What will I do in this job?

Dietitians and Nutritionists plan food and nutrition programs and supervise the preparation and serving of meals. If you choose this profession, you will help prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits, scientifically evaluating clients’ diets, and suggesting diet modifications, such as less salt for those with high blood pressure or reduced fat and sugar intake for those who are overweight.

Dietitians run food service systems for institutions such as hospitals and schools, promote sound eating habits through education and conduct research. Major areas of practice are clinical community, management, research, business and industry, and consultation.

Clinical Dietitians:

• provide nutritional services for patients in hospitals and nursing homes
• assess patients’ nutritional needs
• develop and implement nutrition programs
• evaluate and report the results
• confer with physicians and other health care professionals to coordinate medical and nutritional needs

Some Clinical Dietitians specialize in the management of overweight patients, care of the critically ill, or of renal (kidney) and diabetic patients.

Community Dietitians:

• counsel individuals and groups on nutritional practices designed to prevent disease and promote good health
• may work in a public health clinics, home health agencies, or health maintenance organizations
• evaluate individual needs, develop nutritional care plans, and instruct individuals and their families

Management Dietitians:

• oversee large-scale meal planning and preparation in health care facilities, company cafeterias, prisons, and schools

Consultant Dietitians:

• work under contract with health care facilities or in their own private practice
• work for wellness programs, sports teams, supermarkets, and other nutritional-related businesses

Will I need a special license?

Yes. 41 states require a licensure, 13 a certification, and 1 a registration.

What type of education will I need?

High school students interested in becoming a dietitian or nutritionist should take courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, health, and communications. Dietitians and nutritionists need at least a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a related area. College students in these majors take courses in foods, nutrition, institution management, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and physiology.

Will I find a job?

Employment of dietitians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012 as a result of increasing emphasis on disease prevention through improved dietary habits.

How much money will I make?

Median Salary: $41,170 (Ranges from $25,500- $59,000)
(2003-2004)