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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.

It is possible to start in an entry-level post without formal qualifications, but GSCEs or equivalent qualifications are an advantage. Apprenticeships in health informatics are also available. More senior information management staff will have an undergraduate degree in health informatics while a postgraduate qualification in information and library work might be necessary for very senior roles. The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme also has a health informatics strand for graduates with relevant degrees.

Most information management jobs in the NHS are covered by Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay systems covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. Information management staff in the NHS will usually work standard hours of 37.5 per week. Terms and conditions for non-NHS employers and contractors will vary.

A knowledge of, interest in, or experience of statistics or mathematics is often sought for information management. Good IT, organisational and numeracy skills are important as well as an interest in examining health sector data. Excellent communication skills are necessary, along with a proven track record of working on their own initiative. Information management staff are problem solvers and enjoy sharing ideas and best practice.

There are opportunities to progress your career into senior management roles. Most NHS organisations now have chief information officers who lead the delivery of information systems locally, regionally and nationally. Courses in health informatics are also offered by some universities at undergraduate and masters level. The NHS has also developed training and courses to support you through your career. Many of these will count towards your continued professional development and may lead to a formal professional qualification. For example, those working in clinical coding are likely to undertake training courses and qualifications that work towards becoming an Accredited Clinical Coder.