Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitians evaluate the health of their clients, and based on those findings, advise clients and patients which foods they need to eat, and which ones to avoid in order to improve their health. Registered Dietitians generally work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and private practices, providing medical nutrition therapy to patients and residents. They create nutritional programs based on the specific needs of their clients, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Dietitians also may further specialize in helping patients with specific ailments such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Job Duties
- Assesses the health needs of the patient or client
- Gives counsel on nutritional issues and healthy dieting habits to patients
- Create meal plans that take the client’s needs into account, as well as cost
- Evaluate the effectiveness of meal plans and make changes as needed
- Promote positive nutritional habits by spreading knowledge of diet, nutrition, and the effects that eating properly has on disease prevention
- Stay current with the latest scientific nutritional research
- Keep detailed records documenting each patient’s progress
Education and Skills
- Generally, Registered Dietitians are required to have a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, food and nutrition, clinical nutrition, or a related area.
- A current license in your state of practice, or the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential
- Strong analytical skills
- Compassion towards others
- Strong organizational skills
- Exceptional interpersonal communication abilities