A dietician is an expert in nutrition and food consumption.
Their job is to evaluate their clients' dietary habits, help them meet their nutritional needs, and eat a balanced diet (all of which can help prevent illness).
They advise people about health and food choices so they can achieve optimal health.
Where Would I Work? What Would I Do There?
In hospitals, you would assess and plan nutrition care for patients who need special diets for kidney disease, tube feeds, cancer, digestion issues, and more.
In doctor’s offices, you would provide counselling on cholesterol, diabetes, feeding young children, weight management, allergies, and more.
In long-term care homes and other facilities, you would manage food systems, staff and budgets to provide safe and nutritious meals.
Work with food manufacturers to develop and market healthier foods.
Deliver nutrition education and food skills programs in the community for new moms, seniors, and people on a budget.
Provide expertise on nutrition policy for governments.
Start your own private practice to work one-on-one with people, work in the media, or support businesses with their writing and marketing.
How Much Does This Job Pay?
Canada: Average yearly salary for a dietitian is $68,250 (CAD)
USA: Average yearly salary for a dietitian is $61,260 (USD)
Pros And Cons
Help people become healthier
Work in many different places
Growing field
Above-average pay
Regulated job: only professionals who meet a set standard may call themselves a dietician
Working with very sick patients can be tough
Requires lots of initial training and certifications
Continuous training is required to stay certified
Approach to nutrition can be narrow
Take Action
Do you already have some of the skills needed?
Have you decided to be a dietitian?
If you are still unsure, there are many careers that touch on a lot of these elements with different requirements, such as a nutritionist, therapist, or fitness instructor.
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