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Dietitian and Nutritionist Education and Careers

Dietitians and nutritionists help people lose weight and improve their overall health.

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Dietitians are experts in nutrition science. As a dietitian, you'll specialize in menu planning, supervision of food preparation, diet therapy, nutrition research, counseling and education.

Dietitian Job Description

Your typical duties as a dietitian will vary according to your area of specialization:

  • Clinical and management dietitians work in hospitals or nursing homes and are responsible for menu planning and overseeing the preparation of food.
  • Community dietitians teach at-risk groups such as senior citizens, pregnant women and diabetics about which types of food to eat and which foods to avoid.
  • Research dietitians study nutrition for commercial food companies.
  • Consulting dietitians work in private practice and may counsel patients, test new food products and equipment, and develop new recipes and menus for restaurants and businesses.

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Dietitian Salary

According to Salary.com, the middle 50% of dietitians earn between $45,058 and $55,583 per year. The median annual salary for dietitians is $49,980.

PayScale.com lists the average salary for nutritionists as ranging between $27,707 and $45,338 per year.

Dietitian vs. Nutritionist

Dietitians are often referred to as "nutritionists," but registered dietitians have more education and training than nutritionists. Dietitians also have greater job responsibilities and earn higher salaries than nutritionists.

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Dietitian Work Environment

As a dietitian, you might work in any of the following settings:

  • Hospitals
  • Nursing care facilities
  • Public health clinics
  • Home health agencies
  • Corporate cafeterias
  • Food manufacturers
  • Private practice

Most dietitians work a standard 40-hour week.

Dietician Courses and Degree Options

Dietitians must have a bachelor's degree from a program accredited by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Some dietitians enter an ADA-accredited BA/MA program, which provides classroom and on-the-job training. Coursework generally includes the following:

  • Economics
  • Statistics
  • Bacteriology
  • Physiology
  • Home Economics
  • Management Theory
  • Business Administration
  • Sociology
  • Data Processing

Dietitian Certification

Most states require licensure or certification. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) offers national certification and testing which earns dietitians the title Registered Dietitian (RD).

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Did You Know?

  • The US weight loss industry currently rakes in over $55 billion per year.
  • It's estimated that junk food currently accounts for 25 to 30 percent of the average American diet.

Source: www.marketdataenterprises.com

Spotlight Schools

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible for working students. Whether you're seeking an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal--and sooner than you may think.


Colorado Technical University Online

At Colorado Technical University, we understand the importance of your goals to pursue an industry-current, college degree. We offer access to skilled professors, small class size and flexible learning programs online and on campus.


Keiser University

Whether your goal is to improve your employability, develop leadership skills, enhance your education, improve your life, or simply study for the enjoyment of learning something new, Keiser University is designed around your needs.