Dieticians & Nutritionists

Registered dietitians are also called nutritionists. They are food and nutrition experts working in various environments including health care, business, public health, education and research, government and private practice. Like most careers in health, job growth is expected to result from an increased emphasis on disease prevention and an aging population.

Education

Dietitians or nutritionists hold at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition or a related area. Graduate degrees also are available. College students in these majors take courses in foods, nutrition, management, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, psychology and physiology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2008, there were 279 bachelor's degree programs and 18 master's degree programs approved by the American Dietetic Association's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education.

Licensure and Credentialing

There are 46 states with laws governing dietetics, 33 require licensure, 12 require statutory certification, and one requires registration; specific requirements vary by state. The Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association awards the registered dietitian credential to those who pass an exam following academic coursework and a pre-professional internship. To maintain registered dietitian status, workers must complete at least 75 credit hours in approved continuing education credit every five years.

Job Description

Dietitians provide nutritional services to patients in hospitals, nursing care facilities and other institutions. They counsel individuals and groups on nutritional practices to prevent disease and promote health. Dietitians analyze foods, menus and diets and prepare education materials. They hire, train and direct other professionals and food service workers; create budgets and purchase food, equipment and supplies; and enforce sanitation and safety rules.

Work Environments

Dietitians are most often found in health care facilities like hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. Community or public organizations like health departments and WIC clinics employee dietitians as counselors or educators. Others work for businesses, like food companies and food service establishments. Dietitians conduct research, both in academia and at for-profit companies. Others work in private practice or consulting. Some work for wellness programs, sports teams and supermarkets.

Wages

The BLS reports the median annual wages of dietitians and nutritionists at $50,590 as of May 2008. The American Dietetic Association conducts a salary and benefits survey with a sample of their members every two years. The 2009 report found median wages to be higher, $58,000. The difference lies in that the BLS data includes non-RD nutrition professionals, such a dietetic technicians, who have a two-year degree and earn lower wages. Salaries in dietetics range from $31,000 to more than $90,000 annually depending on area of expertise and chosen work environment.