How do I become a Dietitian?

Dietitians are health professionals who are experts in nutrition and the human diet. Dietitians blend scientific research, nutrition, behavioral 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 information on approved qualifications. Additional information on the profession can be found on the Find out more about the role 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

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.

Dietitian’s 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

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

 

Further training and development

There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to you role as a Dietitian within a specific setting. his can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses. These are delivered by various bodies and can be free, fully or partially funded by the organisation you work for, INDI or the HSE HSCP Office. Visit CPD for Dietitians where you can see examples of what the INDI offers to its members for professional development.

CORU also offers guidance and supports to Dietitian’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Information on education and development can be assessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on HSELanD, the HSE’s training portal.

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.