(CIN) Jobs in the Nutrition Industry Lesson

Jobs in the Nutrition Industry Lesson 

There are many different types of jobs available in the nutrition (a branch of science that deals with nutrients and nutrition) field. Many hospitals, schools, and companies are looking for nutrition experts. Listed below are some common careers available for Dietitians (a licensed person who plans food programs and educates individuals on food choices).

Many individuals will go to college and then complete a licensing program to obtain the knowledge and skills to become a dietitian. Dietitians may also be called Nutritionists. A Registered Dietitian might work in a hospital or medical center. In fact, there are 4 times more demand and employment opportunities in medical and surgical centers.

In 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median income for a Dietitian was around $50,000. Some salaries started as low as $30,000 and some topped out at over $70,000. Most of the individuals work full time in the field but there is a need for part-time in some situations.

Listed below are some specific fields that are common for dietitians to work.

Clinical Dietitians provide nutritional services to patients in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and other institutions. These Dietitians discuss patients' needs and concerns with doctors and other facility members. They also plan meals based on needs and analyze caloric intake as well. A Clinical Dietitian may also work in an outpatient center. These centers consist of mental health, substance abuse, family planning, and other types of services that require overnight care. These centers may allow the dietitian to customize the menu to the client's likes and dislikes.

Community Dietitians counsel individuals and groups on nutritional practices designed to prevent disease and promote health. These dietitians might work with the elderly or children with special needs. They may also work in a clinic or a home-health agency. They may also work in marketing or advertising to analyze health issues like fiber, vitamin content, and the nutrition content of recipes.

Management Dietitians oversee large-scale meal planning services and preparation in healthcare facilities, company cafeterias, prisons, and schools. They may create and work within a budget to purchase food, supplies and equipment for their facility. They may also interview, hire and train dietitians working under them in food services.

Consultant Dietitians work under contract with healthcare facilities or in their own private practices. These dietitians might work for sports teams or supermarkets. Since they are consultants, they have more freedom with their job. Nutrition screenings are also a big part of the job. They might offer advice and conduct private sessions with clients. An exciting part of the job may be to help a spa plan a calorie conscious menu that is well-balanced and tasty. Additionally, they may help a major food company develop gluten-free or allergy-free lines of food.   This occupation generally pays the highest salary.

A Public Health Nutritionist may work with local and state governments to design healthy eating plans for different populations and may focus on fostering a lower risk for a certain type of disease by customizing a healthy eating plan for a client. He or she may also consult with officials and educate local government about the needs of certain populations.

When many people think of a nutritionist or dietitian, the job description of an Independent Nutritionist is what may come to mind. An Independent Nutritionist works in an office and gives advice and guidance on how to improve a diet. This type of nutritionist may visit clients at their home and counsel them in healthy eating habits. They many help them clean out their refrigerator and cupboards and accompany them to the grocery store. Often, the client will pay an hourly fee or a fee per visit. This type of job allows for a personal relationship to develop between the client and nutritionist.  

In reality, Independent Nutritionists represent only a small part of the industry because there are few opportunities.

 

Self-Assessment: Specific Fields of Dietitians

 

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