Careers in Dietetics
Dietetics
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are professionals who translate the science of food and nutrition to enhance the well being of individuals and groups. Many dietitians work in health care facilities such as hospitals and extended care facilities. Dietitians also may be found working in public health settings, such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs; food stamp programs; programs for the elderly; or non-commercial and commercial foodservice operations. The broad range of opportunities for practice within dietetics provides RDs with maximum flexibility as they move through their professional careers.
With growing public interest in nutrition and wellness, the demand for dietitians continues to exceed supply. Publications from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to popular magazines, such as Cosmopolitan, cite dietetics as a field of opportunity in the coming decade. Dietetics offers the opportunity to combine an interest in food and nutrition with the privilege of meeting the needs of individuals or groups in wellness, illness, and all other stages of the life cycle. RDs are the only health professionals trained specifically in foods and nutrition, and thus are viewed as “nutrition experts.
”
Examples of Careers in Dietetics
Exciting dietetic career opportunities are available in:
- Private practice: Open your own business and provide consulting services in nutrition to physicians; work with architects in the layout and design of foodservice operations, or serve as an educational consultant, lecturer, freelance writer, or food stylist.
- Industry positions: Conduct research, evaluations, or marketing of food products; sales for food, foodservice equipment, or pharmaceutical companies; or advise on nutritional content and labeling of food products.
- Mass communications: Write columns or articles on nutrition for magazines or newspapers or appear on TV and radio to discuss nutrition issues.
- Sports nutrition: Work with individuals or coaches of high school, college, or professional sports teams in recommending appropriate diets for athletes.
- School foodservice: Direct foodservice operations and provide nutrition education.
- Clinical nutrition practice: Provide nutrition assessment and counseling for individuals with diseases or conditions requiring dietary modification.
- Education and research: Conduct research in nutrition, foods, or foodservice management, or teach in universities or medical, dental, and nursing schools.
- Foodservice management: Apply nutrition and business skills in the management of food services in schools, hospitals, corporate dining, or other foodservice establishments.
