What Is Dietetics
Dietetics is a field of science that determines how nutrition and good eating affect our overall health. While this field offers a strong focus on public health, its main purpose is to educate everyone on the importance of making proper and smart dietary choices.
Entry Requirements To Study Dietetics In South Africa
To become a dietitian, you must do a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree (four years of study) focusing on subjects such as therapeutic and community nutrition and food service.
To practice as a dietitian, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In order to register with the HCPC, you must first successfully complete an approved degree in dietetics.
This is usually a BSc (Hons) degree, although there are shortened postgraduate programmes if you already have a relevant first degree. A degree apprenticeship standard in dietetics has also been approved.
Courses are a mixture of theory and practical work. They cover biochemistry, psychology, nutrition, physiology and communication skills. Practical training is in hospital and community settings.
For an undergraduate degree, you need
two or three A levels, including chemistry, maths or biology, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language and maths
or
BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science subjects
relevant NVQ
science-based access course
equivalent level Scottish or Irish qualifications
To get onto a postgraduate course you will normally be expected to hold an honours degree which contains an acceptable level of human physiology and biochemistry.
Degree apprenticeship
A degree apprenticeship in dietetics has been approved. This will offer an alternative route to registration with the HCPC. There are no nationally set entry requirements for degree apprenticeships – this will be down to the employer offering the apprenticeship – but you will typically need level 3 qualifications as you will be studying at degree level.
Apprenticeships will be with employers, with study at university and vacancies will appear on the NHS Jobs website and the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship website.
Once you’ve successfully completed a programme approved by the HCPC, you are then eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC. Once registered as a practitioner, you’ll be required to retain your name on the register by keeping your knowledge and skills up to date and paying an annual retention fee.
Schools Offering Dietetics In South Africa
Nutrition Management. University of the Western Cape.
Public Health Nutrition. University of the Western Cape.
Dietetics. University of the Western Cape.
What subjects do you need to study dietitian In South Africa ?
Subjects such as psychology, sociology and economics lay the groundwork for the human and business aspects of a dietitian’s work. Classes such as medical terminology and statistics help students develop the verbal and math skills necessary for higher-level classes in dietetics.
How many years does it take to become a dietitian In South Africa ?
four years
To become a dietitian, you must do a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree (four years of study) focusing on subjects such as therapeutic and community nutrition and food service.
Is studying nutrition hard In South Africa ?
Nutrition and Dietetics is an incredibly hard, and science-based degree. You have to work hard to get through it as you can’t fake it. If you’re not good at science or maths, be prepared to get a tutor to help you and work hard. Nutrition has a really high drop out rate because it’s so hard.
What is dietetics major In South Africa ?
Dietetics majors study human nutrition and other sciences in preparation for designing and managing nutrition programs in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings. Topics of study include diet design, food preparation, client education, and the links between diet and health.
Where do dietitians work In South Africa ?
Dietitians and nutritionists work in many settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, cafeterias, and for state and local governments. To enter the occupation, dietitians and nutritionists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree
Can dietitians give injections In South Africa ?
It is not common practice for an RD to administer injectable medications for treatment purposes. The ADA’s SOP and SOPP for RDs in diabetes care (2) is a key resource for RDs at all levels of practice to ensure that RDs consistently demonstrate and measure their value as providers of safe and effective diabetes care.