Dietitian/Nutritionist
In the last ten years, after being overweight and ill, I have
learned a lot about diet, nutrition and fitness.
Although I am not actively pursuing another new career at this
point in my life, if I were, I think I would like to be a Dietitian. I find
that people who have seen me struggle with my weight loss and have seen me
maintain the loss are coming to me for help and advice. This has motivated me
to find what would be required of me to go into a career as Dietitian. The
following is a result of my research.
Dietitians and
Nutritionists
Dietitians and Nutritionists are considered experts in food and
nutrition. Their job is to help people to know what to eat in order to achieve
a healthy lifestyle. They may need to assist a client to either gain or lose
weight, according to the individual’s needs.
Duties
Dietitians and Nutritionists have a number of duties including:
·
Explaining
nutrition issues
·
Assess
patient’s and clients’ health needs and diet
·
Develop
meal plans, taking both cost and clients preferences into account
·
Evaluate
the effects of meal plans and change the plans as needed
·
Promote
better nutrition by giving talks to groups about diet, nutrition, and the
relationship between good eating habits and preventing or managing specific
diseases
·
Keep
up with the latest nutritional science research
Work Locations
Dietitians and Nutritionists are employed in various settings.
They may find employment in nursing homes or hospitals. Some work in schools or
cafeterias. Some Dietitians and Nutritionists are self-employed.
Personal
Traits Needed
Dietitians and Nutritionists need to have good
organizational skills, they must like working with people and have good
speaking skills.
Summary
As the following chart shows, in 2010 the median pay for
Dietitians and Nutritionists was $25.60 per hours. A Bachelor’s degree is
required. Most Dietitians and Nutritionists have earned their Bachelor’s degree
in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a
related area. Programs include courses in nutrition, physiology, chemistry, and
biology. (United States Department of Labor , 2012) .No work experience is
needed. There is on the job training in the form of Internships or residencies
involving several hundred house of supervised training. (United States Department of Labor , 2012) . The outlook for
this profession is expected to grow at a rate of 20%, which is faster than
other professions.
Quick
Facts: Dietitians and Nutritionists
|
|
$53,250 per year
$25.60 per hour |
|
Bachelor’s degree
|
|
None
|
|
Internship/residency
|
|
64,400
|
|
20% (Faster than average)
|
|
12,700
|
This research has convinced me that Dietitian would
be a good career choice for me. I just may continue my education after my A.S. after
all. I will need to speak to Guidance to see how I can accomplish this. I think
this would be a really good way for me to be able to “pay it forward”, for all
the help I have had in the area of nutrition, as I have been working towards
better health.
References
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
(2012). Occupational outlook handbook, 2012-2013. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm.
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