NSIM

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Nutritional therapists advise about and treat a wide range of medical conditions by assessing patients' requirements for food, vitamins and minerals while taking general health, well-being and lifestyle into consideration to provide holistic treatments.

Nutritional therapists work with adults and children who are affected by conditions such as depression, anxiety, learning difficulties, asthma, skin disease, fatigue, weight problems, arthritis, physical, psychiatric and neurological disorders, and migraines.

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• booking and undertaking confidential one-to-one consultations with clients

• gaining information from clients about previous dietary and lifestyle history

• analysing and interpreting laboratory test results

• assessing and planning treatment requirements

• recommending appropriate nutritional supplements and diets

• providing education, information and advice about lifestyle, exercise, diet and nutrition

• creating and keeping accurate confidential records and reports

• tracking progress of clients on treatment plans

• undertaking general administrative and business management tasks

• attending conferences and training events

• keeping up to date with developments in the profession

• marketing and promoting the business

• undertaking financial administration

Qualifications and training required

Nutritional therapy courses are offered at diploma, degree and postgraduate level at a number of universities and colleges. Relevant experience is not normally needed, although course providers may expect knowledge of the profession.

A degree in a relevant subject (for example chemistry, biology, medicine, nursing, nutrition, dietetics, health studies, food science and technology) can be beneficial if applying for postgraduate courses. It is also advantageous to possess a strong science background, for example, A levels or equivalent qualifications in chemistry, biology, physiology, anatomy or food science.

Key skills for nutritional therapists

• Interactive skills

• Innovation

• Good interpersonal skills

• Planning skills

• Communication skills

• Analytical and information skills

Typical employers of nutritional therapists

• Private practices

• Specialist clinics

• Complementary healthcare clinics