If you are intrigued by how particular foods and eating habits effect the human body, you may want to consider going into the dietetics or nutrition field. The outlook for jobs in dietetics is quite good and predicted to grow at an above average rate. Foreseeable job security in this field will be supported by continued emphasis on the application of nutrition science to help prevent and treat disease as well as the increased life expectancy of our nation.
Several nutrition and dietetics careers are available:
Registered Dietitian
A registered dietitian can work in sectors such as health care, food services, and research. RDs play a primary role in medical nutrition therapy, which involves the use of proper nutrition and therapeutic diets to assist in the prevention and management of health conditions such as obesity, coronary artery disease, diabetes and cancer. With the growing interest in the utilization of dietary supplements and nutrition to improve the way people feel, how they look, and overall well-being, opportunities for RDs in consultant and entrepreneurial roles are now open.
Degree Requirements4-year bachelor’s degree in dietetics or nutrition science at a university or college whose program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association).
Completion of a 6- to 12-month ACEND-accredited internship program at a health care facility, community agency, or a food service corporation.
Certification/LicensureEarn RD credential by passing the Registration Exam for Dietitians. Additional licensing requirements may be needed according to the state.
Board certifications may be earned in a specialized area of practice, such as sports, gerontology, pediatrics, diabetes or oncology.
As a registered dietitian, you will have a variety of responsibilities, depending on where you’re employed.
Health Care Facilities
- Assessing the nutritional status of clients.
- Developing specialized nutrition care plans for clients; communicating these plans to other health care professionals.
- Educating clients and staff about nutrition and therapeutic diets.
- Managing food service operations (may include managing staff, food and equipment purchasing, and food preparation).
Food and Nutrition Corporations/Businesses
- Developing communication, marketing, and public relations plans.
- Developing new products or recipes.
- Consulting with chefs in restaurants and culinary schools.
Private Practice
- Counseling clients on special diets for preventing or treating disease, optimizing health or performance, or managing weight.
- Providing consulting services to food service or restaurant managers, food vendors, or distributors.
Academia
- Teaching physicians, physician assistants, nurses, dietetic students, dentists, and others about the science of foods and nutrition.
- Directing or conducting research to answer critical nutrition questions.
- Developing food and nutrition recommendations based on research results.
21% increase in employment (above average) with 14,200 new job openings from 2012 - 2022.
Average Salary
$56,170
Registered Dietetic Technician
Registered dietetic technicians, (DTRs) work alone or in teams with registered dietitians. They work in a range of settings, but most often, DTRs work in hospitals or nursing homes. DTRs assist RDs in collecting patient information, creating nutrtional care plans, teaching classes and are able to conduct basic dietary counseling.
Degree Requirements2-year associate degree from an ACEND-accredited dietetic technician program at a community college, postsecondary vocational/technical school, university or college, including 450 hours of supervised practical experience.
Certification/LicensureDTR credential earned by passing the Registration Exam for Dietetic Technicians.
As a DTR you may work in a clinical setting, or you may be part of a team that manages food services.
In a clinical setting, such as a hospital, public health agency, or nursing home, a DTR may be responsible for:
- Gathering details from patients about their typical diet and food choices
- Helping the registered dietitian fulfill their duties
- Performing general diet guidance
- Instructing nutrition learning sessions
Above average job growth due to the increased demand for dietetics professionals.
Average Salary
$28,680
Certified Dietary Manager
Certified dietary managers (CDMs) work with RDs and DTRs and take on a more administrative role in overseeing the food preparation process. They are specifically trained to manage food service functions. Most CDMs work in food service management, but some may also provide basic nutritional services.
Degree RequirementsCompletion of an Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) approved dietary manager training program. These programs are usually 12-months or 2-years and award either a certificate or associates degree.
Certification/LicensureEarn CDM, CFPP (Certified Food Protection Professional) credential - they go together collectively - by passing the ANFP’s CDM/CFPP exam.
The CDM may be in charge of:
- Overseeing preparation and circulation of food
- Conducting job interviews with, employing, and training food service staff
- Making sure that rules and procedures for cleanliness are adhered to
- Looking after a food department’s day-to-day business operations
- Establishing and complying with spending plans
Job outlook for all food service managers is only 2%, however may not accurately reflect the outlook for CDMs specifically.
Average Salary
$52,580 (all food service managers, not just CDMs)
Nutritionist
Nutritionists come from a wide range of academic and training experience backgrounds due to lack of regulation, which basically allows anyone to call his- or herself a “nutritionist”. However, that’s not to say all nutritionists aren’t highly qualified and capable health professionals. They usually provide teaching and consultation services, independently or as part of fitness training or health coaching, to an otherwise healthy population, including athletes and the recreationally active. They can also be found in a clinical setting, although most that take on the role of nutritionist at medical facilities already hold a formal healthcare designation, such as registered dietitian, nurse or physician.
Degree RequirementsTo work in the field of fitness as a nutritionist, a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, exercise science or related major is recommended. To work in a clinical or hospital setting, then a master’s in nutrition or a health professional degree will most likely be required.
Certification/Licensure“Fitness Nutrition” certifications are offered by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and require a background in health care, exercise science or fitness training to be eligible to sit for these exams.
Regarding the practice of “Clinical Nutrition”, the U.S. Dept. of Labor recognizes the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialist’s CNS credential as a possible requirement. Eligibility for this certification requires a master’s degree in nutrition or a clinical doctoral degree, such as in allopathic/osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioning, dentistry or naturopathic medicine.
21% job growth for nutritionists and registered dietitians, collectively.
Average Salary
$55,240 though can range widely between clinical and fitness settings.
