will get you better prepared for the working life of a nutritionist and can provide networking opportunities.
   • If you take courses accredited by AfN, you can automatically become an Associate Nutritionist on their voluntary register of nutritionists upon completion.
   • Those who do not take courses accredited by the AfN may need to apply to get onto this registry.

Gaining Experience in the Field

1. Practice your soft skills by volunteering. An interest in sciences in general, the ability to translate complex subjects to the average person, and the ability to empathize and understand an individual’s lifestyle and needs are all essential to this career. Volunteer work is a fantastic way to develop your empathy skills, your organization skills, and your ability to work efficiently with others to achieve a positive outcome for others.
   • Choose an organization that embodies ideals you agree with, or one that is focused on nutrition and public education. The Charity Commission has excellent tools available to point you towards volunteer opportunities all over the country.
   • A popular tool to self-analyze accurately is the SWOT analysis method. Usually applied to businesses, you can use it to think about your strengths, weaknesses, and ways you can successfully plan out your future.
2. Take training courses with the AfN and Nutrition Society. AfN and Nutrition Society members have access to specialized training courses and job boards. You can register as a nutritionist with either group, given you have basic experience and qualifications, at which point nutrition conferences and training courses become available to you.
   • AfN evaluates courses available at institutions of higher learning, and provides members with the ability to register for accredited courses to continuously expand their nutrition know-how.
   • The Nutrition Society has a training academy for use by members that hosts classes, events and conferences almost every day.
3. Look for internships and work experience opportunities. These positions may not always pay very well, but they are vital for gaining professional experience and for establishing yourself as a health professional. Internships can lead to full-time positions with the organization offering the internship, so look for organizations you would like to establish your name with to increase your chances of employment in the future.
   • Maintain communication with former professors and mentors, as they can lead you towards internships through their own professional networks.
   • The Nutrition Society has a job board specifically for internships for nutritionists.
4. Apply your practical knowledge in an entry-level position. Look up local agencies, groups, and NHS offices to inquire about entry-level nutritionist positions. If you have the qualifications and the drive, you may end up being an assistant nutritionist, gaining vital experience alongside professionals, and can begin to learn about the requirements of the field.
   • Consult the job boards available on the AfN and Nutrition Society websites for entry-level positions as well, although they may be fewer in number compared to

Establishing a Health Science Career

1. Research the career paths available to you. Nutrition is a field with broad opportunities post-graduation. You can be involved in government services or community projects, as well as private practices and charity organisations.
   • If you prefer to work one-on-one with individuals, you may want to explore your options in private practices and the NHS, as these positions have little to no interaction with the public.
   • If you prefer to work behind the scenes writing guidelines and shaping public policy, consider a position in charity organizations or the government, as these positions are all about large scale action.
2. Network with other nutritionist professionals. If you are not a member of the AfN or the Nutrition Society, you can network effectively by attending health conferences open to the public and by getting to know which organizations and well-known professionals are in your city.
   • Simply sending a letter, calling an office, or inquiring in person about positions and requirements at organizations you are interested in is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door and make your name known.
   • As a member of the AfN or Nutrition Society you will have the opportunity to network at every conference and training course you attend. Get on the good side of your tutors and mentors and they can help to point you in a successful direction.
3. Register with the UKVRN (UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists). Registering with the UKVRN is the best possible way to make it official that you are a professional nutritionist. You can begin your application for registration on the AfN website, as a registered nutritionist or an associate nutritionist, depending on your professional experience.
   • This is not a required step to becoming a nutritionist, but being on the UKVRN makes job applications stronger, validates your education and qualifications, and opens doors to furthering your career.
4. Check the job boards on the NHS, AfN, and Nutrition Society sites. The NHS, AfN, and Nutrition Society all have extensive job boards available online for you to sort your options and hone in on a position.
   • Send feeler calls and letters to local organizations you are interested in and job search the old fashioned way. Many times, a personal means of contact can get your foot in the door more effectively than an online application.

Tips

• The NHS is likely to offer the most stable jobs for nutritionists, but other positions may be able to pay more. Shop around, as it were, to find a few positions that suit your needs and preferences.

Warnings

• Understand the difference between a registered nutritionist and a nutritionist with no qualifications. It is common for people to call themselves nutritionists without actually having studied a day in a medical classroom, so be wary of positions and nutritionists who seem to have a lack of educational or professional background.
• Ensure the courses you take in university are accredited or are a match for accredited courses. This will make it much easier to apply for UKVRN registry later on, and you won’t have to worry about whether your education is regulated and effective.

References

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