It requires an incredible amount of knowledge. You’ll need to know about everything from biochemistry to anatomy to food preparation. Helping someone get healthy or make proper food choices can be incredibly rewarding for you and them. It comes with some emotional demands. You’ll have to positively navigate all kinds of personal dynamics from patients to family members and other healthcare providers. [4] X Research source There are many avenues a dietitian can go down once she is registered. Once you have completed an internship, you will have a better idea of in which avenue you feel most comfortable.
An excellent way to consider your ability to be a dietitian is to think about an experience you’ve had with one. You could also contact a dietitian and see if you could discuss it as a career or even shadow her for a day to get a better sense of the work. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree, possibly a graduate degree, as well as at least 1200 hours of supervised practice and successful passing of a national exam. [6] X Research source This might be too much of a time commitment for some people, or may not be the right choice if you aren’t a strong student. Learn about how long it takes to be successful. It can take years to get the education and experience to become a registered dietitian. It may also take years to build up a client base or find a good job. [7] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source Knowing the commitment up front can help you relax and make the process of becoming a dietitian more easy and enjoyable. You need at least a bachelor’s degree and course through an accredited dietetics program. [8] X Research source This will require courses in biochemistry, anatomy, human nutrition, psychology, and biology. [9] X Research source You need to complete at least 1200 hours of supervised practice under an accredited dietitian or dietetic organization. [10] X Research source
Are you able to handle the physical demands? Depending on where you work, you may need to stand or sit for long hours. [12] X Research source Does dietary work fit your personality? Working with patients and other people is a significant part of the job. If you like working with and helping people, being a dietitian may be an excellent choice for you. [13] X Research source
The average salary for a registered dietitian works out to $26. 56 per hour, which is significantly above the minimum wage. [15] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Private practice dietitians tend to make the most money as they are in business for themselves, control their schedules and keep all of the revenue for their services. [16] X Research source [17] X Research source Remember that you will have to pay taxes and other fees for your salary, but that you will also get health benefits and vacation and sick time. [18] X Research source There is significant growth in the field of dietetics. [19] X Research source Current projects forecast a growth rate of 20% between 2010 and 2020, which means there should be ample opportunities to find a job. [20] X Research source
The coursework should be approved by the Accreditation Counsel for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The curriculum will vary between schools, but most cover the following subjects to some degree:[22] X Trustworthy Source EatRight. org Organization associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics providing advice about food, health, and fitness Go to source Food and Nutrition Sciences Biochemistry Culinary Arts Foodservice Systems Management Business Microbiology Sociology Physiology Psychology If you have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, you may want to get a master’s degree or PhD to be a dietitian.
You must do at least 1200 hours of internship, which is the equivalent of about six to 12 months. You can do your internship at a healthcare facility, community agency, or at a foodservice corporation. If you want to specialize in a specific type of dietetics, such as for obese patients, you may want to consider this for your internship. [24] X Research source There are over 250 accredited programs in North America and opportunities through the world. You can find a list of professionals with whom to intern at the website of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Keep in mind that dietetic internships are very competitive and selective. You’ll want to be armed with three internships that you’d like and be prepared to write extensive applications/essays/projects for each one.
The program director of your internship will give you details on preparing for the test and application process. You may want to purchase study aids or join a study group to improve your chances of passing. If you fail the exam, you may retest only 45 days after your unsuccessful exam. [27] X Research source
Dietitians can work in a variety of industries including food service management, government, education, research, and the private sector. Look for jobs at universities, hospitals, cafeterias, nursing homes, and schools. You can also work as a private contractor, which will allow you to get experience in a bunch of different areas as well as let you pick and choose when and for whom you work. Consider starting your own private practice once you have some experience. You should build up a client base before taking this step, but it can offer you even more freedom.
It is mandatory to complete 75 credit hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every five years in order to maintain your RD status. [30] X Research source You can take a wide variety of continuing education courses or participate in workshops that will help you improve on and update your skills and knowledge over time.
