A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a highly-qualified
health professional, recognized as an expert on food and nutrition. Dietitians
are employed in a variety of settings.
American Dietetic Association Practice Groups: Click
here for more information.
Management dietitians work in healthcare institutions,
schools, universities, and industry. They are responsible for personnel
management, menu planning, budgeting, and purchasing. Management dietitians
increasingly play a key role wherever food is served.
Clinical dietitians are a vital part of the medical team in
hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, health maintenance
organizations, and other health-care facilities. They provide medical nutrition
therapy to help speed patients' recovery and lay the groundwork for long-term
health. Some dietitians choose a particular area of practice, such as diabetes,
pediatrics, or nutrition support.
Community dietitians work in public and home health
agencies, and in government-funded programs that feed and counsel families, the
elderly, pregnant women, children and disabled individuals. Wherever proper
nutrition can help improve quality of life, they reach out to the public to
teach, monitor and advise.
Educator dietitians work in colleges, universities, and
community or technical schools, teaching future doctors, nurses, dietitians,
and dietetic technicians the sophisticated science of foods, nutrition, and
dietetics.
Research dietitians work in government agencies, food and
pharmaceutical companies, and in major universities and medical centers. They
conduct or direct experiments to answer critical nutrition questions, and make
dietary recommendations for the public.
Consultants work full or part-time as management, clinical,
or community dietitians, usually under contract with a healthcare facility or
in their own private practice. They perform nutrition screening, assessment,
and counseling. They consult regarding disease management, weight loss, sports
nutrition, wellness, and foodservice management.
Business dietitians work in food and nutrition related
industries. They work in product development, sales, marketing, advertising,
public relations, purchasing, and in many other capacities that enable
companies to satisfy consumers' growing interest in nutrition.