CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Dieticians advise people on what foods to eat to improve their health and to prevent and manage specific diseases.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$60,370
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
9,869
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Dietician Job Description
Dieticians have the important job of assessing the nutritional and health needs of patients. They develop personalized meal plans for patients and educate them on healthy eating habits and ways to manage specific diseases through proper nutrition. Dieticians work in a variety of settings including hospitals, physician offices, outpatient care centers and nursing and residential facilities.
Although becoming a dietician requires extensive education and training, the reward is a great career that offers good pay, excellent job security and an opportunity to help people become healthier.
Dietician Job Responsibilities
Dieticians may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Assess the nutritional and health needs of patients
- Education patients on healthy eating habits and managing specific diseases through proper diet
- Develop meal plans based on patient needs
- Work with healthcare professionals regarding patient nutritional needs
- Remain up-to-date on latest research in nutritional and food sciences
- Maintain patient records
- Monitor patient progress
Dietician Salary
The actual salary of the dietician can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $60,370*
National average per hour: $29.02*
- $63,586 per year, $30.57 per hour**
- $52,252 per year, $25.12 per hour***
- $55,732 to $67,280 per year****
- $57,266 per year, $27.53 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Dietician Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a dietician? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Good salary
- Variety of career settings to work in
- Flexible work schedule
- Helping people become healthier
- Growing career field
Cons
- Extensive education and training required
- Must follow regulations and stay up-to-date on changes
- Not a lot of career advancement opportunities
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Dietician?
If you are considering a career as a dietician, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (minimum required) in nutrition, dietetics or other health science field from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
- Complete a dietetic internship (DI) typically comprised of 1200 hours of supervised training.
- Get licensed or registered in your state. This typically involves passing the Registration Examination for Dieticians which is administered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Suggested Career Path
The position of the dietician is in the middle of the medical career pathway. Once you have become a dietician, the next step in the career pathway is not always obvious. Some options include focusing on a specific health issue or going into an administrative or supervisory role. A sample career path could look like this:
Caregiver > Phlebotomist > Dietician
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics or other health science field
- Completion of a dietetic internship (DI)
- Passing of the registration exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience typically gained through the dietetic internship.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Extensive knowledge of the scientific aspects of food
- Ability to explain complex ideas simply
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Good decision making and judgment capabilities
- Being socially perceptive
- Ability to be non-judgmental
Dietician Certifications
Passing the credentialing exam administered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) is a requirement in most states for obtaining licensure. Most employers require this credential as well. The RD and RDN are two credential designation options for one certification program. You may choose to use one or the other.
- RD, Registered Dietician (CDR)
- RDN, Registered Dietician Nutritionist (CDR)
Specialty certification is voluntary, but can highlight your area of interest and expertise. These are the voluntary certifications that are available.
- CSG, Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CDR)
- CSO, Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CDR)
- CSOWM, Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CDR)
- CSP, Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CDR)
- CSPCC, Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Critical Care Nutrition (CDR)
- CSR, Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CDR)
- CSSD, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CDR)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Dietician Licenses
Most states require licensure or certification and involves passing the Registration Examination for Dieticians which is administered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Contact your state board for specific requirements.
Dietician Training and Preparation
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement needed to be a dietician. If you are considering an administrative or management role at some point, then you may want to consider furthering your education and earning a master’s degree.
Once you have earned your degree and have completed your dietetic internship, it is time to prepare for the Registration Examination for Dieticians which is administered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Passing this exam will allow you to use the credential of Registered Dietician (RD) or Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN). The RD and RDN are two credential designation options for one certification program. You may choose to use one or the other. Passing this exam is also a requirement in most states for obtaining licensure. Most employers require this credential as well.
Preparing for the exam can be done in many ways. There are many online courses that offer full-length practice exams and additional practice questions. Many offer detailed performance reports after completion of the practice exam. Some offer individualized study plan and discussion forums. Review and test prep books and flashcards are other useful tools. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) offers a comprehensive study outline, suggested study references, study tips and a print and online version of the practice examination. These resources are valuable tools to help you stay organized and learn what to focus your studying on.
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