How to Become a Nutritionist

Work experience

Undertaking relevant work experience (paid or voluntary) can help individuals become nutritionists, as it can be competitive. Some degrees can include work placements, which can help individuals gain practical experience.

Before applying for a nutrition course, individuals could also gain experience working or volunteering for the NHS.

Having relevant experience in nutrition (human or animal) can be beneficial.

Individuals could apply for paid or volunteer roles in the following sectors (this list is not exhaustive):

• Food manufacturing, i.e. product development and food technology.
• Sports and fitness.
• Food safety.
• Charitable, e.g. food banks and welfare.
• Laboratories and research.
• Health and well-being retailers.
• Residential care homes.

 

There is information on volunteering and local opportunities on Do-IT, NCVO, Volunteering Matters and Indeed.

CPD training courses

Learning does not stop with experience or once someone becomes qualified. Attending relevant training courses and having additional certifications can help individuals enter the profession, enhance their employability and give them a competitive edge. Many accredited private training companies can provide relevant training courses. We offer numerous food-related courses, including one on nutrition and healthy eating.

In addition to the nutrition qualifications, some examples of other courses that may be useful for nutritionists include (this list is not exhaustive):

• Data protection and the GDPR.
• Customer service skills.
• Time management.
• Risk assessment.
• COVID-19 awareness.
• Diabetes awareness.
• ADHD awareness.
• Disability awareness.
• Cardiovascular disease awareness.
• Equality and diversity.
• Safeguarding (children and vulnerable adults).

 

Professional bodies, charities and associations, such as the Association for Nutrition, the Nutrition Society, the British Nutrition Foundation, Nutrition Graduates and the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine, can also advise on reputable training courses. Some also provide memberships, events and support to help individuals become nutritionists and give those already in the profession the means to continue their professional development.

The type of training required will depend on who an individual works for and their specialisms. It is worth looking at several job advertisements to identify the training needed for roles. Jobs can be found on websites such as GOV.UK find a job service, Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, NHS Jobs, NHSScotland Jobs, the Nutrition Society, UK Sport Jobs, Nutrition Graduates and others. Also, look at recruitment agencies for nutritionist roles.

More relevant training and competence (skills, experience and knowledge) will open up more opportunities. Refresher training is also advisable as it is a legal requirement and keeps an individual’s knowledge and skills up to date.

Criminal records checks

Nutritionists usually undergo a criminal record check, as they may work around children and vulnerable adults. A criminal record, caution, warning or conviction may put off prospective employers or affect registration. However, they should account for the seriousness of the crime, when it occurred and its relevance to the role.

The organisation that holds criminal records will depend on the country within the UK, for example:

• England and Wales – Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• Northern Ireland – AccessNI.
• Scotland – Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.

Being self-employed

There are additional responsibilities associated with being self-employed. Self-employed nutritionists must:

• Have the correct insurance, i.e. public liability, professional indemnity, home, car or business. If employing anyone, employer’s liability insurance will be required.
• Register with HMRC.
• File tax returns.
• Register with the ICO to hold personal data (to comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the GDPR).

 

Further advice and guidance on being self-employed can be found on GOV.UK.

If an individual decides to be a self-employed nutritionist, they will need to factor in certain costs, such as:

• Vehicle and running costs, e.g. fuel, maintenance, tax and insurance.
• Working from home costs, e.g. utilities.
• Training.
• Registration.
• Computer and mobile phone.
• Marketing and advertising.
• Insurances.

 

They should also research and decide on the area, market, competition and services to offer customers. Becoming a member of an association can also help gain more business.

Driving

Most nutritionists will need a full driving licence (preferably with no points), especially if they work in the community. Some roles will provide a company vehicle, but others may require individuals to use their own, which must have business insurance.

Registration

Nutritionists do not need to be registered, but it is advisable. Most employers will look for registered individuals. It is also likely to boost business if self-employed.

The AfN holds a UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN).. To be added to the register, individuals must have a minimum of a degree in nutrition science. They must also comply with the AfN Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance.

There is an initial cost to register and also an annual fee. Registered nutritionists must also undertake CPD (as per the requirements of the AfN Standards) to remain registered.

Where do nutritionists work?

Nutritionists can work for many employers, including private companies, public bodies, charities, not-for-profit organisations, etc.

Some examples include (this list is not exhaustive):

• The National Health Service (NHS).
• Private healthcare companies, e.g. Bupa and Nuffield.
• Health service trusts.
• Primary care organisations.
• The UK Government and their departments.
• International governments.
• Local authorities.
• Education providers.
• The food industry, e.g. manufacturers and retailers.
• Animal feed manufacturers and retailers.
• Vets.
• The sports and exercise sector, e.g. sporting clubs and associations.
• The media, e.g. broadcasters and publications.
• International aid organisations.

 

They can also be self-employed, freelance or work for recruitment agencies.

Nutritionists can work in various settings, such as (this list is not exhaustive):

• Hospitals.
• GP practices.
• Health centres.
• Pharmacies.
• In the community.
• Laboratories.
• Residential care homes.
• Nursing homes.
• Universities, colleges and schools.
• Restaurants and cafes.
• Health and fitness centres.
• Farms and mills (animal nutrition).
• Veterinary practices.
• At home (if self-employed or hybrid work).

 

The role may require local or national travel and overnight stays. There may be options to do work overseas.

How much do nutritionists earn?

What a nutritionist earns will depend on their role, specialisms, location, qualifications, experience, sector and whether they are employed, self-employed, freelance or an agency worker.

According to Indeed UK:

• Starting salaries for nutritionists in the public sector are around £15,000 to £25,000 per year.
• Nutritionists in the private sector earn around £20,000 to £25,000 per year.
• With experience, nutritionists can earn from £30,000 to £55,000 per year.
• At the top end (i.e. senior roles, such as chairs of public health organisations), nutritionists can earn £45,000 to £80,000 per year.

 

If a nutritionist decides to work for the NHS, their salary is subject to a band pay system (agenda for change pay rates).

For example (these are a guide only and are subject to change):

• Starting salary (band 5) – £27,055–£32,934 per year.
• More experienced (band 6) – £33,706–£40,588 per year.

 

The NHS also provides generous benefits, e.g. pension scheme, sickness and maternity.

The salaries for self-employed nutritionists will be variable, as they will set their own fees. They will need to factor in various expenses when considering salaries, e.g. tax, National Insurance, travel, other insurances (business/liability), working from home, equipment, registration, qualifications and training, etc.

Types of nutritionist roles to specialise in

There are many different areas in which nutritionists can specialise.

Some examples are as follows (this list is not exhaustive):

• Sports and exercise nutrition.
• Public health nutrition.
• Animal nutrition.
• Food nutrition.
• Nutrition science.

 

The AfN has further detail on the above roles on their website (at the bottom of the page).

Nutritionists may also specialise in specific groups of people, such as:

• The elderly.
• Women, e.g. pregnancy and menopause.
• Infants.
• Children.
• Athletes.
• Those with pre-existing medical conditions and acutely ill patients (under the supervision of a doctor or dietitian).
• Those with weight issues.

 

They can also work in specific areas, such as salt and sugar reduction, bone health and cardiovascular health. They can even work with animals, e.g. livestock and poultry.

Various nutritionist roles will require differing knowledge, skills, experience and qualities. All nutritionists must have knowledge of nutrition and health and well-being and communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds. They should also be passionate about helping people to make healthier choices and meet their goals. Any additional areas of expertise will depend on an organisation’s requirements (if employed) and the type of role an individual wants. Further qualifications and experience are necessary for specialised jobs, e.g. animal nutrition.

Nutritionists not competently carrying out their roles may give incorrect advice, potentially harming people’s health and well-being. In serious cases, people could fall ill or worse. Registered nutritionists could be removed from the register if they do not carry out their roles properly. Therefore, whatever the type of role, nutritionists must have the necessary competence to carry out the work professionally and safely. They should also know the limits of their competency, i.e. asking for help when something is beyond their expertise and not doing any tasks in which they are untrained, such as those carried out by dietitians.

Professional bodies

Guidelines, standards, codes, laws, diets and technologies are regularly changing. Therefore, nutritionists must keep abreast with the latest developments and changes to carry out their roles effectively, safely and correctly. Continuing professional development (CPD) gives nutritionists the knowledge and skills to keep up to date with these changes, understand their responsibilities, be legally compliant and progress in their careers. It is also a mandatory requirement when renewing registration with the AfN.

Joining professional bodies, charities and associations, such as the Association for Nutrition, the Nutrition Society, the British Nutrition Foundation, Nutrition Graduates and the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine and others, can help individuals enhance their skills and overall career. They offer different levels of membership, CPD, support, access to industry contacts and networking events.

There is ample opportunity for career progression for nutritionists. With more qualifications and experience, they could specialise in specific areas, such as public health or animal nutrition. They may decide to work at a more senior level and manage a team of nutritionists or move into policy development. Alternatively, they may become a self-employed nutritionist with their own business or work freelance as a consultant.

Knowledge, skills and experience from being a nutritionist can also lead to a career in different areas. For example, they could do further qualifications and become a dietitian or nutritional therapist. They could also move into academia and research.