How do I become a Dietitian?

Dietitians are health professionals who are experts in nutrition and the human diet. Dietitians blend scientific research, nutrition, behavioural science, and social science to promote health, prevent disease, and shape the dietary choices of healthy and sick people.

There are multiple entry routes to the Dietitian profession:

  • Undergraduate BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics
  • NFQ Level 8 course plus MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
  • NFQ Level 8 course plus MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

CORU, the regulatory body, will provide you with information on approved qualifications. Additional information on the profession can be found on The Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) website or by visiting the Careers Portal Website.

If you have qualified outside of Ireland, you will find further information here.

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with CORU, the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP) including Dietitians. Find out more on the CORU Website.

Dietitians are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professionals, who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.

Dietitians provide an assessment of nutritional status and help maintain nutritional status when individuals want or are required to trial dietary interventions such as exclusion diets and nutritional supplementation. They diagnosis, treat and prevent malnutrition.

Dietitians work with people of all ages, their families, carers and other healthcare professionals involved with the individual.

You could work with clients in hospitals, community services, disability services, schools and universities and mental health services.

 

 

Career Progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

  • Become a Senior Dietitian or a Clinical Specialist.
  • Specialise in a specific area, like diabetes, children’s health, cancer or surgery.

Career Progression Pathway: 

Clinical Pathway

  • Staff Grade Dietitian
  • Senior Dietitian
  • Clinical Specialist Dietitian

Management Pathway

  • Dietitian Manager
  • Dietitian Manager-in-charge III
  • Children’s Disability Network Manager

There are also opportunities available for education roles (Educational Pathway) across the Health and Social Care Professions.

 

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE. There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to your role as a Dietitian within a specific setting. This can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses.

HSeLanD is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on www.hseland.ie.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon.