Paramedical
How do I become a dietician?
In our other sheets about the profession of diététicien, we had explored all the important éléments, without going into the détails. The purpose of this sheet is therefore to provide more in-depth information on the educational path of the dialect technician, from baccalaureate to specialization.
Le métier de diététicien
What is the rôle of a diététicien?
The carriage of a diététicien focuses on nutrition. The main mission of this specialist is to create nutritional assessments and dietary plans adapted to the needs of each individual, whether for health, prevention or performance reasons. He is involved in nutritional education, accompanies patients in the management of chronic diseases (diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, etc.), and works in liaison with other health professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
His work is based on validated scientific recommendations and his ability to popularize nutritional data for a wide variety of audiences. It's not just a technical challenge, but also a relational and educational one.
For more information, see our métier diéticien or diéticien salary sheets.
Areas of intervention in nutrition and health;
The scope of a nutritionist's work extends far beyond individual consultation. He can intervene in many contexts:
- In hospital settings : within medical teams to adapt patient diets according to pathologies.
- En cabinet libéral: to offer personalized follow-up for patients in need of a balanced diet.
- In collective catering: to create balanced menus in schools, companies or nursing homes.
- In sports: helping professional and amateur athletes optimize their nutrition.
- In the food industry : in product development, nutritional testing or regulatory monitoring.
- In public health: to run prevention campaigns, participate in educational programs or work in NGOs.
This diversité allows for rich and évolutive career paths.
Conditions for access to dialect studies
Dieacute;téticien studies naturally require a good scientific level, particularly in biology, chemistry and mathematics. The bac général with SVT, physics-chemistry or math specialties is therefore highly recommended, as is the bac STL (Sciences et Technologies de Laboratoire), particularly well suited to the BTS Diétique or BUT génie biologique.
The BTS Diététique: the best-known route
Présentation du BTS Diététique
The BTS Diététique is a two-year, state-recognized training course leading to the title of diététicien. This professionally-oriented course is offered in public high schools, private establishments or by distance learning. It is particularly suited to those who want to enter the workforce quickly, without cutting back on expertise in their career.
Theoretical course content
The BTS program is dense and technical. It includes:
- Fundamental sciences: biochemistry, physiology, microbiology.
- Nutrition and therapeutics.
- Food hygiene, safety and technology.
- Courses in management, communication and culinary techniques.
A range of courses enabling students to master the theoretical and practical aspects of food.
Mandatory practical courses
The BTS includes 20 weeks of practical training, divided as follows:
- 4 weeks in collective catering
- 10 weeks in diacute;tétique thérapeutique
- 6 weeks of intervention in public health
These internships serve as first experiences in the professional world. Thanks to these, students will find it easier to settle in when they leave school.
The DUT/BUT génie biologique option diététique
Characteristics of this university course
The BUT (formerly DUT) génie biologique, parcours diétique, is a three-year course offered at IUTs. More academic than the BTS, it offers a program focused on scientific rigor, group projects, applied research and cross-disciplinary skills.
In addition, it incorporates more independent work, tutored projects, and more critical thinking, which appeals to profiles with an appetite for science and academia.
Différences with BTS Diététique
Here are the main differences between the two aforementioned courses:
- Durée : 2 years for the BTS vs 3 years for the BUT.
- Pedagogical approach: the BTS is highly professionalizing, while the BUT emphasizes autonomy and analysis.
- Accès aux longues études : le BUT permet plus facilement d’envisager une poursuite en master ou école spécialisée.
- Working methods : the GOAL involves more group work, interdisciplinary projects and applied research.
In short, the choice between BTS and BUT depends on the student's profile: pragmatic and operational, or analytical and curious.
Other possible training courses to become a diététicien
Private or specialized training
There are also private schools offering the BTS Diétique or equivalent courses. These establishments can offer a degree of flexibility that is particularly suited to adults undergoing retraining or students with specific constraints. On the other hand, care must be taken to ensure that the diploma awarded is recognized by the state to enable use of the title diététicien.
Recognition and equivalence of diplomas
To practise as a diétician in France, it is compulsory to hold a recognized diplôme. Holders of foreign diplomas must submit a dossier of equivalence to the competent commission of the Ministry of Health.
European Union nationals benefit from a simplified procedure, thanks to the harmonization of diplomas under the LMD system. On the other hand, for diplomas from outside Europe, verification of the level and content of studies will be systematically required.
After the diploma: professional insertion and débouchés
Sectors of activity accessible to young graduates
The débouchés are numerous and varied:
- Hospital sector: in clinical nutrition, endocrinology, oncology.
- Libéral: in solo practice or within nursing homes.
- Restauration collective: in schools, companies, EHPAD or hospitals.
- Industry agro-food: product development, labeling, nutritional marketing.
- Éducation and prévention: public health missions, educational workshops, actions with communities.
Also, it's worth noting that demand for nutrition specialists is increasing with the growing preoccupations around food, wellness and prevention. An attractiveness that reinforces the role of the medical recruiter in the search for the right profile.
Possibilités de poursuite d’études ou de spécialisation
After the diploma, there are several ways to specialize according to your desires: professional licenses in applied nutrition, food quality or mass catering, masters in public health, human nutrition or food science, or university diplomas in sports nutrition, eating disorders or micronutrition. By specializing, you'll be able to better distinguish yourself, broaden your skills and gain access to better job opportunities in an increasingly competitive sector.
En résumé; les études pour devenir diététicien are not long, but they remain demanding. Whichever option the student chooses, he or she will have assimilated complex medical and operative skills that will help him or her practice a growing profession.
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