Dietitians learn
the fundamental principles of food and nutrition and help educate people
on a healthy diet and ways to prevent diseases. They plan and supervise
the preparation and serving of meals in facilities such as schools,
hospitals, and restaurants. They are highly trained in the art of feeding
individuals and large groups. Dietitians help decrease malnutrition,
promote healthy lifestyles, and control diseases such as heart disease,
high blood pressure, and diabetes. They are often in a managerial role
that has them training and supervising the food service personnel who
prepare and serve the meals. They apply the principles of food service,
nutrition, physiology, and biochemistry to make recommendations for the
nutritional management and support of patients. Other responsibilities for
dietitians include establishing quality control standards for food
service, supervising personnel, and controlling costs. They also spend a
great deal of time on educational programs for nutrition, diet
modification, and diet therapy. This is an essential service because a
patient's diet can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of many medical
therapies and procedures. Regardless of age, nutrition plays a major role
in everyone's well being. Individuals interested in this field should have
a good understanding of foods and nutrition, possess excellent
communication skills, and be compassionate and understanding.
Work Environment:
Dietitians and nutritionists work in a variety of settings including
secondary schools, colleges and universities, government agencies,
hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, voluntary health agencies, health
clubs, various support programs, research facilities, and food related
industry.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in a career as a dietitian should take high school
courses in biology, chemistry, algebra, English, business, health
occupations/medical professions education, physical education, psychology,
computer skills, social studies, and home economics.
College Requirements:
Employers usually prefer to hire individuals who are members of the
American Dietetic Association (ADA). To become a member, students must
receive a bachelor's degree from an ADA-approved institution, and then
complete an approved pre-professional practice program or dietetic
internship. Once the prerequisites are met for membership, individuals
must pass the ADA examination in order to become registered. Dietitians
must also complete continuing education hours to remain in good standing.
Students interested in this field should contact schools for information
on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study
click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for dietitians are expected to grow about as fast
as the average, which is an increase of 10%-20% over the next eight years.
This is largely due to the emphasis that the medical community is placing
on disease prevention through improved dietary habits. The growing aging
population will also increase demand for dietitians because they will need
balanced meals and nutritional counseling in nursing homes and assisted
living facilities. As in most other occupations, job openings will result
from the need to replace experienced workers who retire or leave the
profession for other reasons.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$42,800
Salary Range
$36,900-$54,100
Professional Organizations:
American Dietetic Association
216 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (800) 877-1600
Phone: (312) 899-0008
www.eatright.org
American Society for Nutritional Sciences
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 530-7050
www.faseb.org/asns
Society for Nutrition Education
7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 901
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (800) 235-6690
Phone: (301) 656-4938
Fax: (301) 656-4958
Web: www.sne.org
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