Dietetics professionals are instrumental in interpreting the science of food and nutrition to promote the well being of individuals and communities. Dietitians assess the nutritional status of individuals using anthropometric measurements, dietary histories, clinical observations and biochemical lab data. In the community dietitians are instrumental in conducting needs assessment to promote health and prevent chronic diseases. Dietitians develop and implement intervention programs or medical nutrition therapy based on the needs of individuals and the community. Dietitians offer nutrition education and counseling in a variety of settings. They are also involved in food product development, research and food service production.
Practice Opportunities and Emerging Areas of Specialty
Dietitians are employed by healthcare facilities such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics; sports, wellness and fitness centers; foodservice operations, industry, pharmaceutical and food companies; community programs; government agencies, private practice, and professional health organizations. Their jobs may include offering one-on-one counseling, group education, and assessment of the nutritional needs in an effort to promote health, prevent diseases and treat diseases using medical nutrition therapy. Some dietitians focus on the business aspects of the profession working in food service operations and management at schools, colleges, hospitals, or day-care facilities. Others become entrepreneurs redefining their roles in the media, marketing, consumer affairs, and product development. You will also see nutrition and dietetics professionals teaching in culinary schools, community colleges, universities, and conducting research with food and pharmaceutical companies and other organizations. As the interest in food and nutrition has grown, and the link between proper nutrition and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases has further expanded, the need for health professionals in this field has also increased. A broad range of opportunities are evolving for professionals in nutrition and dietetics.
In order to become competitive more nutrition and dietetics professionals are seeking credentials to become Registered Dietitians (RD). In order to qualify for this credential, the person will need to:
- Complete a bachelor or master degree from an accredited program by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) along with a supervised practice program.
- The the UT Health Science Center is a Coordinated Program in Dietetics leading to a dual degree: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Master of Dietetics Studies (MoDS).
- Pass the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) national examination.
- Maintain registration status through a continuing professional educational plan.
Licensure is a state-mandated credential, currently required by 44 states in the nation. This academic and practice requirements for this credential varies from state to state, but having the RD credential facilitates the process of licensure. In some states the licensure is required to use the title as a dietitian or nutritionist, while others the licensure regulates the practice of dietetics.
To become more specialized in some areas of practice, registered dietitians seek additional certifications through different professional organizations. These specialty areas include nutrition support, diabetes education, pediatrics or renal nutrition, and weight management.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos077.htm), job opportunities for dietitians are expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. This growth is related to the concern and emphasis on disease prevention, the growth and aging of the population, and of consumer interest in nutrition. The fastest growth for employment opportunities are anticipated in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and physician clinics, with smaller growth in hospitals due to cost containment and shorter hospital stay.
Salary Range
In a survey conducted by the American Dietetic Association (Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Survey, 2007) half of all RDs in the U.S. who have been working full-time in the field for five years or less earn between $42,000 and $55,000 per year. Registered Dietitian’s salaries and fees vary by region, areas of practice, employment responsibilities, level of specialty, demand for RDs, years of experience and credentials, among others. According to the ADA, dietitians employed in management, business, and consulting may earn incomes above $86,000.
Ref. http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/CADE_748_ENU_HTML.htm
Links
University Links
The UT Health Science Center Home page
School of Allied Health Sciences Home page
Nutrition and Dietetics Homepage
Coordinated Program in Dietetics Applicant viewbook
Student Life
Student Services/Admissions
Financial Aid Information
Professional Links
American Dietetic Association
American Society for Nutrition
Becoming a Registered Dietitian
Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
Commission on Dietetics Registration
San Antonio Dietetic Association
Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians
Texas Dietetic Association
