Dietitians and Nutritionists
Nutritionists and Dietitians plan and supervise the preparation of meals for patients/clients and confer with physicians and other medical professionals about each patient's/client's nutritional needs and preferences.Dietitians may coordinate diet therapy and nutritional education programs, including teaching patients and their families about specific diets to be followed.
They may also instruct groups or individuals about the nutritional care of conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and pregnancy.
Some Dietitians may make nutritional presentations to medical professionals. Others may conduct nutritional research and write reports to communicate the research findings.
Dietitians and Nutritionists work in a wide variety of settings such as schools, prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities.
Requirements to become a Dietitian:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in food service management, nutrition, or dietetics from a college accredited by the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
- Registered Dietitian certification is increasingly preferred by employers.
- Good judgment and decision making.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Interest in the care of clients.
- Fingerprint clearance may be required by employer.
Wages:
- Dietitians and Nutritionists Median hourly wage: $26.21
- Average annual wage: $55,071.
Job Outlook:
- Estimated number of Dietitians and Nutritionists in 2002: 4,100
- Estimated number of Dietitians and Nutritionists in 2012: 5,000
- Estimated annual job openings: 200
Possible Career Paths:
Possible career paths for Dietitians and Nutritionists include becoming a Dietitian and Nutritionist Health Educator, Food Technologist, Director of Dietetics, Hospital Dietetic Consultant or be Self-employed.