Career: Dietician

Occupational Outlook Handbook job outlook for dieticians and nutritionists

Local Salary Information

Dietitians and nutritionists typically do the following:

• Assess patients’ and clients’ nutritional and health needs
• Counsel patients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits
• Develop meal and nutrition plans, taking both clients’ preferences and budgets into account
• Evaluate the effects of meal plans and change the plans as needed
• Promote better health by speaking to groups about diet, nutrition, and the relationship between good eating habits and preventing or managing specific diseases
• Create educational materials about healthy food choices
• Keep up with or contribute to the latest food and nutritional science research
• Document patients’ progress

Dietitians and nutritionists evaluate the health of their clients. Based on their findings, dietitians and nutritionists advise clients on which foods to eat—and which to avoid—to improve their health.

Many dietitians and nutritionists provide customized information for specific individuals. For example, a dietitian or nutritionist might teach a client with diabetes how to plan meals to balance the client’s blood sugar. Others work with groups of people who have similar needs. For example, a dietitian or nutritionist might plan a diet with healthy fat and limited sugar to help clients who are at risk for heart disease. They may work with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.

Dietitians and nutritionists who are self-employed may meet with patients, or they may work as consultants for a variety of organizations. They may need to spend time on marketing and other business-related tasks, such as scheduling appointments, keeping records, and preparing educational programs or informational materials for clients.

Although many dietitians and nutritionists do similar tasks, there are several specialties within the occupations. The following are examples of types of dietitians and nutritionists:

Education needed - Dietitians and nutritionists typically need a bachelor's degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, or a related field, such as interdisciplinary studies. Many dietitians and nutritionists have advanced degrees.
 

 
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