Dietetics Requirements in South Africa

Understanding the dietetics requirements is essential for prospective students who want to pursue a career as a registered dietitian-nutritionist in South Africa. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key academic and professional steps needed to enter this field.

Academic Requirements

To study dietetics in South Africa, students must meet specific academic requirements that vary slightly between universities. Generally, students must possess a National Senior Certificate certified by Umalusi with an achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four subjects. For example, the University of the Western Cape requires a desirable score of 34 points, while North-West University necessitates a minimal APS count of 30.

Subject Requirements

All dietetics programs require specific subjects at the secondary school level. The core compulsory subjects include:

• English at level 4
• Another language at level 3
• Mathematics at level 4 or Mathematical Literacy at level 6
• Life Sciences at level 4

Some universities have additional requirements. Notably, North-West University specifically asks for Mathematics at Level 5 (60-69%) and Physical Science at Level 5 (60-69%).

Program Structure and Duration

The BSc Dietetics is a four-year full-time program. This program is typically structured as follows:

• First two years: Foundation studies with science and basic nutrition modules.
• Third year: Course majors including therapeutic nutrition, community nutrition, food service management, research methodology, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Fourth year: Intensive internship at local clinics and hospitals under the supervision of registered dietitians, including modules in statistics and psychology, and completion of a research project. For more details on this structure, see the University of Pretoria’s program.

Professional Registration Requirements

Students must register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) under the Professional Board for Dietetics and Nutrition from their first year of study. This registration remains valid throughout the duration of the training. After graduation, South African citizens must complete one year of community service. During this period, they are registered as dietitian: community service with the HPCSA. Upon completing the community service, their registration changes to dietitian: private practice, indicating independent practitioner status.

Personal Attributes

Prospective students should possess certain personal qualities for success in dietetics. They should be in good physical health and have excellent communication skills. Ideal characteristics include enthusiasm, creativity, willingness to teach others, and the ability to take initiative.

Recent Changes in the Field

In 2022, the Professional Board for Dietetics and Nutrition approved a significant change in the training of dietitians in South Africa. The field transitioned to training a single general nutrition cadre at entry level, with practitioners now referred to as dietitian-nutritionists. These professionals apply the science of food and nutrition to promote health, prevent and treat disease, optimizing the health of individuals, groups, communities, and populations. For more information on this new cadre, refer to the Qualification Standard Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition.

Career Areas

Graduates can practice in various areas, including community nutrition, therapeutic nutrition, food service management, sports nutrition, and research. The training prepares dietitians to work in clinical and community environments, focusing on medical nutrition therapy, lifestyle-related disease prevention, and therapeutic treatment of diseases.

Overall, understanding these requirements and pathways can greatly assist prospective students in planning their academic journeys and career paths in dietetics in South Africa.