PerceptionDietitianLet food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
– Hippocrates, Greek Physician
Many people want to achieve their health goals every day, whether it’s nourishing the body to become more energetic and radiant, properly
gaining or losing weight, or helping the body to fight off diseases – and I wanted to be the
person to assist them through proper nutrition.
OBJECTIVES
To clear misconceptions between a dietitian and
a nutritionist
To learn what it is like to be a dietitian
To research about what it takes to become a
dietitian
When I can actually love what I am doing
Dietitian?
Definition of a
“A translator of science of nutrition into the skill of furnishing optimal nourishment of people.” – the American Dietetics
Association (ADA)
Dietitian
Road to Dietetics
BACHELOR’S DEGREE4 years Nutrition/Dietetics Major Courses: physiology, chemistry,
biology, computer science, sociology, business, economics, nutrition, foodservice
EXAMINATION• the Principles of Dietetics • Nutrition Care for Individuals
and Groups • Management of Dood and
Nutrition Programs and Services • Foodservice Programs
INTERNSHIP1200 hours of Supervised Training Alternative: Coordinated Program with a Masters Degree
EMPLOYMENT• Clinical Dietetics • Food and Nutrition Management • Education and Research • Consultant/Private Practice • Business and Industry • Government/Organizations
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Duties and ExpectationsDietitians are expected to
• Explain nutrition issues and assess patients’ and clients’ dietary needs
• Develop individualized meal plans, evaluate the effects, and change accordingly
• Promote better nutrition and manage chronic diseases through community presentations
• Keep up with the latest nutritional science research
• Help navigate food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances
Loans and Salaries
Educational Funding
$7,000
$34,000
College (UC Davis, Financial Aid Included)Internship (National Average)
Wages in California, 2015
Hou
rly M
ean
Wag
e
$0.00$8.00
$16.00$24.00$32.00$40.00
$43.68$34.77
$17.56$12.84$10.00
Minimum WageLiving WageDietitan TechnitianRegistered DietitianRegistered Nurse
Annual Mean Salary of Dietitians in California, 2015:
$72, 320
Real Life DietitiansThe job of a registered dietitian is considerably low-stressed compared to other occupations
in the medical field. The hours are not too demanding, nor does it involve strenuous work
2FOOD MAGAZINE EDITOR
PLANT-BASED NUTRITION AUTHOR
SPEAKER
BLOGGER
SHARON PALMER, RDsharonpalmer.com
JESSIE ERWIN, RDthehappinessinhealth.com
YOUTH SUPERVISOR
CLINICAL DIETITIAN
CONSULTANT
BLOGGER
The Future of Dietitians
• being able to work at any time and hold multiple jobs
• having access to resources to increase knowledge in nutrition
• reaching clients in different regions
Increased Flexibility
• allowing dietitians to reach more patients
• providing patients with better access to healthcare because of convenience and lower costs
Expanded Coverage• saving time on commuting • increasing maximum client load
per day • easier information management • aving money on rent,
maintenance, utilities, paperwork
Streamlined Work
Realistically, no kind of technology will be able to replace the human aspect of treating patients in person, but computerizing some human-force is definitely a huge part of dietetics in the future.
The benefits of online counseling include:
Ways to Use Technology in Online Counseling • Update online health reports • Track diet and exercise progress • Meal, supplement, and exercise plans • Message boards and blogs
• E-mail newsletters • Online calculators • Customized profile • Wellness information
Thoughts on the Career
Is this job for me and do I still wish to pursue?
What to consider:
• fierce competition and challenges to meet and keep up with requirements • costly funding to get into the career
• lower salary compared to other similar occupations in the medical field
• minimal stress
• compliant working hours
• highly rewarding because of the impact on other people
YES ❑ NO ❑
Works CitedAccreditation and Education Programs Team. “Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
Educational and Professional Requirements.” Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Fact Sheet. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2013. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.
Aronson, Dina, RD. "High-Tech Counseling: An Untapped Market for Today's Dietitian?" Today's Dietitian 9.3 (2007): 46. Today's Dietitian. Great Valley Publishing Company. Web. 20 May 2016.
"Clinical Nutrition Major." UC Davis Department of Nutrition. Ed. Martha Amesquita. University of California, Davis, 2016. Web. 20 May 2016.
Erwin, Jessie. “A Day in the Life of a Registered Dietitian.” Web log post. The Happiness in Health. The Happiness in Health, 15 Mar. 2011. Web. 10 May 2016.
Garrity, Betty. "Dietetic Internship." UC San Diego Health. University of California, San Diego, 2016. Web. 20 May 2016.
Glasmeier, Amy K., Dr. “Living Wage Calculation for California.” Living Wage Calculator. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2016. Web. 10 May 2016.
Goldmarie, Stefanie. Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie Jar. Digital image. Stefaniegoldmarie. Stephanie Goldmarie, 26 Apr. 2016. Web. 20 May 2016.
Kath, and Jade. Salad, Cake, Porridge, Smoothie. Digital image. Panaceas Pantry. Loving Earth, 28 Aug. 2015. Web. 20 May 2016.
Palmer, Sharon. “Plant-Based Dietitian Job Overview.” Personal interview. 24 Apr. 2016.
"Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian in California." Nutrition Education. NutritionED.org, 2016. Web. 20 May 2016.
Turner, Kristy. But I Could Never Go Vegan! New York: Experiment, 2014. Print. Warner, Ashlae. Banana Bread, Salad Bowls. Digital image. Oh, Ladycakes. Ashlae
Warner, 12 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 May 2016. Westerkamp, Jenny, RD. Dietetic Internships 101. All Access Internships, 2014.
Web. 10 May 2016. United States. Department of Labor. Dietitians and Nutritionists. U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics, 2016. Web. 10 May 2016.
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