Diet & Nutrition

Registered dietitians, dietetic technicians and dietetic assistants educate the public about what we eat and how it affects our health. In hospitals and nursing homes, these workers design healthy, personalized meals that adhere to diet restrictions mandated by a patient’s medical problems. Registered dietitians can design and present educational programs for communities and individuals to teach them the importance of good nutrition and its beneficial effects on their health, energy, appearance and general attitudes toward life.

Job Description

You assist registered dietitians by helping people learn about the foods they eat and helping people with illnesses or injuries. You screen patients to find nutritional problems and provide education or counseling to help them.

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Academic Requirements

A two-year associate’s degree program at an accredited college or university is required. Then, students should complete a program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education and 450 hours of supervised practical experience. Dietetic assistants require no formal training and will learn appropriate skills on the job.

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Job Description

You are an expert on food and nutrition. You promote and help people maintain their health, and you prevent and treat illness. You also help people recover from illness and injuries by teaching them about nutrition and helping them select the right foods.

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Academic Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics is required. Students may obtain a four-year degree that combines academic instruction with the necessary experience or may first earn a bachelor’s degree and then train in the field for one to two years. All programs must be approved and accredited by the American Dietetic Association.

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