Links to related Web Sites are listed at the bottom of this page.
| AREAS |
EMPLOYERS |
STRATEGIES |
|
CLINICAL
Clinical Nutrition |
- Hospitals
- Health centers and clinics
- Home health providers
- Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
- Nursing homes
- Residential care centers
- Dialysis centers
- Diabetes care clinics
- Exercise and fitness centers
|
Volunteer in hospitals or nursing homes to gain
experience working with patients or the elderly.
Plan to earn the Hospital Registered Dietitian
credential.
Several years experience and possibly a graduate
degree are required for specialties such as pediatrics, gerontology, sports, or critical care. |
| |
COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
Health Promotion
Education
Program Planning and Implementation
Administration
Counseling
Consultation |
- Public and home health agencies
- Social service agencies
- Community centers
- Federal, state, and local government
- Daycare centers
- Health and recreation clubs
- Health maintenance organizations (HMO's)
|
Gain extensive clinical experience before pursuing
public health.
Earn a master's degree for more opportunities.
Seek experiences in the public health arena.
Learn government application procedures.
Develop strong presentation and public speaking skills.
Learn to work well with all types of people. |
| |
FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT
Menu Planning
Budgeting
Purchasing
Food Preparation
Personnel Management |
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Colleges and universities
- Company cafeterias
- Correctional facilities
- Camps
- Restaurants
- Hotels
|
Obtain work experience in any large-scale food
service operation such as campus cafeterias.
Take business courses and develop strong computer
skills.
Seek supervisory roles to gain experience. |
| |
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Clinical Dietetics
Nutrition Education and Teaching
Administration
Research |
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- NASA
- US Public Health Service
- Indian Health Service
- Food & Drug Administration
- National Center for Health Statistics
- Centers for Disease Control
- Bureau of Health Care and Delivery
- National Institutes of Health
- US Department of Agriculture
WIC (Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
- Veterans Administration
- Hospitals
- Peace Corps and
- VISTA
|
Learn federal government application procedures.
Earn a Master's degree for advancement in research
or administration.
Pursue internships in government agencies.
Maintain a strong grade point average. |
| |
CONSULTING
Diet Counseling
Education and Programming
Writing |
- Private practice
- Physicians' offices
- Weight loss clinics
- Nursing homes
- Health clubs and spas
- Restaurants
- Catering services
- Food manufacturers
- Sports teams
- Health-related magazines and
- Internet sites
- Newspapers
|
Gain experience and expertise in a specialty area of nutrition.
Earn additional certifications in fields such as fitness
or athletic training.
Find a need in the community and fill it. An entrepreneurial spirit is required!
Be prepared to work in several areas at one time.
Develop excellent written and verbal communication
skills.
Learn how to promote oneself. |
| |
INDUSTRY
Research
Product Development
Sensory Evaluation
Quality Assurance
Marketing
Sales
Customer Service
Consumer Food Science |
- Food manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Health-related businesses
- Weight loss programs
- Restaurant and hotel chains
- Public relations firms with food industry accounts
|
Supplement curriculum with courses in business administration, marketing, or advertising.
Develop strong written and verbal communication skills.
Gain computer expertise.
Seek leadership roles in campus organizations. |
| |
TEACHING
Teaching
Research |
- Colleges and universities
- Community and technical schools
- Nursing, medical, and dental schools
- Teaching hospitals
- Medical centers
- Government agencies
- Food and pharmaceutical companies
|
Earn a master's degree for instructor positions or a
doctorate for tenure track professorships.
Earn a graduate degree for advancement in research
positions.
Gain research experience by assisting professors.
Develop strong communication skills. |
| |
GENERAL INFORMATION
•Most positions require the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential. Become an RD through an accredited bachelor's or master's program followed by an approved,
supervised internship. The Registration Examination for Dietitians is also required.
• Some states require licensure or certification to practice dietetics.
• One should enjoy helping people and working with healthcare professionals and have an interest in good health, nutrition, and fitness.
• Scientific aptitude is required to successfully earn a degree in nutrition. Basic sciences play a large role in nutrition.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team is important in this field.
• Clients may be seen individually or in groups. Learn the fundamentals of human relations and group dynamics.
• Effective communication skills are important.
• Develop interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Over half of dietitians and nutritionists work in hospitals, nursing homes, or physicians' offices.
• Research, public health, and advanced clinical positions require a graduate degree. |
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