HCPC Registration for Dietitians
To work as a dietitian in the UK you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); "dietitian" (and "dietician") is a protected title, so practising or using the title without registration is a criminal offence under the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001.
Dietetics is one of the 15 professions the HCPC regulates, and dietitians are the only nutrition professionals regulated by UK law. Whether you trained in the UK or overseas, you must be on the HCPC Register before you can work under the title "dietitian". This page explains β as general information, not a job offer β how internationally-qualified dietitians become eligible to register.
What dietitians do in the UK
Dietitians assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at the level of both individuals and populations. In the UK they work across the NHS β in hospitals, community and public health β managing conditions such as diabetes, malnutrition, allergies, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders and eating disorders, and translating nutrition science into practical, evidence-based advice.
"Dietitian" is protected in law and HCPC-regulated; "nutritionist" is NOT a protected title and is not HCPC-regulated (nutritionists may join the voluntary UK Register of Nutritionists run by the Association for Nutrition). The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is the professional body and trade union for dietitians; BDA membership is separate from β and not a substitute for β HCPC registration.
How an internationally-qualified dietitian registers
The HCPC route is the same across the allied health professions. Each step is covered in depth on the international application guide.
- 1
Confirm your profession is HCPC-regulated
Physiotherapists and radiographers (diagnostic and therapeutic) are among the 15 professions the HCPC regulates. Check that your exact profession and title are on the HCPC list before you begin.
- 2
Gather your qualification and experience evidence
You will need certified proof of your professional qualification, a detailed breakdown of your training (curriculum, hours, clinical placements) and evidence of your professional experience. The HCPC compares this against the UK standards of proficiency for your profession.
- 3
Meet the English-language requirement
Provide evidence of English proficiency β the HCPC accepts IELTS Academic 7.0 (no section below 6.5) or OET Grade B. Some applicants are exempt where they trained and practised in English; the HCPC website sets out who qualifies.
- 4
Submit your international application and pay the fee
Complete the HCPC international application and pay the international application (scrutiny) fee. The HCPC then assesses whether your education and experience meet UK standards. Confirm the current fee on the HCPC fees page before you apply.
- 5
Respond to any assessment outcome
The HCPC may approve your application, or ask for more information, or require you to address a shortfall (for example through further study or supervised practice) before it can register you. Follow the decision letter carefully.
- 6
Join the Register and arrange the right to work
Once registered you may use the protected title and practise. Working in the UK also requires the right to work β many applicants use the Health and Care Worker visa, which needs a job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor. HCPC registration and immigration are separate processes.
What a dietitian earns in the NHS
A newly HCPC-registered dietitian in the NHS in England usually starts on Agenda for Change Band 5, progressing to Band 6 (specialist) and Band 7 (advanced/clinical specialist) with experience and further training.
| Band | Full-time range (per year) | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| Band 5 | Β£29,970 β Β£36,483 | Newly HCPC-registered / entry practitioner |
| Band 6 | Β£37,338 β Β£44,962 | Specialist practitioner |
| Band 7 | Β£46,148 β Β£52,809 | Advanced / clinical specialist / team lead |
| Band 8a | Β£53,755 β Β£60,504 | Consultant practitioner / clinical lead |
Source: NHS Employers β Agenda for Change pay scales, 2024/25. Pay is set nationally, is renegotiated annually, and does not depend on where you trained β confirm the current figure at the source.
A newly HCPC-registered dietitian in the NHS in England starts on Agenda for Change Band 5 β about Β£29,970 rising to Β£36,483 full-time (2024/25).
- Band 5 β Newly HCPC-registered / entry practitioner
- Β£29,970βΒ£36,483
- Band 6 β Specialist practitioner
- Β£37,338βΒ£44,962
- Band 7 β Advanced / clinical specialist / team lead
- Β£46,148βΒ£52,809
- Band 8a β Consultant practitioner / clinical lead
- Β£53,755βΒ£60,504
As of 2024/25. Source: NHS Employers, Agenda for Change.
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Frequently asked questions β dietitians
Do I have to register with the HCPC to work as a dietitian in the UK?+
Yes. "Dietitian" and "dietician" are protected titles. Under the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001 it is a criminal offence to use the title or work as a dietitian in the UK without being on the HCPC Register.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?+
"Dietitian" is protected by law and HCPC-regulated, so only registered dietitians can use the title and they are qualified to assess, diagnose and treat clinical conditions. "Nutritionist" is not a protected title and is not HCPC-regulated; nutritionists may join the voluntary UK Register of Nutritionists, but this is not statutory regulation. If you qualified as a dietitian, register with the HCPC β not as a nutritionist.
I qualified as a dietitian outside the UK. How do I register?+
You apply through the HCPC international registration route. The HCPC assesses whether your education and professional experience meet the UK standards of proficiency for dietitians. A separate international application fee and English-language evidence are required. Confirm current details on the HCPC website.
What English-language level does the HCPC require?+
The HCPC accepts IELTS Academic 7.0 (no section below 6.5) or OET Grade B. Some applicants who trained and practised in English are exempt. Confirm the current accepted tests and scores on the HCPC website.
What does a dietitian earn in the NHS?+
On the NHS Agenda for Change scale for England (2024/25), a newly registered dietitian typically starts on Band 5 (about Β£29,970βΒ£36,483 full-time), rising to Band 6 and Band 7 with specialism and experience. Confirm current bands with NHS Employers.
Is GeraClinic a recruitment agency that will place me in the NHS?+
No. GeraClinic is a telemedicine platform. These pages are general educational information about the UK registration pathway. GeraClinic does not recruit, sponsor, place or supply staff to the NHS, and never charges applicants a placement fee.
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Related on the wider Gera network: healthcare jobs on GeraJobs. Applying to any specific vacancy is always done directly with the advertising employer β GeraClinic does not place, sponsor or match candidates.
Sources & further reading
These are the primary, official sources for everything on this page. Where figures appear, confirm the current value at the source before relying on it.
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
UK statutory regulator for 15 health and care professions, including physiotherapists and radiographers.
- HCPC β International registration
Application route and assessment process for professionals qualified outside the UK.
- HCPC β Fees
Current application, scrutiny and renewal fees.
- British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Professional body and trade union for dietitians. Optional membership; the statutory regulator is the HCPC.
- UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (AfN)
The voluntary register for "nutritionist" β a title that, unlike "dietitian", is NOT protected in law and not HCPC-regulated.
- NHS Employers β Agenda for Change pay scales
National NHS pay bands for England, 2024/25.
- GOV.UK β Health and Care Worker visa
Immigration route for eligible medical and social-care roles with a Home Office-licensed sponsor.