What is a registered dietitian? Where do they work? Registered dietitians are recognized as food and nutrition experts. They work in a variety of settings.

Management RDs

Work in health care institutions, schools, restaurants and cafeterias, for food and nutrition companies and for other healthcare corporations. They’re responsible for personnel management, menu planning, budgeting, purchasing, marketing, advertising and overseeing projects and programs related to nutrition, nutrition products, food service and healthcare.

Clinical RDs

Work as an essential part of the medical team in patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, ambulatory care and rehabilitation clinics and other healthcare facilities providing medical nutrition therapy to a wide variety of patients.

Community RDs

Work in public health and home health agencies, daycare centers, health or fitness clubs, grocery stores, recreation and senior centers, and in government-funded organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) educating the public about healthful foods and nutrition and managing nutrition and food assistance programs.

Educator RDs

Work in colleges, universities, community or technical schools, and for agencies regulating the nutrition and dietetics-related education of future doctors, nurses, dietitians and dietetic technicians.

Research RDs

Work in government agencies, such as the National Institute of Health (NIH), for food and pharmaceutical companies, and in major universities and medical centers. They conduct or direct experiments, translate scientific findings into public messages, and find alternative foods or dietary recommendations for the public.

Consultant RDs

Usually work under contract with a healthcare facility (clinical or community setting) or in private practice. Consultant dietitians may have their own business or work with other dietitians for a consulting agency. Often, consultant dietitians work in a variety of settings according to clients’ needs.

Business RDs

Work in food and nutrition related businesses, such as food manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical companies, public relations agencies, media (broadcast, print and internet),  and organizations such as the American Heart Association or the National Dairy Council. They hold positions in product research and development, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, and communications.

What are the educational requirements for registered dietitians? There are two different pathways to follow to become a RD. To become a RD you need to:

1.  Complete high school.
2.  Enroll in a university that offers a Coordinated Program (CP) in dietetics granting at least a bachelor’s degree. A CP combines classroom and at least 900 hours of supervised practical experience and is accredited by CADE.
3.  CP graduates are eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians to become credentialed as RDs, registered dietitians.

Or:

1.  Complete high school.
2.  Enroll in a university that offers a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) granting at least a bachelor’s degree. A DPD provides only the classroom courses and is accredited or approved by CADE.
3.  After you receive your bachelor’s degree, you will then need to apply for and complete a CADE-accredited Dietetic Internship Program (DI). The DI provides at least 900 hours of supervised practical experience. You are not guaranteed placement in an internship.
4.  DI graduates are eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians to become credentialed as RDs, registered dietitians.

How much do registered dietitians earn? As with any profession, salaries and fees vary by region of the country, employment settings, scope of responsibility and supply of RDs. According to ADA’s 2007 Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Survey, half of all RDs in the U.S. who have been working full-time in the field for <five years earn between $42,000 and $55,000 per year. As with any profession, salaries and fees vary by region of the country, employment settings, scope of responsibility, and supply of RDs. Salaries increase with years of experience and many RDs, particularly those in management, business, and consulting earn incomes above $86000.

What is a dietetic technician, registered? Dietetic Technicians, Registered are nutrition practitioners that work under the direction of registered dietitians as part of the health care team. They are employed in settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory and rehabilitation institutions, within foodservice operations, and in government nutrition programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

What are the educational requirements for dietetic technicians, registered? To become a dietetic technician, registered, and individual must enroll in a CADE-accredited Dietetic Technician (DT) Program which grants a two-year associate’s degree and combines the required dietetics coursework with the supervised practical experience hours simultaneously. After completing the program and receiving the degree, one is eligible to take the registration examination for dietetic technicians to be a DTR.

How much do dietetic technicians, registered earn? As with any profession, salaries and fees vary by region of the country, employment settings, scope of responsibility and supply of DTRs. According to ADA's 2005 Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Survey, half of all DTRs in the U.S. who have been working full-time in the field for >four years earn between $36,000and $ 40,000 per year. Salary levels vary with region, employment setting, geographical location, scope of responsibility, and supply of DTRs. Salaries increase with experience.

What is the job market like in the field of dietetics? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of RDs and DTRs is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations because of increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population, and public interest in nutrition. The largest area of growth is anticipated in long-term care facilities, residential care facilities, physician’s clinics, community nutrition/public health settings and consulting venues.

How does one know if they would enjoy a career in dietetics? If an individual enjoys working with people, has a strong interest in food and nutrition, has good judgment, an understanding of human nature, the motivation and initiative to work independently, and the ability to identify and solve problems, dietetics is the profession that offers this variety and challenge.

How does one prepare for a career in dietetics? Emphasize science, math and English courses in academic studies. Start looking at college dietetics programs right now. Talk to dietetics professionals. Check to see if there is part-time employment or volunteer opportunities that will give more insight into the exciting field of dietetics.

What is the American Dietetic Association? With nearly 69,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.

How can I find out more about opportunities in dietetics? Call The American Dietetic Association at: 800/877-1600 ext. 5400 and/or visit ADA’s Careers and Students Web page at: http://www.eatright.org/students/careers/.