Career Opportunities
Business:
Registered dietitians work in food and nutrition- related industries, including
product development, management, marketing, sales and public relations.
Clinical:
Dietitians are vital members of the medical teams in hospitals, clinics and
extended care facilities. Opportunities for advancement are enhanced with
specialization in a particular area of nutrition such as cardiovascular,
diabetes, pediatric or renal.
Community:
Dietitians are employed by government and public health agencies, including
day care centers, home health agencies, health and fitness clubs and federally
funded programs that feed and counsel pregnant women, children, families,
elderly and underprivileged individuals.
Consulting/Private Practice:
Dietitians are entrepreneurs who contract nutrition services to health care
facilities, industries, sports teams and health clubs. Other opportunities
include feature writing, television appearances and consulting on the design
of health programs for athletes, industry employees or people with unique
needs. Dietitians provide expertise on food safety and sanitation procedures,
portion control and budgeting.
Education/Research:
Dietitians work in major universities, colleges, professional and technical
schools as well as in government agencies, pharmaceutical and food companies.
They teach the sophisticated science of nutrition to college students preparing
to be dietitians, doctors, nurses, coaches, trainers, health specialists
and a broad spectrum of other careers. Research seeks answers to critical
and pertinent questions about foods, nutrients, nutritional needs and dietary
recommendations for the public.
Management:
Dietitians work in health care (long-term and critical care) facilities,
institutions, schools, restaurants, cafeterias, prisons and private industry.
Responsibilities may include personnel management, menu planning and pricing,
budgeting, purchasing and merchandising to provide nutritional food that
is palatable and appealing.