Nutritionists have always been an integral part of the healthcare system, but now more than ever they are in high demand. Much of this has to do with the baby boomer population nearing retirement, which means the healthcare field in general is set to quickly expand. Another reason for the increase in demand is that the United States is currently experiencing a national health crisis with increasing cases of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. These particular afflictions, as well as many others, can be directly linked to diet and nutrition.
Nutritionist Job Outlook and Work Environment
Nutritionists plan food and nutrition programs for facilities like hospitals, nursing homes and schools. They promote healthy eating habits through educational programs in an effort to both treat and prevent illness. Nutritionists will sometimes work within a facility and sometimes remotely with individuals. When working at a healthcare facility, duties can include reviewing and revising an entire menu, overseeing compliance with local, state and federal regulations, and educating staff on nutritional guidelines and concepts.
When working with an individual, a nutritionist is apt to visit the home as well as meet with that client’s physicians to create a dietary program that is aligned with the overall medical care plan. In both cases it is vitally important the nutritionist keep up with the latest in nutritional science research.
Many nutritionists work full time although a portion of these professionals work part time. Those that choose to be self-employed, acting as a nutritional consultant, have more flexibility in their schedules. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment rates for nutritionists are expected to increase a significant 20 percent between 2010 and 2020.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median annual wage of nutritionists in 2010 was $53,250. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,330 while the top 10 percent of nutritionists earned $75,480 or more.
Education and Training Requirements
Individuals interested in becoming a nutritionist must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition, dietetics, food service systems management or another related area of the field. Some courses offered within these majors are chemistry, biology, institution management, statistics and microbiology. Beyond a formal education, most nutritionists will participate in hundreds of hours of supervised training. This training will typically be in the form of an internship or a program that is part of coursework.
Most states will require a nutritionist to be licensed although some will only require state registration or certification. Only a handful of states have no state regulations. For those individuals living in states that do require licensure, one way to obtain it is to earn a Registered Dietician (RD) credential. This is not always required although many employers prefer individuals with an RD which is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
If you possess great analytical, organizational and people skills and are looking for a profession where you can really make a difference, a career as a nutritionist make be ideal for you.
