Nutritional Therapist
Job Description:Nutritional therapists help people by giving advice on diet, nutrition and lifestyle.
Job Category:What you will do:
As a nutritional therapist, you could:
- Talk to clients about their diet, health and lifestyle
- Carry out tests
- Discuss test results and agree on a treatment plan
- Monitor a client’s progress
- Refer clients on to other healthcare services when necessary
Skills:
You’ll need:
- Knowledge of biology
- To be thorough and pay attention to detail
- To be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Active listening skills
- Customer service skills
- Sensitivity and understanding
- The ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- Thinking and reasoning skills
- Adaptable to the individual needs of clients
Entry Requirements:
School Subjects
Becoming a nutritional therapist typically involves pursuing higher education in the field of nutrition or a related discipline, rather than being contingent upon specific GCSE subjects. However, having a strong foundation in certain subjects can provide you with a better understanding of the science and concepts related to nutrition.
Here are some GCSE subjects that could be beneficial if you’re considering a career as a nutritional therapist:
- Biology: This subject provides a fundamental understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and biological processes, which are essential for comprehending how nutrition impacts the body.
- Chemistry: A basic understanding of chemistry can help you grasp biochemical processes, nutrient interactions, and the science behind food and digestion.
- Food Technology or Home Economics: These subjects can offer insights into food preparation, cooking techniques, and an understanding of different types of foods and their nutritional properties.
- Mathematics: Math skills are important for calculations, data analysis, and interpreting nutritional information.
- Health and Social Care: This subject can provide an introduction to health and wellness concepts, as well as an understanding of human development and healthcare systems.
- Physical Education (PE) or Sports Science: These subjects can offer knowledge about exercise physiology, dietary requirements for physical activity, and sports-related nutrition.
- Psychology: Understanding basic psychological principles can be helpful in addressing the behavioral aspects of eating habits and promoting healthy dietary changes.
It’s important to note that while these subjects can provide a foundation, becoming a qualified nutritional therapist usually requires completing a relevant degree program, such as nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.
Additionally, many nutritional therapy organizations and associations have specific educational and training requirements for certification and professional membership.
University
You’ll improve your employment prospects if you get a qualification that is recognised by one of the professional organisations for nutritional therapy.
In the UK, The Nutritional Therapy Education Commission accredits courses in nutritional therapy at undergraduate degree, postgraduate diploma and master’s level.
Career tips
Many nutritional therapists are self-employed.
When you start, you might need to work longer hours to get more clients and build up your reputation.
You may find it useful to train in related types of therapy to increase the number of clients that you see.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical work week consists of 37 to 42 hours of work. You could be required to freelance/be self-employed.
You could work at a client’s home, at a GP practice or in a therapy clinic.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could:
- Specialise in working with people with specific medical conditions like arthritis or chronic fatigue
- expand your business to offer other therapy services
- move into teaching, write about nutritional therapy or do research