Become a dietitian in France - Réfugiés.info

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Become a dietitian in France

Proposed by JRS France Updated on 3 дні тому

A dietitian is a healthcare professional specializing in food and nutrition.

They help people adapt their diet to their needs and health status. They can intervene in the prevention or management of problems such as malnutrition, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or certain digestive disorders.

They can work in a hospital, clinic, medical-social establishment, catering, the agri-food industry or in a private practice.

To practice as a dietitian in France, you must have a French diploma.

Two main training programs allow one to practice:

  • The BTS (Brevet de technicien supérieur) in Dietetics and Nutrition, which lasts 2 years. It is a short and professional training course , particularly oriented towards the practice of the profession and working with the patient;
  • The BUT (Bachelor of Technology) in Biological Engineering, specializing in Dietetics and Nutrition, lasts 3 years. It is a university program , more in-depth in science and biology, which also makes it easier to pursue further studies after graduation and allows for work in research.

There is no exemption from training for holders of a foreign diploma. You will therefore have to complete training in France.

Your professional experience can, however, be valued within the framework of a validation of acquired experience (VAE).
Depending on your situation, VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience) can allow you to obtain all or part of a certification. You can search for VAE opportunities in the field of dietetics on the France VAE website. For example, search for "dietetics" or "nutrition".

How to do it?

To enter the training program, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.

If your high school diploma was obtained abroad, the institution may ask you for a comparability statement.

Read the Refugees.info fact sheet: " Getting a foreign diploma recognized in France (ENIC-NARIC) "

The documents required vary depending on the institution.

In general, prepare:

  • your high school diploma;
  • your higher education diplomas;
  • your transcripts, if you have them;
  • documents relating to your professional experience;
  • your CV;
  • a cover letter;
  • an identity document (residence permit, passport...);
  • the translation into French of certain documents.

Read the Refugees.info fact sheet: " Requesting an official translation of a document "

If you are If you are a beneficiary of international protection, indicate this in your file, especially if your journey has been interrupted or if you cannot provide certain documents.

The training includes instruction in:

  • nutrition;
  • biology and pathophysiology;
  • food science;
  • food;
  • public health;
  • English.
If you have been out of school for a long time, a science refresher course may be helpful before starting the program. A B2 level is recommended for following the courses, writing a dissertation, and completing the internships.

Choosing a training program

If you have already studied or worked in your country, look for training that is suitable for adults returning to studies.

You can choose:

  • continuing education to return to study or change career;
  • Apprenticeships allow you to study while working and earning a salary. Two types of contracts can be used for this training: apprenticeship contracts ( primarily for people under 30); and professional training contracts (young people aged 16 to 25 and job seekers aged 26 and over). However, it may be more difficult to find an employer, particularly because the costs may be higher for the employer.
  • Distance learning to follow courses from home and complete mandatory internships.

Find a business

To find a BTS (Advanced Vocational Diploma) in Dietetics and Nutrition or a BUT (University Diploma of Technology) in Biological Engineering, specializing in Dietetics and Nutrition , you can visit the Onisep website:

To search for other dietetics training courses , you can consult the France Travail website.

Note: Some training programs listed on France Travail only cover a specific skills block. Verify that the program prepares you for the full BTS in Dietetics and Nutrition, which typically takes two years.

In the results, look for courses offered in continuing education , apprenticeship or distance learning.

Before applying, it is recommended to visit the institution's website to check admission requirements, application procedure, dates, training fees and funding options.

Depending on the training program you choose, you will need to send an application file for the institution.

The documents required vary depending on each course and you can find them on the course website.

In your cover letter, explain your background and your career goals.

If you have previously worked as a dietitian in your country, highlight:

  • your training;
  • your professional experience;
  • your skills;
  • the areas of nutrition in which you have worked;
  • your project to practice in France.

Funding options depend on the chosen course and your individual circumstances.

Before registering, please remember to check:

  • the total cost of the training;
  • the possibilities of support by France Travail or the Region;
  • your potential rights to the Personal Training Account (CPF);

Read the Refugees.info fact sheet: " Using the personal training account (CPF) "

  • the assistance offered by the institution.

Work-study program​

With an apprenticeship contract or, where applicable, a professional training contract, you are an employee and receive a salary. Training costs are covered under the contract.

If you are a job seeker

Before starting the training, discuss your project with your France Travail advisor. Depending on your situation, several forms of assistance may be available to finance all or part of the training or to support you during your studies.

Aid from your region

The Regions can propose Financial aid and scholarships are available for certain health, social work, and paramedical training programs. Eligibility criteria vary depending on your region and the chosen program.

Please note: the BTS in Dietetics and Nutrition is not automatically eligible for these scholarships. Check with your regional council and the training institution.

Continuing education or distance learning

Training costs vary considerably from one institution to another, particularly between public and private institutions.

What happens next?

When you graduate, you can work in various fields, including:

  • in a hospital or clinic;
  • in a medical-social establishment;
  • in institutional catering;
  • in the agri-food industry;
  • in prevention and health education; in private practice.

You can also continue your studies to specialize in the fields of nutrition, health, agri-food or research.

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