As waistlines and obesity rates continue to grow throughout America, so too does the need for professional dietitians and nutritionists. If you want to help find the solution to America’s diet and nutrition crisis, a great way to do so is to become a qualified dietitian or nutritionist and empower people through education. The only way to correct the problem that the country is currently facing in terms of obesity-related health problems is through dietary change. However, many people eat the way they do simply because they do not understand the damage they are doing to their bodies or recognize the power that an improved diet can have on their overall health and quality of life. Becoming a dietitian or nutritionist can put you in a position to change that by directly coaching or advising individuals, or working with community agencies, schools, colleges, or private companies to educate people on how they should be eating and why good nutrition is important.

Educational Path

The process for becoming a dietitian or nutritionist is similar to that for any healthcare career. You will begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service, public health, or a related field. As part of your studies, expect to focus much of your education on chemistry, microbiology, and physiology as you attempt to understand what is in the food we eat and what effect it has on the body and its different processes. Once you have obtained your bachelor’s degree, you may choose to become a registered dietitian through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which requires you to fulfill a six- to 12-month supervised internship and pass an exam. This license is required in 46 states, so it is worthy of strong consideration.

Getting a Job in the Field

Once you have your degree and proper credentials, you can seek employment in the field of dietetics and nutrition. The good news for anyone in this field is that the job prospects are growing steadily. This is a result of large organizations understanding that preventative health care is much more cost effective and efficient than the treatment of serious health problems caused by poor diet and obesity. Professional dietitians and nutritionists are in demand because they are able to help shape the way these organizations educate their members or employees on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and ways to achieve it. As your career develops, there is room for advancement within the field as you gain experience. You might find yourself in a management position to help enforce health policies within an organization. On the other hand, you might choose to start your own business in order to help people or groups with their health decisions through various forms of media.

Weighing Your Options

Working as a dietitian or nutritionist is perfect for anyone who lives and appreciates a healthy lifestyle themselves. Furthermore, an interest in science is a plus because you will be closely studying the composition and nutritional properties of a broad spectrum of foods. Finally, this field is related to an integral part of everyone’s daily life: food. You may feel a sense of goodwill as you will be helping people make good dietary choices and live healthier lives. However, you will spend much of your time coaching people to change their dietary habits, and that can prove to be very difficult. Also, there will be an expectation that you stay current on the most recent findings within the field, so you must commit to continuing education throughout your career. Despite these potential challenges, a career as a dietician or nutritionist can be extremely rewarding. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting career path, contact a nearby college or university or research online for more information.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health care professions.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health. https://careers-lsi.icims.com/jobs/intro?hashed=0

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health care professions.

Category: Education
Keywords: health care professions