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Registered dietitians are experts on how food and nutrition apply to health. They assess the nutritional needs of sick and healthy people while developing and implementing nutritional programs for them. They supervise dietary personnel, manage budgets, and educate people about good nutrition.
Many RDs are self-employed, working as consultants to facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, and seeing individual clients. Most dietitians work a regular 40-hour week, although some work weekends.
$66,800
Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The role of food in preventing and treating diseases, such as diabetes, is now well known. More dietitians and nutritionists will be needed to provide care for patients with various medical conditions and to advise people who want to improve their overall health.
The first component of education a dietitian must complete is a program of study approved by The American Dietetic Association. These programs of study are at the undergraduate level. The second component of education is an approved supervised practice component in an internship.
Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisites: Current certification as a Registered Dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or have taken CDR’s Registration Examination for Dietitians and hold an acceptable master’s or doctoral degree primarily focused on human nutrition or dietetics.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606
800-877-1600