Author: Kirsty Gaffigan, Dietetic Apprentice working for Norfolk Community Health and Care, and studying MSc Dietetics and Leadership at Coventry University.
Have you heard of the new dietetic apprenticeship course? This is a new course which started in January 2022 and was the first dietetic apprentice scheme to run in the UK. This route provides a way for dietetic assistants and assistant practitioners to build on the knowledge and skills used daily in our role and enables many of us an opportunity to achieve our dream of becoming a registered dietitian.
This route is available for those already working as a dietetic assistant or assistant practitioner. Currently the MSc at Coventry University is the only course running, with undergraduate and postgraduate courses in development. The British Dietetic Association have further information on their webpage for those interested.
Why did I choose an apprenticeship?
I have worked as a dietetic assistant practitioner since completing my Nutrition and Human Health undergraduate degree in 2016. I love my job and the patients I see but felt the urge to do more! I love learning and was keen to complete an accredited course to become a Dietitian. I had been accepted onto a traditional MSc programme but was worried about finances – losing my income and having to rely on student loans. When the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship was offered, I was excited as this meant I could earn as I learn. I am now nine months into the course and have no regrets!
Is there a typical day?
The short answer is no! In my first term I was attending remote lectures over two days, and then working as an assistant practitioner for the other three. My work days remained the same – either visiting or calling patients, completing letters, liaising with other healthcare professionals, and attending meetings.
The university days are varied. There are some traditional taught lectures, and workshops. The course utilises an enquiry-based learning approach where we are given a case study or scenario and develop our own learning outcomes and goals. We have some time to do our own research and come together as a group to discuss and share our new knowledge. At first, I was apprehensive of this new way of learning, but have found it so helpful and am retaining so much more information than on my undergraduate course.
We do attend Coventry University for some sessions and assessments. This gives an opportunity to demonstrate the skills we have developed and utilise our knowledge in a practical way. Later this month I start my B placement in a local acute hospital which will take place over ten weeks.
Highlights and Challenges
I won’t lie… this is a challenging course. A postgraduate Dietitian course is usually a two-year full-time course and we’re having to cram it into part-time hours. There have been tears and thoughts that I cannot do this. The support and encouragement from my colleagues, fellow course mates and lecturers have helped with these setbacks. Another challenge has been the adjustments to writing masters-level assignments. The expectations are higher, and I was initially disappointed with my results as they were not as high as the marks I had been achieving on my undergraduate degree.
My main highlight has been the friends and connections I have made. I started an Instagram account to raise awareness about this course and the newest route into dietetics. Through this account I have spoken to dietitians from a variety of settings who have inspired me. One of them inspired my A2 leadership placement which I chose to do in a local prison.
I have also enjoyed learning about a variety of conditions and the nutritional management of these. My current role is working within a community dietetic team and supporting nutrition support patients. It’s been amazing to learn all the different ways we can support and help patients with a variety of health conditions and help with prevention of disease.
What are my dietetic career goals?
At the moment I am keeping an open mind. I love the community team I work in but have never experienced working within an acute hospital setting so my upcoming placement may change my mind. I loved my prison placement and could see myself working within this environment. I am looking forward to working with a larger variety of patients once qualified.
Advice for anyone interested in following this route
Explore the British Dietetic Association website for more information on the role of a dietitian, and the variety of routes, including the apprenticeship. Also look on providers websites. Coventry University offer a level 7 MSC apprenticeship and Teeside University will soon be starting an undergraduate apprenticeship.
Recommended reads and resources
There are so many books, magazines and webinars available which will help you on your learning journey. The British Dietetic Association have a variety of food facts information sheets. I enjoy reading CN magazines where complex information is condensed into a short, easy-to-read articles with guidance on further reading. The webinars provided by MyNutriWeb have also been a great source of information to help support my learning. I would also recommend purchasing a copy of The Manual of Dietetic Practice when starting your studies, along with the accompanying Case Studies book to aid your learning.
Summary
I highly recommend this route into a dietetic career, especially if the thought of relying on student loans fills you with fear! Having the additional support of my colleagues is a huge help and their ongoing encouragement and guidance is a lifeline.
Thank you for this post 😊. I have just finished my masters in nutrition and wld love to became a dietitian. This has given me hope that one day I might. thank you for sharing your experience 😊
No worries! Thank you for reading
This has just answered so many questions for me.
Thank you.
@nutriweb, is it possible to have an event where aspiring practitioners can meet and discuss. I’d really like meet Kirsty and ask some questions.
If you follow me on Instagram I would be happy to have a chat once this semester is over 🙂
Kirsty
I am a retired dietitian. I live in Dublin. I did my Clinical training in The London Royal Hospital in Whitechapel. I worked in the George’s Group of hospitals in Tooting under Sally Day. I have a dietetic colleague in The Basque area in Spain. She lectures to Dietetic Assistants in College. Would it be possible for her to email you?
Hi, yes she is welcome to email me – I can only speak about my personal experience. For more detailed information about the course it’s probably best to check the university website or contact them directly. My email is kirstygaffigan@gmail.com
Hi Kirsty, thanks for sharing your experience so far. I have received an offer on the same programme to start in 2023 and am looking forward to it. I am also working in a similar role to yours as a Nutrition and Hydration support worker in Community setting and looking after Nutrition support caseload.
I would love to connect with you for any help/support /advice on this course and know your experience in B and C placement. I am a mature student and at times feel daunted. Your post has been very helpful and prepared me on what to expect.
Hey! Congratulations on being accepted. Honestly I love the course – there has been times it’s felt overwhelming but it is definitely worth it. I am at the beginning of B placement at the moment so it’s all fairly new. I am learning so much and it’s great to push myself and see how much I do know!
If you’re on Instagram feel free to follow me @the.apprentice.dietitian or let me know your email and I can be in touch 🙂
I completed my masters in Food and Nutrition Science and want to be dietitian. I’m so afraid to take another course due to loans. This post really helps and request you to please provide some information on how you got this? Do we need any prior experience or can I start it straight after applying. Please help me out!! Thanks in advance.
Hi, for the apprenticeship you do need to be working within a dietetic department or similar, and they have to be prepared to support you through the course (I.e., paying your fees and wages). I hope that helps 🙂
Hello,
Just a quick question regarding the two different university option that are available for the apprentice route.
I presume that through Coventry university (being the masters apprenticeship) once qualified you would start at a higher band grade than the undergraduate course offered at Teeside?
Thanks
No, as it’s a pre-registration course you come out as a newly qualified so will go for band 5 roles. Most band 6 roles expect you to have some experience as a dietitian before you apply
Halo, thanks for sharing your experience.
What advice would you give a graduate of Bachelors of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Uganda aspiring for an apprenticeship opportunity to become a registered Dietitian nutritionist?
Do you know any organisations or trusts that recognise and give support to such aspirants?
Hi could I check whether the apprenticeship is available for international undergraduate students?
If not, are there other options other then an apprenticeship excluding studying in a university?
Hi,
I am considering the apprenticeship route myself to enter the field of dietetics. I am wondering how you went about finding a job that supported the degree? Was it through your role as a dietetic assistant, if so how did you get this job? And do you know anyone else who balanced the degree with a different job in the field?