DIETITIANS AND NUTRITIONISTS

Nature of the Work

Dietitians and nutritionists plan nutrition programs and supervise the preparation and serving of meals.  They help prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits.  They scientifically evaluate clients' diets and suggest modifications such as less salt for those with high blood pressure or reduced fat and sugar intake for those who are overweight.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

The basic educational requirement is a bachelor's degree with a major in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a related area.  Students take courses in foods, nutrition, institution management, chemistry, biology, microbiology, and physiology.  Other courses are business, mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, sociology, and economics.

Thirty States have laws governing dietetics 19 require licensure, 10 require certification, and 1 requires registration.  The Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) awards the Registered Dietitian credential to those who pass a certification exam after completing their academic education and supervised experience.

Job Outlook

Employment of dietitians is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 as demand grows for meals and nutritional counseling in nursing homes, schools, prisons, community health programs, home health care agencies, diet workshops, and health clubs.  Public interest in nutrition and the emphasis on health education and prudent lifestyles will add to the demand.  Many job openings will also result from the need to replace experienced workers who leave the occupation.

Earnings

According to the American Dietetic Association, full-time registered dietitians with 5 years or less experience earned a median annual salary of $28,500 a year in 1991; those with 6-10 years of experience, $32,900; 11-15 years, $36,000; 16-20 years, $38,400; and 20 years or more, $40,000.  Management and self-employed dietitians earned more than clinical and community dietitians.  Salaries also vary by educational level, geographic region, and size of community.

Sources of Additional Information

For a list of academic programs, scholarships, and other information about dietetics, contact:

The American Dietetic Association, 216 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606-6995.


