Oncology Dietitian

Oncology Occupational Therapist

Cancer Support Worker (CSW)

Oncology Occupational Therapist

Cancer Support Worker (CSW)

Dietitians translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food and advise people on their food and nutrition choices

Oncology Dietitians are able to work with patients with a cancer diagnosis, supporting them to eat and drink well before, during and after treatment. By understanding how cancer can affect a patients nutrition throughout the pathway you can offer personalised support to maximise each patients wellbeing, outcomes and quality of life.

As a dietitian in a cancer care team, you are most likely to:

Work in a hospital or community setting;
Work alongside other healthcare professionals to support the patient;
See patients in clinics, on the wards and in their homes;
Provide personalised plans at any stage of the journey;
Understand the goals of your patients and advise accordingly.

Entry Requirements

You will need five GCSEs (five A-C/9-4 grade GCSE’s) including English Language, Maths and Science

Plus two or three A-Levels including chemistry, biology or maths or equivalent qualifications such as a science based access to Health Professionals course, BTEC or NVQ

To access an undergraduate degree in dietetics

Training Routes

You can complete a 3 or 4 year undergraduate degree

If you hold a relevant first degree you could apply for a postgraduate degree in dietetics

The other option is to apply for an apprenticeship degree

An alternative career would be to work as a dietetic Therapy Assistant or Support Worker if you did not want to study at university.

Key Skills

You will:

Be a good communicator;
Have a strong interest in science;
Enjoy working as part of team
Want a large amount of patient contact
Be adaptable and flexible
Have the ability to explain complex things simply

Pay and benefits

As a dietitians you will be paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system with roles typically starting at a Band 5, progressing with experience

Career Development

Once you’ve successfully completed your degree you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)before you can start practising.

You’ll also be encouraged to join the British Dietetic Association – BDA where you’ll be able to access training, development and support.

You can rotate through different areas to see what you enjoy, before choosing to specialise in a particular area such as cancer care.

You could go on to do further training in enhanced and advanced clinical practice or progress into a clinical team lead role to manage a team of dietitians.

You could also move into teaching or research.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Role of the Oncology Dietitian

NHS Carers – Dietetics

British Dietetic Association – BDA

Health and Care Professions Council