DIETITIAN AS A PROFESSION IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

Dietitian: an overview of the profession

A dietitian (or dietician) is an expert in human nutrition and dietetics. Their main role is to provide advice on proper nutrition and dietary choices that promote good health and manage disease. A dietitian alters their patient’s nutrition based upon their medical condition and individual needs. After learning about a patient’s health history, favourite foods, eating and exercise habits, the qualified dietitian helps the person to set goals and to prioritize. Follow-up visits often focus on maintenance and monitoring progress.

The primary goal of a dietitian is to help people achieve optimal health through nutrition. Dietitians assess the nutritional needs of their clients or patients and develop customized dietary plans that support health goals, whether it’s managing a medical condition, improving fitness, or achieving a balanced diet. They offer guidance to people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, helping them make informed decisions about food choices. By focusing on prevention and management, dietitians play a key role in preventing malnutrition, obesity, and diet-related diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and digestive issues.

Education and other qualifications requirements

In most Western countries the profession of Dietitian is a regulated healthcare profession to ensure that practitioners meet high standards of knowledge and skills. Education and certification requirements vary by country, but most involve formal training and often a qualification exam.

Poland:
In Poland, to become a dietitian, students must complete a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or nutrition, which typically takes three years. Graduates can then continue to a master’s program. Registration is not mandatory, but many dietitians choose to be listed with professional organizations like the Polish Society of Dietetics for credibility. Clinical dietitians in hospitals often have additional postgraduate certifications.

European Union (EU):
A number of EU countries regulate the profession, but specifics may vary. Most of them require from aspiring dietitians a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or a related field. In countries like Germany and France further clinical training or certifications may be necessary. Continuous professional development is encouraged across the region.

United Kingdom (UK):
In the UK, dietitians must complete an approved degree in dietetics (which typically lasts four years) and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). A registered dietitian is called an “RD” (Registered Dietitian). They may work in clinical, community, or private sectors. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) provides additional training and support for professional development.

United States (US):
To practice as a dietitian in the US, a person must complete a degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field, followed by supervised practice through an accredited internship. Afterward, they must pass a national exam to earn the credential of a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Some states also require a license to practice.

Professional regulations regarding a degree requirement, registration in appropriate organizations, and continuous professional development apply also in Canada and Australia.

Professional paths

Most qualified dietitians work in the treatment and prevention of diseases by providing medical nutrition therapy, often as part of a medical team. They usually work in places like hospitals, health centers, private practices, or other healthcare settings. Many others work in the community, public health and/or universities and research. More and more dietitians are now working in areas like the food industry, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs, and other non-traditional settings.

Many dietitians have certifications in specialized fields such as sports, paediatrics, renal, oncological, food-allergy, or gerontological nutrition.