Dietitian

Exam

State exam

Education

Degree

Experience

Experience

Background check

Not reported

Dietitians evaluate the nutritional needs of individuals and groups, then advise and assist them on appropriate diets based upon principles from the sciences of nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, food management, and behavioral or social sciences. They confer with physicians and other health professionals to coordinate medical and nutritional needs. They must ensure that nutritional needs are consistent with available resources and constraints; establish goals and priorities; provide counseling in health and disease; and, evaluate and change recommendations to continually provide the best standards of food quality and nutrition. A dietitian may work in a hospital, clinic, public health program, extended care facility, university, business, government agency, or private practice. The major areas of practice are clinical, community, management, and consultant dietetics. Dietitians in nursing homes or small hospitals may also manage the food service department.