Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Working Life

Dietitians assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level.

Dietitians blend scientific research, nutrition, behavioural science, and social science to promote health, prevent disease, and shape the dietary choices of healthy and sick people.

They use the most up-to-date scientific research on food, health and disease to give practical guidance on appropriate food and lifestyle choices. 

Dietitians provide an assessment of nutritional status and help maintain nutritional status when individuals want or are required to trial dietary interventions such as exclusion diets and nutritional supplementation. They diagnose, treat and prevent malnutrition.

Dietitians work with people of all ages, their families, carers and other healthcare professionals involved with the individual.

Dietitians are regulated by law and are the only nutrition professionals that can be employed by the HSE to work in a hospital or a community setting. 

Where Will I Work?

Most Dietitians work in the public healthcare system in a hospital, a specialist clinic or as a Community Dietitian in a primary care centre or health centre. You could work with clients in disability services, schools and universities and mental health services. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team you would provide medical nutrition therapy to patients who are referred to you to help them manage chronic diseases and medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, obesity, eating disorders or malnutrition. Educating, encouraging and supporting patients embarking on long-term diets is a major responsibility and a core part of the role. 

Apart from the HSE you may work in private healthcare and clinics, in research,  academia, regulatory affairs or in private practice. Dietitians also work in sports & performance nutrition and with organisations such as Safefood, An Bord Bia, Diabetes Ireland and the Irish Heart Foundation where you may be involved in food safety campaigns or educating professional groups and the public on nutrition.  There are also opportunities in the food industry on new product development, compliance with food labelling and writing articles for publication or social media.  

The HSE is the biggest employer in Ireland for this occupation. Further information from the HSE on the duties and skills for this occupation can be found here.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions, and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling.
• Evaluate laboratory tests in preparing nutrition recommendations.
• Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
• Advise patients and their families on nutritional principles, dietary plans, diet modifications, and food selection and preparation.
• Incorporate patient cultural, ethnic, or religious preferences and needs in the development of nutrition plans.
• Consult with physicians and health care personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of patient or client.
• Record and evaluate patient and family health and food history, including symptoms, environmental toxic exposure, allergies, medication factors, and preventive health-care measures.
• Develop recipes and menus to address special nutrition needs, such as low glycemic, low histamine, or gluten- or allergen-free.
• Coordinate diet counseling services.
• Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used in teaching.

Further Information

• Dietician/nutritionist- from: GradIreland
• Dietitian- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Nutritional Therapist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Nutritionist- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

CORU Requirements

There are a variety of study routes for students wishing to pursue a career in the health and social care professions. However, not all courses lead to the direct path of being able to practise in Ireland once qualified. In Ireland, if you want to practise as a Dietitian, you must be registered with CORU, - Ireland's regulator of health and social care professionals.

One of the functions of the Registration Boards at CORU is to approve and monitor education and training programmes. The purpose of regulating education and training programmes is to ensure that all graduates entering the Register meet the necessary standards and have the knowledge and skills required for public protection. This ensures the delivery of safe and effective practise to the benefit of the service user.

What does this mean when selecting a course to study in Ireland?

This is the current list of Approved Qualifications to work as a Dietitian. If you achieve one of these qualifications, you are eligible to apply for CORU registration.

What about studying abroad, and practising in Ireland once qualified?

If your professional qualification is awarded outside of Ireland and you want to register and work in Ireland, the process is a little more complex. You must first apply to have that qualification recognised by the Registration Board for your profession.

To be eligible to apply for recognition of your international qualification, you must have completed professional training, which gives you eligibility to practise your profession in the country where you were awarded the qualification.

The Registration Board will assess your qualification as well as any other relevant qualifications and work experience for compliance with the standards required for practising in Ireland.

If you are unsure about health and social care regulation, CORU is happy to help with any questions. You can contact CORU at [email protected]

There are multiple entry routes to the Dietitian profession. 

It takes at least four years of full time study at a university to qualify as a Dietitian at undergraduate level e.g. BSc. (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics or a related science degree with a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree in Dietetics. 

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: dietetics, nutrition, food science, health, nutrition and fitness, health and well-being.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: dietetics, nutrition, food science, health, nutrition and fitness, health and well-being.

Search for PLC Courses

If you are in a PLC course or considering taking one, you can check to see if there is a progression pathway to courses in the CAO system. The following link will list all PLC courses that are related to the Healthcare sector in Ireland. Use the filters on that page to narrow your search as required. 

Search Progression Routes

Note: Courses completed at PLC/FET level require specific FETAC awards and modules to meet minimum entry requirements to apply via CAO for a place under the HELS Higher Education Links Scheme.

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Example: Laboratory Analyst - could provide a foundation for a career in a related field such as food science, public health or research from which you could apply to Dietetics afterwards if you meet the entry requirements

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office. 

Example search terms include: health science with dietetics studies, human nutrition and dietetics, food science and health, health science, physiology, nutrition, health science.

Search for CAO Courses

Mature Entry

All candidates are required to apply through CAO. Mature Entry is for those that are 23 years of age or older by 1st January in the year of entry. Mature entry route is based on applying for a course via www.cao.ie by 1st February. Applicants may be required to sit an assessment test or attend an interview. 

Places are limited and mature applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the programme and will also be assessed based on each Colleges [RPL] Recognition of prior learning.

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8). There are a number of full time Masters programmes (2 years) that allow those with a suitable primary degree to qualify as a Dietitian.

Example search terms include: clinical nutrition and dietetics, human nutrition and dietetics.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Career/ Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world. Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals to be regulated by law (CORU). Click here for Information on Approved Qualifications and Registration with CORU.

In the HSE you could progress your career as a Senior Dietitian or as a Clinical Specialist in a specific area such as diabetes, children's health, cancer or surgery. Further information on clinical, management and educational pathways for career progression in the HSE is available here.

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE. There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to your role as a Dietitian within a specific setting. This can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses.

HSeLanD the Irish Health Service's online learning and development portal offers an array of training and development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom setting. 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €42k - €65k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
HSE/ Indeed/ Paysacle

Last Updated: July, 2024

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Psychologists, Pharmacists, Opticians (including dispensing opticians), Dental practitioners, Medical radiographers, Podiatrists, Health professionals n.e.c., Health services and public health managers and directors, Social services managers and directors, Health care practice managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth for this occupation was above the national average, although employment levels have declined annually since 2021. Employment was spread across a large number of roles, with low numbers in employment in each making it difficult to determine any changes in individual occupations. Overall, 69% were female, a quarter were in part-time roles and there was a slightly higher than average share who were aged 55 years and over.

Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were primarily for health services and public health managers/directors, and to a lesser extent, pharmacists. Employment permits issued were mainly for radiographers, but also included cardiac physiologists, dentists, psychologists and pharmacists.

Evidence of shortages is difficult to determine for these roles due to the small numbers employed.

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute

  • C/O Airfield Estate, Overend Ave, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Dublin, D14 EE77
  • 01 2150508
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals

  • Infinity Building, George’s Court, George’s Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 E98Y
  • (01) 293 3160
  • [email protected]/ [email protected]/ [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health Service Executive (HSE)

  • Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
  • 041 685 0300
  • Click Here