OFO No: 226501 

Other names for Dietician:

• Advisor Food Science / Technology
• Dietetic Consultant
• Health Advisor (Nutrition)
• Home Economist
• Nutritionist
• Sports Nutritionist

CLICK HERE 

Youtube clip – The Career of Dieticians and Nutritionists

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Dietician?

A Dietitian is a medical health care professional who is regulated by law and holds a degree in dietetics.

They work closely with doctors and generally assist patients who are suffering from:

• diabetes
• obesity
• anorexia
• bulimia
  
• high cholesterol etc
  

A Dietician is qualified to offer advice and create eating plans in the dietary treatment of disease.

Unlike nutritionists, Dieticians work directly with patients with illnesses.

It is the job of the Dietician to assess the patient’s nutritional requirements and then educate the patient and/or their caregiver how to meet these requirements.

Dieticians can work in, private practice, food service management, hospitals, community clinics, and the pharmaceutical industry.

What does a Dietician do?

• evaluates individual dietary needs
• develops nutritional care plans
• writes records and reports
• advises patients and their families about special diets, healthy eating
• addresses vital health needs
• analyses nutritional content of food
• works with other health care professionals
• prepares information packs
• advises pharmaceutical companies

Are you . . . ?

• interested in nutrition?
• interested in a healthier lifestyle?
• caring?
• a good communicator?
• interested in motivating people to make healthy decisions?
• assertive?
• sincere?
• interested in interested in biochemistry/human physiology?

How do I become a Dietician?

PATH 1

You will need to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Science (Dietetics)

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• North West University
• University of KZN
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of the Western Cape
• Walter Sisulu University
  

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• ASSOCIATION for DIETETICS IN SOUTH AFRICA: ADSA

http://www.adsa.org.za/

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Dentist or Biomedical Engineer

Is becoming a Dietician the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 226501 

Other names for Nutritionist:

• Advisor Food Science / Technology
• Dietician
• Dietetic Consultant
• Health Advisor (Nutrition)
• Home Economist
• Sports Nutritionist

CLICK HERE 

Youtube clip – The Career of Dieticians and Nutritionists

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Nutritionist?

A Nutritionist is an expert on nutrition (the science of how the body uses and responds to foods).

Nutritionists study and put into practice the understanding of how and what food nutrients support a healthy lifestyle. With this knowledge, Nutritionists are able to advise, design and implement nutrition programmes for individuals, schools, hospitals and other institutions with the aim of disease prevention.

Nutritionists, however, do NOT plan the treatment of disease with diet therapy – that is the role of a dietitian. CLICK HERE

A sports Nutritionist works specifically with athletes, counseling them on nutrition and diet for peak performance.

What does a Nutritionist do?

• researches the relationship between the body and nutrients
• studies how diet affects metabolisms
• provides health advice and promoting healthy eating
• designs eating plans
• assesses nutritional needs for various population groups
• educates the public about nutrition
• writes articles about new findings in research
• supports and consults with health care professionals

Are you … ?

• interested in nutrition?
• interested in a healthy lifestyle?
• someone who likes to work in a team?
• someone with strong interpersonal skills?
• a good communicator?
• interested in biochemistry/human physiology?
• someone with eye for detail?

How do I become a Nutritionist?

• HEALING HANDS

http://www.healinghands.co.za/nutrition_certificate_course.htm 

Healing Hands Academy is an accredited training provider with the Services SETA.
Offers a Certificate in Nutrition

• SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR NUTRITIONAL THERAPIES:  SAANT

Offers various degrees in nutrition 

http://www.saant.org.za

• UNIVERSITY OF KWA ZULU NATAL

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition 

• NUTRITION SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA

http://www.nutritionsociety.co.za/

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Occupational Therapist or Chef

Is becoming a Nutritionist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 532901

What is a First Aid Attendant?

A First Aid Attendant is the person who give immediate assistance to a patient who suffering from a sudden dose of illness or an injury.

What does a First Aid Attendant do?

• makes sure patient is comfortable and relaxed
• performs first aid to sick or injured person
• stabilises broken bones (when required)
• performs artificial respiration (when required)
• prevents choking (when requird)
  
• administers basic drugs like aspirin or antiseptic solutions (when required)
• helps doctors or paramedics
• sterilises equipment
• checks that stocks are up to date for the next emergency

Are you . . . ?

• good in stressful situations?
• good with people?
• observant?
• caring?
• reliable and responsible?
• safety conscious?
• organised?
• a team player?

How do I become a First Aid Attendant?

PATH 1

You will need to complete a First Aid Certificate Level 1 at:

• The South African Red Cross Society

http://www.redcross.org.za/

• The St John’s Foundation

http://www.stjohn.org.za/

• The South African First Aid League

http://firstaidleague.co.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Pharmaceutical Technician or Auxiliary Nurse

Is becoming a First Aid Attendant the right career choice for me?