Nutritional therapist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

You'll improve your employment prospects if you get a qualification that is recognised by one of the professional organisations for nutritional therapy.

The Nutritional Therapy Education Commission accredits courses in nutritional therapy at undergraduate degree, postgraduate diploma and master's level.

When choosing a course, make sure that you:

• understand if the course is online, face-to face or a mix of the two
• find out how much clinical experience you’ll get on the course
• check your course has a good reputation

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of biology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• thinking and reasoning skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to read English
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• maths skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Nutritional therapists help people by giving advice on diet, nutrition and lifestyle.

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

Location : You could work at a client's home, at a GP practice or in a therapy clinic.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 42 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

Career Path:

Once you are established, 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