Careers in Dietetics

A Registered Dietician (RD) is the most widely recognized nutrition professional.  Although it is possible to specialize in nutrition without being an RD, many nutrition-related jobs require the RD credential because it signifies professional competence.  The American Dietetic Association (ADA) is the professional association that establishes the criteria for becoming registered and administers the process.

Where Do Registered Dietitians Work?

The majority of registered dietitians work in the treatment and prevention of disease (administering medical nutrition therapy, often part of medical teams), in hospitals, HMOs, private practice or other health-care facilities. In addition, a large number of dietitians work in community and public health settings and academia and research. A growing number of registered dietitians work in the food and nutrition industry, in business, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs and other non-traditional work settings.

Employment Settings:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered dietitians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2015 because of increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population and public interest in nutrition. Employment in hospitals is expected to show little change because of anticipated slow growth and patients’ reduced lengths of hospital stay. Faster growth is anticipated in nursing homes, residential care facilities and physicians clinics. ADA's survey of members shows RDs work in these settings:

Many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners in addition to RD credentialing.  These state requirements are frequently met through the same education and training that leads to the RD. The Wisconsin Dietetic Association (WDA) describes how to become a certified Dietitian (CD) in Wisconsin. Some RD's hold additional certificates in specialized areas of practice such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support, or diabetes education.  These certificates, awarded through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for ADA, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations, are recognized in the profession but are not required.

Salaries and Job Outlook

According to ADA's 2007 Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Survey, half of all RDs in the US who have been working full-time in the field for five years or less 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 $86,000.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 because of increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population, and public interest in nutrition. Employment in hospitals is expected to show little change because of anticipated slow growth and reduced patients' lengths of hospital stay. Faster growth, however, is anticipated in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and physician clinics.

Need More Information?

ADA's Web site includes additional information about careers in Dietetics. Access this information directly at: www.eatright.org/careers.html.