Dietitians are those educated in “the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook). Assessing the health of patients and the foods they eat are a big part of the job. Like any medical field, you will have a long road ahead of you with schooling and keeping your license up to date. A strong understanding for nutrition and love for helping people are important qualities in a dietitian. As more people are seeking out nutrition help, dietitians are in high demand. “Nutrition is a key element of good health” (Dietitian Nutritionist). Most people need help grasping what foods to eat to be in the best health. Dietitians are specialists trained
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Dietitians need to have a strong love for all things nutrition. Every day, you will have to talk to patients about food and how it affects their body. Compassion and the ability to listen are two main qualities you will need. Whether dealing with children or older people affected by diseases, you will need to be understanding and listen to what does or does not work for them. If you have several patients a day, you will need to stay organized on that specific person’s needs, goals, and budget. Not everyone can just change their eating habits because they are told so. You must be able to work with the client and solve any problems they might have, whether it is finding foods they can eat or planning a budget friendly meal plan. Lastly, you will need to be able to explain things clearly to you patients so that they understand the importance of their new eating plan. Each patient will be different, but having these qualities will set you up for …show more content…
Dietitians usually obtain a bachelor’s degree in a nutrition related field such as dietetics or clinical nutrition. Depending on your school, you must complete 1,200 hours of supervised training either during or after your college career. During the internship, you will get a hands on experience with what it is like to be a dietitian. Under supervision you will be able to assess patients and learn how to go about helping them nutrition wise. In order to practice in your chosen state, you must pass the exam to be licensed. The exam is the final test that will combine everything you have learned about dietetics. Questions will range from food service to nutritional content! The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) title is preferred by most employers. To keep your RDN label, you “must complete 75 continuing professional education credits every 5 years” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook). It may seem like a lot of education to become a dietitian, but if you truly love nutrition and helping people, you will enjoy
Dietitians need to have a strong love for all things nutrition. Every day, you will have to talk to patients about food and how it affects their body. Compassion and the ability to listen are two main qualities you will need. Whether dealing with children or older people affected by diseases, you will need to be understanding and listen to what does or does not work for them. If you have several patients a day, you will need to stay organized on that specific person’s needs, goals, and budget. Not everyone can just change their eating habits because they are told so. You must be able to work with the client and solve any problems they might have, whether it is finding foods they can eat or planning a budget friendly meal plan. Lastly, you will need to be able to explain things clearly to you patients so that they understand the importance of their new eating plan. Each patient will be different, but having these qualities will set you up for …show more content…
Dietitians usually obtain a bachelor’s degree in a nutrition related field such as dietetics or clinical nutrition. Depending on your school, you must complete 1,200 hours of supervised training either during or after your college career. During the internship, you will get a hands on experience with what it is like to be a dietitian. Under supervision you will be able to assess patients and learn how to go about helping them nutrition wise. In order to practice in your chosen state, you must pass the exam to be licensed. The exam is the final test that will combine everything you have learned about dietetics. Questions will range from food service to nutritional content! The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) title is preferred by most employers. To keep your RDN label, you “must complete 75 continuing professional education credits every 5 years” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook). It may seem like a lot of education to become a dietitian, but if you truly love nutrition and helping people, you will enjoy