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In the previous issue, we explored various medical practitioner roles such as nurse and pharmacist.  In this issue, we continue to introduce additional roles and the academic qualifications required to practice these professions.  

Nutritionists and Dietitians 

Nutritionists are professionals who provide advice on diet and nutrition to individuals, aiming to improve their overall health and lifestyle.   They can work in a variety of settings, such as healthcare facilities, nursing homes, government agencies, or private practice.  Dietitians, on the other hand, undergo more rigorous training and are regulated by law.  The term “nutritionist” is less regulated and can encompass various levels of training and expertise.  

To become qualified in the UK: 

Students should have at least a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition or a related bioscience degree, complemented by relevant experience, or be able to demonstrate significant professional experience in nutrition science. This usually requires a minimum of seven years if the individual does not possess a degree in nutrition.  

To legally use the title “dietitian” and practice dietetics, one must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).  All dietetic programmes must be approved by the HCPC and can also seek accreditation from the British Dietetic Association (BDA).  Successful completion of these programmes provides the eligibility required for HCPC registration.  

To become qualified in the US: 

Students are required to earn a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.  Relevant degree programmes might also include food and nutritional science or biochemistry.  Dietitians in the US must pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).  Additionally, dietitians are required to fulfil continuing professional educational requirements to maintain their registration. 

To become qualified in Canada: 

Students must complete a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition and dietetics from an accredited university programme.  These programmes typically cover various science subjects, including chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, and microbiology.  Dietitians in Canada are required to register with the provincial regulatory body in the province where they intend to practice.  

To become qualified in Australia: 

Aspiring students are required to have a degree-level qualification in nutrition and/or dietetics, with most employers seeking professional qualifications.  Graduates can further develop their expertise through higher education, such as an undergraduate degree in health science.  Dietitians in Australia must be accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA), and must continually adhere to the DAA’s professional and ethical standards to maintain their accreditation.  

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help individuals of all ages overcome challenges in completing everyday tasks and activities due to disability, illness, trauma, ageing, and a variety of long-term conditions.  They find solutions to everyday problems, such as advising on how to approach a task differently, using equipment or assistive technology, adapting the living or working environment, and finding strategies to meet the patient’s goals.  

To become qualified in the UK: 

Aspiring students must obtain a master’s degree in occupational therapy and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) post-graduation before commencing their practice. 

To become qualified in the US: 

Students must earn at least a master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited programme.  After earning their degree, graduates are required to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination to be licensed to practice in the US.  

To become qualified in Canada: 

In Canada, students need to complete a master’s degree in occupational therapy. After this, they must pass the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE), administered through the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, CAOT) before practising in Canada.  

To become qualified in Australia: 

In Australia, students need to complete a master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited university programme.  After graduation, graduates must register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA) before practising in Australia.    

Radiologist 

Radiologists are medical practitioners who specialise in diagnosing diseases, injuries and medical conditions using medical imaging techniques such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET), or ultrasound.  They act as expert consultants to referring physicians, assisting them in selecting the appropriate exam, interpreting the resulting medical images, and applying test results to direct patient care.  

To become qualified in the UK: 

Students must complete an approved degree or master’s in diagnostic radiography, which typically takes three to four years full-time, or up to six years part-time. Some postgraduate courses may be completed in two years.  After this, graduates are required to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before practising as a radiographer.  This includes using the protected titles:  radiographer, diagnostic radiographer, and therapeutic radiographer. Many radiologists pursue an additional one to two years of subspecialty training to become experts in specific areas of radiology.    

To become qualified in the US: 

Students need to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.  After graduation, they must pass a national certification examination administered by the American Board of Radiology (ABR).  Additionally, they must provide proof of a valid state or provincial medical license.  For those still in training, a valid training license is acceptable.  The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) also offers certification and registration in radiography, which some employers may prefer.  

Radiologists are required to complete a four-year residency in radiology within public hospital systems. Additionally, some radiologists choose to pursue a fellowship, which typically lasts one or two years, to specialise in a particular subspecialty.   

To become qualified in Canada:

Aspiring students must complete a five-year residency programme after obtaining a medical degree and pass the certification examination of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

To become qualified in Australia:

After obtaining a medical degree, graduates must first complete a two-year work period in the public hospital system (comprising an internship and residency).  Following this, radiologists can apply for a five-year training programme administered by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

At Bearing Academy, our professional medical education advisory service is designed to support you at every step, from preparing for your foundation programme to selecting a specialty and beyond.  Contact us today by emailing info@bearing-academy.com today to learn how we can assist you in your medical career.