Dietetics and nutrition is a fascinating science and health field focused on helping people lead healthier lifestyles and achieve health-related goals. Good nutrition and wellness are at the heart of dietetics and nutrition.
How do I become a dietitian or nutritionist?
Dietitians and nutritionists start with a bachelor’s degree in areas like dietetics, foods and nutrition, or public health. Courses may include subjects like nutrition, psychology, and chemistry. Many dietitians and nutritionist go on to achieve advanced degrees. After graduating from college, dietitians and nutritionists complete several hundred hours of supervised training. Some universities offer programs that allow students to complete their supervised training as a part of their program.
To become licensed, most states require a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition or other related area, completing supervised practice, and passing a national exam. Many dietitians receive the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. This credential is preferred or required by most employers. To qualify for this exam, you must complete a bachelor’s degree and a 1,200 hour Dietetic Internship (DI).
Dietitians and nutritionists may seek a specialty certification as well. The Commission on Dietetic Registration offers several specialist certifications like oncology nutrition or pediatric nutrition, among others.
What does a dietitian and nutritionist do?
Focused on health and wellness, dietitians and nutritionists evaluate clients and use their findings to help clients know what foods to eat and which to avoid. Often this is a customized plan based on the special needs of the child or adult. For example, you might work with a client with diabetes to create a plan to naturally balance their blood sugar. Or, you could work with groups of people with similar nutritional needs and support them as they achieve health and wellness.
Dietitians and nutritionists work with a variety of health care professionals to help children and adults meet their nutrition and wellness goals. This might include: physicians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physician assistants. As a team this group of practitioners work to maximize the health and wellness of their clients.
Dietitians and nutritionists need strong analytical skills to keep up to date on the latest research and interpret scientific studies. Good listening skills are vital as you listen to a client’s goals and concerns. On the flip side, good speaking skills are equally important so you can explain eating plans and other information in a way that the client can understand.
What is a dietitian’s and nutritionist’s salary?
The average annual salary for a dietitian is $61,270 in the United States. Average salaries range from $59,320 when working in a residential care facility to $68,000 at outpatient care centers. Salaries peak on the West Coast and in the Northwest.
While many dietitians and nutritionists work in traditional healthcare facilities, there are higher-paying industries, like wholesalers and scientific research and development. Such careers can be very lucrative, typically paying at least an additional $10,000 a year!
What is the job outlook for dietitians and nutritionists?
Projected growth in the next 10 years is expected to be 8%, which is higher than most occupations. What is fueling this growth? Recent interest in the role food and nutrition play in wellness has increased. Meanwhile, many now recognize how food and nutrition can help to prevent disease. Additionally, with the increase in obesity and the diseases that accompany it, dietitians play a critical role within healthcare to help these individuals.