Dietitians help people maintain healthy bodies through proper nutrition.
Careers in the nutrition industry are ideal if you enjoy learning what foods are best for the human body and transferring this knowledge to others to enhance their quality of life. Nutritionists and dietitians are the umbrella careers within this industry; however, you can choose a specific scope of practice as a nutritionist or dietitians. Job growth within the nutrition industry is projected to grow nine percent by 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This growth is due to the national emphasis on healthier eating and an aging population.
Clinical Dietitian
Clinical dietitians work in medical institutions to help assess the nutritional needs for patients. Some of the responsibilities of a clinical dietitian include developing and implementing nutritional plans, evaluating the effect of these plans and advising patients on nutritional matters. To become a clinical dietitian, you must obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in a health related field such as nutrition. To work as a clinical dietitian within your state you may be required to obtain state license or certification. The American Dietetic Association Commission on Dietetic Registration provides a list of all states that require licensing, certification or registration for clinical dietitians. As of 2010, the annual salary for clinical dietitians ranges from $40,169 to $54,984, according to PayScale.
Community Dietitian
Community dietitians work with groups or individuals within a community to promote health, prevent disease and educate the community on proper nutrition. As a community dietitian, you may work in health maintenance organizations, public health clinics or in home-health agencies. You will work one-on-one with clients to evaluate current nutritional deficiencies and help develop nutritional plans to help prevent diseases. The U.S. Department of Labor states that community dietitians can also work in food marketing or advertising industries. This type of work may involve analyzing foods and creating literature for the public regarding the safety and nutritional value for the presented food items.
Community dietitians must obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition or a related field. While a master's degree may not be required for most positions, it may help increase your likelihood of finding employment. Check with the American Dietetic Association Commission on Dietetic Registration to see if your state requires licensing, certification or registration to work as a dietitian. The U.S. Department of Labor states the average annual salary for community dietitians is $48,006; however, your actual salary can vary due to your education level and years of practice.
Consultant Dietician
Consultant dietitians can operate their own private practice or work in medical facilities to offer advice to patients/clients regarding nutrition. As a consultant dietitian, you may develop a nutritional plan to help a client lose weight, reduce cholesterol or manage diabetes. To work as a consultant dietitian, you must obtain an undergraduate degree in nutrition or a related health field and apply for a license or certification within your state. CBSalary states the average annual salary for a consultant dietitian is $50,840 (as of 2010).
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