Dietician (degree)

Skills

• Practice safely and effectively as an autonomous professional in line with HCPC requirements, the British Dietetic Association Code of Professional Conduct legislation, Care Quality Commission/equivalent requirements, ethical boundaries, national and local policies and procedures
• Select and use a range of communication strategies, skills, techniques and technologies, including non-verbal communication skills, appropriate to the diverse range of individuals, groups and communities using dietetic services e.g. presentation to groups, 1-to-1 consultations
• Obtain informed consent as appropriate
• Appraise, select and use a range of techniques, technologies and resources to assess the nutritional needs of individuals groups and populations
• Gather and evaluate complex information to assess the physical, psychological, socio-economic and nutritional status of individuals and groups to support dietetic interventions
• Analyse and critically evaluate the information collected in order to identify nutritional needs and develop a dietetic diagnosis
• Use evidence, reasoning, professional judgement and a logical and systematic approach to problem solving to determine appropriate actions; recognise personal responsibility for clinical decision making and be able to justify their actions in line with professional code of conduct
• Formulate dietetic treatment plans based on dietetic diagnosis, including setting of goals and timescales tailored to the needs of individuals and groups
• Assess and manage risks appropriately using relevant professionals and agencies
• Develop, formulate and  evaluate the effectiveness of appropriate and practical dietary advice for individuals, groups and populations, for example on safe procedures for food preparation and handling, the effect of food processing on nutritional quality, menu planning and nutritional information including food labels
• Empower individuals to meet the aims of the treatment plan, by negotiating and agreeing a range of activities, including signposting to other agencies
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of nutrition and dietetic interventions using appropriate information, techniques and measures
• Manage, maintain and audit individual healthcare records
• Critically reflect on practice and take ownership of own, and contribute to other’s professional development
• Undertake research, audit and evaluation in order to improve the quality of the dietetic services provided
• Use statistical, epidemiological, and research skills to gather and interpret evidence to make reasoned conclusions to develop dietetic practice
• Work collaboratively and in partnership with the wider health and social care team to ensure the best treatment and care is provided
• Manage own workload, time and resources, including delegating, referring, signposting and discharging where appropriate
• Use leadership skills
• Appraise and use food labelling and health claims appropriately in the practical advice delivered to individuals, groups and populations

Knowledge

• The HCPC Standards of Proficiency for a Dietitian, the British Dietetic Association Code of Professional Conduct, legislation, Care Quality Commission/equivalent requirements, ethical boundaries, national and local policies and procedures
• How to adapt communication appropriately in relation to the social and cultural needs of individuals, groups and communities using dietetic services, including for example the use of interpreters and technology
• The principles of and process for obtaining informed consent
• The principles of biochemistry, physiology, clinical medicine, clinical dietetics, public health nutrition, epidemiology, genetics, genomics, immunology, microbiology, nutritional sciences, pathophysiology and pharmacology in the context of nutrition and dietetic practice
• The range of assessment tools and techniques used in dietetic practice
• The principles behind the use of nutritional analysis to analyse food intake records, menu planning, and recipes and interpret the results
• How to gather and critically evaluate research and other sources of complex information to inform professional judgement in dietetic practice
• How to assess and manage risks in dietetic practice
• How to translate technical nutritional requirements into practical advice and care planning for individuals, groups and populations and how to evaluate its effectiveness
• The range of educational strategies, models of empowerment, behaviour change and health improvement methods used in the context of nutrition and dietetic practice
• The impact of dietary modifications across a diverse range of dietetic interventions
• The structure and function of the human body, together with knowledge of health, disease, disorder and dysfunction to optimise nutritional status
• How to manage and maintain records and information including the concept of confidentiality and the principles of information governance
• The principles and models used in clinical reflection and how it can be used along with mentoring and training opportunities to develop own and others’ dietetic practice
• The principles and value of continuous improvement as applied to dietetic practice and the methods used for audit, evaluation and review
• The principles of evidence-based practice
• The context of dietetic services in the wider health and social care system and the importance of team working and maintaining own health by changing or stopping practice if physical or mental health may affect performance
• How to manage own workload and resources, the limits of own practice and when to seek advice in accordance with appropriate knowledge, skills and  experience; the appropriate use of delegation, referrals, signposting and discharge, to ensure safe and effective practice
• The principles of leadership and how they can be applied in dietetic practice
• The principles of safeguarding and responsibilities in relation to a duty of care
• The principles of food hygiene, food science, food skills, management of food systems and factors influencing food choice and how they can be applied to dietetic practice
• The principles of sociology, social policy, management of health and social care and public health as applied to the dietetic management of individuals, groups or communities
• The principles of food labelling legislation and health claims and how it applies to dietetic practice

Behaviours

• Demonstrate courage to challenge areas of concern
• Demonstrate an enquiring attitude and willingness to share knowledge with others
• Demonstrate empathy, commitment, compassion and respect
• Be adaptable, flexible and resilient
• Act in a non-discriminatory manner, respect and uphold the rights, dignity, values, and autonomy of others

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be determined by the employer and the university, however, this will typically include 3 A-levels (to include biology) or equivalent qualifications

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.  For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL. 

Duration

Duration (months): 48

Professional Qualifications/Recognition

Mandatory qualification 1: BSc in Dietetics or, where the apprentice already holds a level 6 degree, a pre-registration MSc Dietetics, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council

Level of qualification: 6 (integrated degree)

Basis for mandatory qualification: Regulatory requirement

Originally published on Gov.uk, this information has been re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence.