The Career

Nutritionists, also known as dietitians, formulate nutritional plans for patients in hospitals, long term care facilities, doctor’s offices, and other outpatient clinics. Nutritionists also work to educate the public on good eating habits and healthy living. With the rise of obesity and diabetes in the United States, nutritionists and dietitians have become extremely important allied health professionals. People living with diabetes or who are required to undergo dialysis treatment have important dietary requirements that only a nutritionist can help them sort through.

Nutritionists and dietitians can be found working in fitness centers and wellness facilities. They screen new clients for their dietary needs and provide valuable advice for people looking to become stronger and healthier. Community health education is blossoming, and nutritionists are an integral piece of that work. Prospective nutritionists must have good counseling skills, as they will be working with patients who may need a significant amount of guidance to change their eating habits and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Education And Training

To become a nutritionist, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, human nutrition, food science, or related field. To become a registered dietitian, you will need to complete a didactic program in nutrition and dietetics, followed by an internship where you will be responsible for direct patient dietary care. 33 states require licensure to work as a nutritionist, and more are likely to add the requirement in the future.

Salary

Nutritionists earn an entry level salary of around $40,000, which rises to above $50,000 dollars with experience. The average hourly wage of a nutritionist is around $23-25 dollars.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for dietitians and nutritionists is expected to be average, making the registered dietitian credential crucial for obtaining employment quickly after graduating. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9% increase in the profession by 2018, with the most growth arising from community health education centers and long term care facilities.