Nutritionist/Dietician
Nutritionists/Dieticians help people look and feel good by making the connection between food, nutrition, and health. They can be teachers, researchers, healthcare workers, or managers. Some work with doctors, nurses, or therapists to speed patients' recoveries. Some counsel families, the elderly, pregnant women, children, and disabled, or underprivileged people. Others direct experiments to find alternative foods or diet recommendations. A nutritionist/dietician might offer advice on weight loss, cholesterol reduction, or other diet-related concerns.
Nutritionists/dieticians can work in healthcare institutions, schools, cafeterias, restaurants, daycare centers, health and recreation clubs, government agencies, and food and pharmaceutical companies. Some teach in colleges, universities, or community or technical schools.
To be a nutritionist/dietician you must enjoy working with people and have a strong interest in food and nutrition. You should be able to work independently to identify and solve problems. In college, take courses such as biology, anatomy, and chemistry. Math, English, sociology, psychology, and business courses are also important. If you want to become a registered dietician, you must complete an undergraduate American Dietetic Association approved/accredited academic program and supervised practical experience, then pass the Registration Examination for Dieticians.
In high school, follow a college preparatory program. Take as many science and mathematics courses as possible. Also take English and communications courses.
-- Pam Michael, American Dietetic Association
