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There is no set entry route to become a nutritionist. The Association for Nutrition (AfN) maintains the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN). There are three categories of UKVRN registrant: (i) registered nutritionist (RNutr) with nutrition specialism in public health, nutrition science, sport & exercise, food or animal nutrition; (ii) associate nutritionist (ANutr); (iii) Fellow of AfN (FAfN). All registrants have a degree in nutrition sciences or substantial peer-recognised professional nutrition experience and adhere to AfN Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance. To get onto a nutrition degree course you usually need appropriate level 3 qualifications. For a Masters you need a relevant degree or professional qualification. You will have the training you need to do the job which is likely to include an introduction to the area and local groups and agencies. Nutritionists need to make sure they keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

Nutritionists working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. You would typically start on AfC band 5, but you should check individual job vacancies for details. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at bands 6 and above. Most nutritionists working in or with the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may work some evenings or weekends. Elsewhere the hours may vary depending on the needs of the employer or the project. Terms and conditions will usually be different for nutritionists working outside of the NHS.

Nutritionists need to be interested in science and food, positive and able to motivate others , understanding of other people and their lifestyles and able to explain complex things simply. They also need an understanding of science, organisational and communication skills.

As you gain experience, you can take on more senior roles in projects and departments. You could progress to larger projects or become a project leader or co-ordinator.

Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine. You’ll then complete two years of foundation training, two years of core training (CT1-2) and four years of specialty training (ST3-6).

Doctors may work up to 48 hours a week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day including early mornings, evenings, weekends and on call. The basic salary ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a neurologist employed by the NHS, you can expect to earn a salary of at least £40,257, which can increase to between £84,559 and £114,003 as a consultant.

You'll need excellent communication skills to manage a wide range of relationships with colleagues, and patients and their families. You'll be emotionally resilient, have excellent problem-solving and diagnostic skills and work well in teams and under pressure. You'll also be very organised for the benefit of patients.

In 2020 there were 207 applications for 50 specialty training places. You could specialise or conduct research in areas such as stroke medicine, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), sleep medicine or pain management. You could teach medical or postgraduate students or get involved in research.