Frequently Asked Questions

Dietetics is the integration of the art and science to the application of food and nutrition to health. Dietitians are consultants and practitioners who assess, maintain and improve the health status of individuals and the public they serve. They are responsible for the management of the sick and for the promotion of health.

As a key member of the multidisciplinary medical team, the clinical dietitian provides medical nutrition therapy and implement specific diet strategies for chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. Dietitians also act as a consultant to other medical professionals.

What are the qualifications needed to be a Dietitian?

Degree courses are only tenable overseas from an accredited university by the Dietetics Association of the country. Depending on the country you obtain the degree leading the training as dietitian, you may be required to take a registration exam.

To be a practising dietitian, you must obtain one of the following:

1) Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics - 3-4 years
2) Degree in Nutrition -3 years + Post-Graduate Diploma in Dietetics
3) Degree in Science, majoring in Physiology and Biochemistry + Masters Degree in Dietetics - 2 years

In addition, at least 6 months of clinical internship must be completed.

Where can I undertake my studies in dietetics?

There are currently no academic and professional courses for the training of dietitians in Singapore. All practising dietitians have been trained overseas, mainly in United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States and West Malaysia. The training takes 3 to 5 years, including 6 to 12 months of clinical internship. Some local science graduates have obtained Masters' degree (2 years study) in Nutrition and Dietetics from Australian Universities.

For more information, you may wish to refer to the websites of the various dietetic associations below, or some of the universities for their courses.

What are the qualifications needed to be a nutritionist?

To be a qualified nutritionist recognised by SNDA, you will need to undertake an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course majoring in Nutrition subjects. Most of the above mentioned universities also offer such courses.

As for basic food and nutrition diploma, it is available through Temasek Polytechnic but the courses are full-time. You will not qualify as a nutritionist with this diploma.

Does SNDA provide scholarship to students for their overseas dietetic education?

No. You may wish to contact relevant organisations/institutions/ government ministries that offer such scholarships during the annual exercise for scholarship applications.

How do we engage a nutritionist / dietitian to deliver a health talk? Is there a fee?

1. You may wish to contact the hospital dietetic department or nutritionists/dietitians in private practice directly to request for a speaker and information on the fees.
   
2. Email us the details request for the talk and we will email to our full members. Interested members will liaise with you directly regarding the fees.

Does SNDA offer personalised nutrition counseling service?

Our association does not offer direct counseling services. However if you would like to contact a specific dietitian/ nutritionist, you may search for his/her contact details by name under " Search Personnel" (http://snda.org.sg).

Are there statutory regulations governing the practice of nutrition and dietetics in Singapore ?  

Please note that SNDA has a sub-committee on the registration of professionals. Brief information about the sub-committee is posted at this website (http://www.snda.org.sg_profile/subc.html).

How can I be a member of SNDA?

You can download our membership application form at this site (http://www.snda.org.sg/_membership/membership.html). Complete the form and send it together with the supporting documents to SNDA. We have a sub-committee who will review the qualifications of applicants before approving their membership applications. The approval process takes 4-6 weeks. Successful applicants will be informed and they will be required to pay their membership dues. Only upon payment of the membership dues can they regard themselves as a SNDA member.

Is registration or licensing required to practice dietetics in Singapore?

At present, no registration / licensure is needed for one to practice dietetics in Singapore. However, to work in a hospital or clinical institution, a dietitian is required to show documentation of her qualification before employment.

What are the job opportunities and career prospects of a dietitian?

Dietitians can be employed in a wide variety of work areas including acute and community hospitals, community dietetics, nutrition surveillance and research, education and training of facilitators, education institutions as lecturers, food service management and industry, private consultants and pharmaceuticals

Opportunities are available for pursuing post-graduate qualifications at Master or PhD levels upon accumulation of adequate clinical experience.

Career prospects are good in view of the increasing emphasis on the nutritional support and dietary care of patients, as well as on the promotion of healthy lifestyle practices among population.

Job placements and Careers

As SNDA is an organization managed by voluntary office bearers and main committee members, SNDA does not offer job placements and student projects. You may wish to contact the Chief Dietitians of hospitals to enquire about any openings that they may have.