Dietetics
By Mark Rowh
We are what we eat, they say. So what could be more important than making sure people eat the right kinds and quantities of food? That’s the role of dietitians.
This might mean planning meals for schools or hospitals, advising individuals on how to modify their diets, or training food service staff. Some dietitians specialize in areas such as sports nutrition, education, or pediatrics.
Registered dietitians work in a wide range of settings. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) lists the following work environments as examples:
• hospitals, HMOs, or other health care facilities
• schools and daycare centers
• correctional facilities
• sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs
• food and nutrition-related businesses and industries
• private practice
• community and public health settings
• universities and medical centers
• research facilities.
Depending on the job setting, dietitians may educate patients about nutrition and administer medical nutrition therapy; they may manage food-service operations; or they may counsel athletes or other clients about nutrition and fitness, teach health professionals and students, or conduct research.
Employment prospects in this field are good. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job growth is expected because of an aging population along with an increased emphasis on preventing disease and pursuing good nutrition. The greatest area of job growth for dietitians in the near future will be in nursing homes, residential-care facilities, and physician clinics.
Earning potential is also promising. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, half of all registered dietitians earn between $36,000 and $53,000 per year. Experienced dietitians may have annual incomes of $60,000 or more.
Students interested in becoming dietitians need to complete a bachelor’s degree. Ideally, this should be in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field, but students majoring in other areas may qualify by taking additional classes. The main consideration is to complete an academic program approved by the ADA. This will include an internship or pre-professional practical experience.
Most employers prefer to hire regstered dietitians. In order to become a registered dietitian, you must finish an ADA approved program, pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), and complete continuing education requirements once you’re employed.
Subjects you’ll study include nutritional sciences, food service systems management, business, computer science, culinary arts, and other courses. Courses in science such as biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and anatomy are also required, so pay attention in your math and science courses now!
What skills or aptitudes do you need to succeed as a dietitian?
Since dietetics is based on scientific principles, it’s certainly important that you enjoy science. Success in courses such as biology and chemistry is a good indication of your potential for studying (and enjoying) nutrition. Good organizational skills and analytical ability are also important in this field.
Since most jobs include teaching or advising others on the principles of good nutrition, you will also need strong skills in written and oral communication. This means that your English and history courses are very important, too!
For more information about a career as a registered dietitian, contact the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600, www.eatright.org.
2009
