Nutrition majors acquire statistical skills, analytical skills and knowledge of nutrition theory.
Nutrition programs at universities are designed to provide students with knowledge of basic science, how our eating affects our well-being, the optimal intake of food groups and nutrients and how food relates to other fields, such as public policy or psychology. Students will partake in courses such as community nutrition, anatomy and physiology. Graduates who hold nutrition science degrees are prepared to work in a variety of settings, from hospitals or physicians' offices to food companies.
Registered Dietitian
The job of a registered dietitian is to translate nutritional science into meaningful information that others can use to make decisions in their eating. Dietitians must have an interest in science and food, and must possess exceptional communication skills and the ability to explain complicated nutritional information in an easily understandable manner. Dietitians work with the general public to help them make informed choices in regards to food, but they also work with patients who have special dietary needs. For example, dietitians help patients with food allergies, eating disorders or diabetes, and they collaborate with the patients' doctors and nurses to formulate an eating plan. To become a registered dietitian, students must pass a national exam from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Nutritionist
Unlike dietitians, nutritionists do not need to be registered, and they have varying levels of education. Some have bachelor's degrees in nutrition, while others may have a Ph.D. in the subject. Nutritionists typically focus on proper dietary care, and how eating healthy can prevent and treat illnesses. Nutritionists usually work in clinical or community settings. Clinical nutritionists work in hospitals, prisons or nursing homes to develop and implement healthy meal plans. Community nutritionists work with clinics, HMOs and agencies to promote healthy eating within the community.
Public Health Nutritionists
Public health nutritionists work specifically in the community setting. Employees in this position work with schools, welfare or social agencies and members of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Program, or WIC. This program provides food and nutrition education to low-income women and children. Public health nutritionists must be able to design and implement healthy eating programs within the community. Employees with this job title must be highly knowledgeable about basic nutritional practices, must be able to identify the nutritional issues a community faces and must have exceptional communication skills to promote healthy eating programs.
Food Service Managers
While working in food service management, employees typically work in restaurants, hotels, school or company cafeterias or camps. These employees focus on planning the menus, budgeting and purchasing the food and preparing the food. Food service managers must be skilled at handling the issues that arise when dealing with large-scale operations. Although many food service managers hold less than a four-year degree, many establishments are now looking for employees who can speak knowledgeably on the nutritional aspects of foods.
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