Summary
Roles of the dietitian
The missions of the dietician are both preventive and curative. She assures:
- food quality;
- nutritional balance;
- compliance with diets on medical prescription;
- the application of food hygiene rules.
Working conditions of a dietitian
A diversified clientele
The dietician supports a large number of people with different profiles. His advice therefore varies enormously depending on:
- age;
- health conditions;
- the lifestyle ;
- or the tastes of the patients.
A liberal profession
When she has her own practice, the dietician treats eating disorders:
The exercise in private practice concerns about 15% of the profession.
It can also intervene in certain social services:
- PMI;
- school medicine;
- Home Care.
Or participate in public information:
- conferences;
- debates;
- design of brochures intended for the general public and for health and food professionals.
Or in community
More than half of dieticians work in a hospital setting (clinic or hospital) in collaboration with doctors.
In collective catering:
- canteens;
- company canteens;
- retirement homes…
The dietician monitors the nutritional balance of meals, chooses suppliers and ensures the application of food legislation.
In the agri-food industry, the dietitian participates in research and marketing services.
How much does a dietician earn?
A dietician starts at around €1,450 gross monthly. She earns almost €3,000 at the end of her career.
Two equivalent diplomas
To become a dietitian, 2 diplomas are equal:
- the dietary BTS;
- the DUT in biological engineering, dietary option.
These courses are open, on file, to holders of baccalaureate S or STL (sciences and laboratory technologies), specializing in biochemistry or biological engineering.
A saturated profession
Currently, places are expensive to become a dietitian. It is therefore strongly advised to continue studies beyond the BTS or DUT, with in particular a professional license “Food and health” or “Food safety”.
Note: There are still not enough dietician positions, but within the framework of the National Health Nutrition Program (PNNS), this is a job that is set to develop.
Qualifications needed to become a dietitian
To be a pedagogue
A dietician must show great tact and diplomacy. She must also be particularly attentive to her patients, understanding and persuasive.
Have scientific tools
The dietitian is both:
- a therapist;
- an educator;
- a counselor.
Roles that require a close relationship with medicine and science.
Content updated on 05/30/2012