Becoming a Dietitian

A dietitian (sometimes spelled "dietician") is a health care specialist trained in dietetics, the science of the relationship of food and nutrition to health. The primary goal of dietitians is to assist their clients in attaining and maintaining an optimum level of physical health. Much like nutritionists, dietitians offer their clients advice on healthy diets. This personalized guidance is drawn from many different branches of science, including nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, and psychology.

Education, Training & Degrees for Dietitians

To earn the credential Registered Dietitian (RD), an individual must meet certain clear-cut criteria. The primary requirement is that the candidate possesses a bachelor's degree in a related subject. The prospective RD is then required to complete a year-long practice program at an accredited health care facility, community agency, or foodservice corporation. Following this year of supervised training, the RD candidate must pass a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. 46 states currently have laws regarding dietetics, although the exact requirements vary from state to state. Of these 46 states, 31 require that an RD be licensed, 14 require certification, and one requires registration. Many states also require RDs to earn continuing education units every year.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that there are currently 227 bachelor's and master's degree programs approved by the American Dietetic Association's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). Advanced degrees in dietetics are also available, but are not required for entry-level positions.

Job Responsibilities and Desired Skills for Dietitians

The objectives of the dietitian are to treat illnesses through medical nutrition, and whenever possible, to use healthy eating to prevent illness. To achieve this goal, dietitians evaluate patients' nutritional needs and then develop, implement and supervise customized nutrition programs. They evaluate the results of these programs, and modify them as necessary. Dietitians also consult with doctors and other health care professionals to coordinate the medical and nutritional needs of their patients. In addition to meal planning, RDs also assist patients in weight control and dietary management of health conditions such as diabetes.

The dietitian can perform these tasks in a variety of settings such as hospitals, public health nutrition programs, long-term care facilities, schools, community wellness centers, health clubs and nutrition programs for the elderly, or in food service management in restaurants or food companies.

Some dietitians focus on a specific population or type of facility. Community dietitians, for example, provide nutritional services for patients in institutions such as hospitals and nursing care facilities. Clinical dietitians work in public health clinics, educating and counseling individuals and groups on nutritional practices designed to promote health and prevent disease. Management dietitians oversee meal planning in facilities which require the preparation of hundreds or even thousands of meals every day, such as hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, school or company cafeterias, prisons, and other large institutions. Consultant dietitians work on a contract basis with various health care facilities or in private practice.

Beyond education and training, certain key interpersonal skills are necessary for a dietitian to be successful. A logical and analytical mind is essential in order to assess patients' needs and to determine what foods in what combinations will most effectively promote their health. This scientific mentality needs to be complemented by psychology, good communication skills, empathy, and a motivational attitude. Also helpful are practical skills such as cooking and food presentation, to accommodate patients' desire for healthy food that looks and tastes good as well as being good for them.

Dietitian Salary Range and Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 50,000 people were employed as dietitians (or dieticians) and nutritionists in 2004. A 2005 survey performed by the American Dietetic Association indicates that more than half of all full-time registered dietitians were employed in hospitals, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, or in the offices of physicians and other healthcare professionals. An additional 20 percent were employed by state and local government agencies.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2004 that employment of registered dietitians is expected to grow at about an average rate well into the next decade. The number of job openings for dietitians in nursing and long-term care facilities is predicted to increase as the population ages, but the number of positions for hospital dietitians is expected to remain stable. A 2006 survey performed by Money magazine and Salary.com of the 50 fastest-growing careers in the U.S. ranked dietician at number 40.

A dietitian salary can vary widely, influenced by such factors as education, experience, and amount of responsibility involved in the position as well as the size and location of the facility. Figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that in 2004, the median annual salary of dietitians and nutritionists was $43,630, with a range running from a low of less than $27,500 to a high of more than $63,760. In hospitals-the largest employer of dietitians-the median income was only slightly higher, about $44,050 a year. These figures correspond closely to those published by the American Dietetic Association in their 2005 Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Survey, which reported that among full-time registered dietitians working in the field less than five years, half earned between $35,000 and $46,000 in 2005.

The highest salaries available outside of the health care industry were found in the consulting, management and food service industries. A salary study performed by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 2005 indicates that registered dietitians could earn as much as $72,000 a year.

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