Learn How to Become a Dietitian or Nutritionist
Dietitians and nutritionists help people lose weight and improve their overall health.
The Basics
What you'll do: Participate in menu planning and overseeing the preparation of food, teach at-risk groups such as senior citizens, pregnant women and diabetics about which types of food to eat and which foods to avoid. You may also study nutrition for food companies and test new food products and equipment.
Where you'll work: Hospitals, nursing care facilities, public health clinics, home health agencies, cafeteria, food manufacturers, private practice
Degree you'll need: Bachelor's degree
Median annual salary: $53,250*
Cities with highest employment level: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Pittsburgh
About Dietitians and Nutritionists
Dietitian
You'll need a bachelor's degree in nutrition—or a related field—to become a dietitian. Dietitians are experts in nutrition science. As a dietitian, you'll focus on menu planning, supervision of food preparation, diet therapy, nutrition research, counseling and education.
Nutritionist
You'll need a bachelor's degree in nutrition—or a closely related degree—to get started, and your studies will include biology, mathematics, psychology, sociology and statistics.
Your nutritionist job will take you to a variety of places, from the kitchen to the office. You may spend your time helping people formulate diet plans that work for them or advising clients about food safety regulations. When you decide to become a nutritionist, it's just the first in a long line of choices that will lead you to the nutrition career that is perfect for you.
Dietitian Degrees and Courses
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: Become a Registered Dietitian
Most states require licensure or certification for practicing dietitians. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) offers national certification and testing which earns dietitians the title Registered Dietitian (RD).
In order to become a registered dietitian, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete a bachelor's degree at a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE)
- Complete six to 12 months of work in a CADE-accredited practice program
- Pass the CDR test
- Maintain certification through continuing education
While nutritionists have fewer training requirements and job responsibilities than dietitians, some states do have nutritionist certification and licensing requirements. So before you enroll in a nutrition program, find out about the requirements in your state.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data published March 27, 2012; Dietitians and Nutritionists.
*The salary information listed is based on a national average, unless noted. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.
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Did You Know?
Did You Know?
- The U.S. weight loss industry currently rakes in over $58.6 billion per year.
- It's estimated that about 72 million Americans are dieters.
Source: www.marketdataenterprises.com