Nutritionist
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Nutritionists pass on scientific food knowledge and advice about the effects of diet and nutrition on health and well-being.
You’ll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification approved by the Association for Nutrition.
Approved courses include:
- food and nutrition
- biochemistry
- physiology
- public health
- health promotion
You will normally need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, including a biological science for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
You will need the following skills and knowledge:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- customer service skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to read English
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- practical nutrition research projects
- recruiting volunteers to take part in trials
- processing and analysing biological samples
- raising awareness and educating colleagues in the health field
- aiming healthy eating campaigns at particular groups
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre or at a GP practice.
The following salaries are a guide only:
- Starter: £24,000
- Experienced: £38,000
Working Conditions
- You’ll usually work Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.