Dietetic support workers assist dietitians with patient assessments and keep patients healthy by treating or preventing certain illnesses.

The Work

You could be:

• helping out in the clinic advising patients on diet and nutrition
• giving advice on using feeding tubes and pumps
• helping a patient to choose from the hospital menu
• keeping nursing staff up to date on patients' dietary requirements
• updating the dietitian on patient progress
• weighing patients and updating their records
• ordering supplies.

Pay

Under NHS Agenda for Change, dietetic support workers start on Band 2, £26,658 to £28,947 a year. With promotion your salary would rise to Band 3, £29,061 to £31,364 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2025.

Conditions

• You would be based in either a community or hospital setting.
• You would work under the supervision of a registered dietitian.
• Working hours are normally regular but there may be occasional weekend and evening work.

Useful Subjects

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Health and Food Technology
• Human Biology
• SfW Health and Social Care
• SfW Health Sector
• Social Services and Healthcare (SCQF Level 6)

Getting In

• A good general education is useful including English and Maths.
• You can enter through a Modern Apprenticeship in Healthcare Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 6.
• You may need to sit an entrance test.
• Previous experience in a paid or voluntary role in a healthcare setting would be an advantage.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• an understanding of basic nutrition
• good communication skills
• excellent listening skills
• the ability to work as part of a team
• patience and understanding
• good organisation skills
• the ability to stay calm when working under pressure.

Training

• Training is on the job. You would work towards SVQ Healthcare Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 6 or 7.
• Induction training includes an introduction to the department and its procedures, and how to use equipment.
• The British Dietetic Association (BDA) runs appropriate training courses on a variety of different subjects.

Getting On

• You may also be encouraged to work towards further education qualifications, such as HNC Food Science and Technology (SCQF Level 7).
• You could study for a degree to work as a Dietitian.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.