Dietitians and Nutritionists

What dietitians and nutritionists do

Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.

Typical tasks

1. 1Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions, and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling.
2. 2Evaluate laboratory tests in preparing nutrition recommendations.
3. 3Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
4. 4Advise patients and their families on nutritional principles, dietary plans, diet modifications, and food selection and preparation.
5. 5Incorporate patient cultural, ethnic, or religious preferences and needs in the development of nutrition plans.
6. 6Consult with physicians and health care personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of patient or client.
7. 7Record and evaluate patient and family health and food history, including symptoms, environmental toxic exposure, allergies, medication factors, and preventive health-care measures.
8. 8Develop recipes and menus to address special nutrition needs, such as low glycemic, low histamine, or gluten- or allergen-free.
9. 9Coordinate diet counseling services.
10. 10Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used in teaching.

Technology used

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word

How to become one

Education

The most common level among workers surveyed is a post-baccalaureate certificate (53%). Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.