Nutritionist Career

In the U.S., one of the most searched careers is the nutritionist career. Many career guides have been written about nutritionist career. What exactly does a nutritionist do?

A dietician or a nutritionist is someone who plans food and nutrition program. They also supervise the preparation or serving of meals. All patients who are ill need healthy and suitable diet and a nutritionist or a dietician accomplishes that by promoting healthy eating habbits and suggested diets.

A dietician or nutritionist carries out diet service systems for health institutions. They carry out research and educate people on what constitutes a healthy diet. Their place of employment include the clinic, the community and as consultant dietetics.

In the year 2006, there were 57,000 people who hold a nutritionist career. More than half of this number works in hospitals, clinics or the nursing homes.
To have a nutritionist career, you need a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, food service management or any related fields. There may also be a state law that require that you need to have licensure to be a nutritionist. Some other states require registration.

You should also have good foundation in science subjects such as chemistry and biology. You should also be interested in caring and helping people in their recovery.

There is plenty of career advancement opportunities for the dieticians and the nutritionists. You can advance to associate or director of a dietetic department or even set up your own practice. Some who left the field becomes sales representatives for medical equipment or food manufacturers.

The nutritionist career is having a good job outlook. It is expected to grow through year 2016. Growing and aging population will increase the demand for nutrition counselling and healthy eating habits. Many food service operations for health institutions will require dieticians.

What is the salary scales of a dieticians or a nutritionist? The median salary of a nutritionist or a dietician is reported to be $46,980. The highest median salary of a nutritionist or a dietician is from the general medical and surgical hospitals at a salary of $47,320.

According to the American Dietetic Association, median annualized wages for registered dietitians in 2005 varied by practice area as follows: $53,800 in consultation and business; $60,000 in food and nutrition management; $60,200 in education and research; $48,800 in clinical nutrition/ambulatory care; $50,000 in clinical nutrition/long-term care; $44,800 in community nutrition; and $45,000 in clinical nutrition/acute care. Salaries also vary by years in practice, education level, and geographic region.

What is in a day of a nutritionist career? A clinical nutritionist provides services to patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities. They assess, develop and implement nutrition programs. They will also evaluate and report results of the nutrition program. They regularly communicate with doctors and other professionals.

A community nutritionist provides counselling to the community on good nutrition habit that can prevent disease and promote good health. They usually works in public health clinics or health agencies.

A management nutritionist supervise and plan for large-scale meal preparation in health care institutions and other institutions such as company cafeterias, prisons or schools. They also perform budgeting and purchasing of food, equipment and supplies.

A nutritionist career as a consultant involves working under their own private practice. They will perform nutrition screenings and offer advice and consultation works on diets.

Nutritionist works in very clean environment and are on their feet for many hours of the day. Their regular working hours are usually on a regular 40-hour week.