Working as a Dietitian/nutritionist
 

Roles for a Dietitian/nutritionist

A Dietitian is qualified to work with healthy and sick people in a broad range of settings including hospitals, primary care and private practice.

Traditionally the majority of the Dietitians in Ireland were employed by the HSE which meant working in a clinical setting, but the demand for Dietitians outside this setting is increasing. The community nutrition, food industry, pharmaceutical industry, education, research and health promotion are some of the other settings which are becoming popular with graduates from the undergraduate course at the University of Dublin (Trinity college).

The difference between a Dietitian and nutritionist is the same as in the Netherlands. The title "Registered Dietitian” and "Dietitian" is protected by law so that only qualified practitioners who have met the required education qualifications and continue to maintain their knowledge and skills through continuing professional development, can use that title.

The term nutritionist however is not protected by law and a nutritionist is qualified to provide information about food and healthy eating.

Dietitians in Ireland often have a dual qualification which qualifies them to practise as a Dietitian and as a clinical nutritionist.

Source: Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute

For registration requirements click here
For education click here
For patient - healthcare worker interaction click here
For status of a Dietitian click here