Nutrition professionals help plan healthy meals.
With the growing trend toward healthy eating, there is an increased need for professionals in the field of diet and nutrition. Careers in diet and nutrition include registered dietitians, dietetic technicians, nutritionists, sales representatives and food-service managers.
Registered Dietitian
A registered dietitian is an expert in the field of nutrition. Becoming a registered dietitian requires obtaining a bachelor's degree that includes courses approved by the American Dietetic Association's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Subjects studied include food and nutrition sciences, biochemistry, microbiology and food-services systems management. Dietitians plan diets and help to prevent illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits. Some dietitians specialize in a particular area. Clinical dietitians evaluate the nutritional needs of patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities and other institutions. Community dietitians work with the public in clinics and home-health agencies.
Dietetic Technician
Dietetic technicians plan and produce meals and teach principles of proper diet and nutrition under the supervision of registered dietitians. They often work with people requiring special diets, such as those with diabetes or food allergies. Becoming a dietetic technician requires an associate's degree. According to the Massachusetts Dietetic Association, you must graduate from an accredited program, which includes 450 hours of supervised practical experience. Candidates must then pass a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Nutritionist
Some states have licensing laws that specify the requirements for people using the title "nutritionist," but in other states, almost anyone can use the title without any formal educational requirements. Nutritionists specialize in the study of nutrition, including nutritional deficiencies. They work with clients to help them apply principles of nutrition to prevent disease and promote health. They are often involved in teaching healthy eating, and may also be involved in research. Some nutritionists work with food-service providers to help plan healthy meals for groups in schools or other settings.
Other Careers
Consultants in the field of diet and nutrition have their own private practice or work with health-care facilities. They help clients prepare eating plans for weight loss, cholesterol reduction or special diets. Nutritional magazines and newspapers hire writers to write diet-related articles and specialized editors to review them. Other opportunities in the field of diet and nutrition include working as a sales representative or food broker for schools, health facilities or restaurants.
