Dietitians and nutritionists plan food and nutrition programs, supervise meal preparation, and oversee the serving of meals. They prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modifications.
Related job titles are: Clinical Dietitian, Dietitian, Clinical Dietitians, Registered Dietitian, Correctional Food Service Supervisor, Dietary Manager, Nutritionist, Outpatient Dietitian, Pediatric Clinical Dietitians, or Registered Dietitians.
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ONLINE NUTRITION SCIENCE COURSES AND DEGREES
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Important Dietitian and Nutritionist Degree Information -Top of Page-
- Most jobs are in hospitals, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians or other health practitioners.
- Dietitians and nutritionists need at least a bachelor's degree; licensure, certification, or registration requirements vary by State.
- Applicants with specialized training, an advanced degree, or certifications beyond the particular State's minimum requirement should enjoy the best job opportunities.
How much does a Dietitian and Nutritionist make in Salary? || Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay -Top of Page-
Median annual wages of dietitians and nutritionists were $50,590 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $41,060 and $61,790. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $31,460, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $73,410.
According to the American Dietetic Association, median annual wages for registered dietitians in 2007 varied by practice area as follows: $60,008 in consultation and business; $64,002 in food and nutrition management; $66,061 in education and research; $52,000 in clinical nutrition/ambulatory care; $53,997 in clinical nutrition/long-term care; $48,006 in community nutrition; and $48,984 in clinical nutrition/acute care.
What Does a Dietitian and Nutritionist Do?
Dietitian and Nutritionist Jobs, Job Description, and Responsibilities -Top of Page-
Clinical dietitians provide nutritional services to patients in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and other institutions. They assess patients' nutritional needs, develop and implement nutrition programs, and evaluate and report the results. Community dietitians counsel individuals and groups on nutritional practices designed to prevent disease and promote health. Working in places such as public health clinics, home health agencies, and health maintenance organizations, community dietitians evaluate individual needs, develop nutritional care plans, and instruct individuals and their families. Management dietitians oversee large-scale meal planning and preparation in healthcare facilities, company cafeterias, prisons, and schools. Consultant dietitians work under contract with healthcare facilities or in their own private practice.
Working Conditions for Dietitians and Nutritionists -Top of Page-
Dietitians and nutritionists usually work in clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. However, some work in hot, congested kitchens. Many dietitians and nutritionists are on their feet for much of the workday. Most full-time dietitians and nutritionists work a standard 40-hour week, although some work weekends. About 19 percent worked part time in 2008.
How to become a Dietitian and Nutritionist || Dietitian and Nutritionist Classes and Degree Programs -Top of Page-
Dietitians and nutritionists need at least a bachelor's degree. Licensure, certification, or registration requirements vary by State.
Becoming a dietitian or nutritionist usually requires at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a related area. Graduate degrees also are available. College students in these majors take classes in foods, nutrition, institution management, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and physiology. Other suggested classes include business, mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, sociology, and economics. High school students interested in becoming a dietitian or nutritionist should take classes in biology, chemistry, mathematics, health, and communications.
Experienced dietitians may advance to management positions, such as assistant director, associate director, or director of a dietetic department, or may become self-employed. Some dietitians specialize in areas such as renal, diabetic, cardiovascular, or pediatric dietetics.
Where are the Dietitian and Nutritionist Jobs? -Top of Page-
Dietitians and nutritionists held about 60,300 jobs in 2008. More than half of all jobs were in hospitals, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, or offices of physicians and other health practitioners. Some dietitians were self-employed, working as consultants to facilities such as hospitals and nursing care facilities or providing dietary counseling to individuals.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Job Opportunities and Outlook -Top of Page-
Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to increase 9 percent during the 2008-18 projection decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job growth will result from an increasing emphasis on disease prevention through improved dietary habits. A growing and aging population will boost demand for nutritional counseling and treatment in hospitals, residential care facilities, schools, prisons, community health programs, and home healthcare agencies.