Individuals and institutions can get nutritional advice and services from dietitians. They encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle educating them about good eating habits and creating customized diet plans. Hospitals, schools, prisons, research institutions, and private offices are all possible places for professionals to work. Furthermore, many dietitians choose to specialize, focusing on groups with specific health needs, such as children or the elderly. Because specialization is so common, there are a variety of dietitian jobs to choose from.
Clinical settings, such as hospitals, private doctors’ offices, and nursing homes, are where the majority of dietitian jobs are found. Individual patients are usually seen a clinical dietitian, who assesses their overall health and dietary requirements. He or she frequently collaborates with physicians and nurses to determine the best diet and exercise plan for each patient. A dietitian may take detailed notes and create a portfolio for a patient that can be referred to and updated as the diet plan is implemented.
Dietitians in management work primarily in cafeterias at large institutions such as prisons, schools, hospitals, and corporations. They oversee all aspects of meal planning and preparation to ensure that people receive high-quality, nutritious food on a regular basis. Management dietitians make sure that food safety and occupational health regulations are followed at all times, as well as that food handlers adhere to sanitation guidelines.
Consultant and community dietitians work in a variety of settings, including private practices and health management organizations, where they provide diet and nutrition advice to a wide range of clients. Weight loss strategies, proper exercise routines, meal planning, and grocery shopping may be discussed with patients. Many dietitians, both consultants and community dietitians, participate in public awareness campaigns and attend health fairs and seminars.
Many dietitian jobs require them to cater to specific populations or medical conditions. Pediatric dietitians, for example, focus on children’s dietary needs in order to help them grow and develop properly. Geriatric dietitians help elderly people improve their bone health and physical activity. Other specialists might focus on patients with obesity, diabetes, renal deficiencies, or heart health issues.
Most dietitian jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or health science, though some employers may require advanced degrees. Before becoming a practicing dietitian, most states require that a person pass a written licensing exam. Additional certification is not required in most cases, but a professional may choose to obtain a Registered Dietitian certificate from the American Dietetic Association to improve his or her job prospects. Before working as a dietitian, people living outside of the United States must usually meet similar licensing and certification requirements.