Dietitian Careers

Jobs : Health Care

by G.H. 1230 views

Dietitian Careers

If you have not read our article on becoming a nutritionist (link) you might want to start there first. The roles of a nutritionist and dietitian are similar and the line of work sometimes overlaps. Yet there are distinctions that separate the two occupations specifically in regard to regulation and education. It's also important to note that a dietitian can be considered a nutritionist although a nutritionist is not considered a dietitian. There are additional requirements that a dietitian must meet in order to qualify verses a nutritionist. The primary responsibility of a dietitian is to compile food and nutrition plans and promote healthy eating habits to prevent and treat illness. These types of jobs are widely available in many industries from private practice, clinical, educational and even corporate professions.

Please note that the requirements to become a registered dietitian will vary from state to state. Be sure to check with you local state agency to determine the necessary requirements. There are a few states that have no certification or licensing requirements to become a dietitian. Some states only require a certification and many states do require a license to practice as a dietitian. Even if your state does not have qualification necessary, your employer very well may. As a professional, taking the time to invest in your education and training will ultimately benefit your career and those you serve.

Since the majority of states do require a license to practice as a dietitian, the focus of this article will include the general education and training needed to become licensed. The first step to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) should be a graduate degree in food and nutritional sciences. Courses in nutrition, biology, chemistry, psychology, and sociology will be beneficial to your career. Next, continued education to obtain a masters or a doctorate may be necessary for some positions within the industry. A focus on health and science related courses should be the primary subjects studied. In addition to the education portion, a licensed RDN will need to complete guided hands on training through an internship program. Typically there will be a minimum of 1200 hours to log before you can consider applying for your RDN certification.

A dietitian will need to also complete 75 hours of field related studies over 5 years to continue their certification. Skills such as interpersonal communication, analytics, mathematics and computer knowledge are extremely beneficial in this occupation. Your responsibilities as a dietitian could vary widely depending on your career path. Thus this is part of what makes the profession as a dietitian so appealing to many, the job opportunities within the field.

An RDN may own their own private practice and assist individual patients with developing healthy eating plans to better their health and help fight diseases. Corporations will hire dietitians to help promote living a healthy lifestyle on and off the job. Hospitals will often have clinical dietitians on hand to help support a patient's need. Geriatric dietitians can find opportunities within retirement communities and assisted living programs to help the elderly. There are pediatric dietitians to promote healthy eating habits and dietary needs in children and prenatal dietitians that specialize in providing the most beneficial nutrients for expecting mothers. If individual patient care is not the path for you, opportunities in administrative and even research positions are available. These are just a few of the possibilities as a professional dietitian.

Salaries as a dietitian will vary and depend on your career path, education and experience. On average it's estimated a dietitian can exceed $55k per year. It's also a growing profession. As people become more health conscious and more is learned from the benefits of proper nutrition and healthy eating habits there will be a need for professional dietitians to fill those roles. To get started, have a look at the resources below and good luck in your pursuit.

    • Dietitian Technician
      Prosperity Eating Disorders And Wellness Herndon, VA, USA
      SUMMARYThe Dietitian Technician works closely with clients with eating disorders to assist in renourishing their bodies and developing a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. This person ...
    • Temporary Clinical Dietitian - Children's National Medical Center
      Aramark Washington, DC, USA
      FT Temporary Clinical Dietitian This role will cover a 3 month assignment and could potentially become permanent. Location: Children's National Hospital Aramark Healthcare+ is seeking a highly ...
    • Dietitian - Washington, DC
      The Dorm LCSW PLLC Washington, DC, USA
      We are looking for a passionate dietitian who is licensed in DC to join our multidisciplinary Washington, DC team and mission of making a difference. With us, you'll be part of the next frontier in ...
    • Clinical Dietician I
      Children's National Hospital Washington, DC, USA
      Registered Dietitian 90 Days (Required) Registered Dietitian 90 Days (Required) Functional Accountabilities * Assesses the nutritional status of neonates/ infants, pediatric, adolescent, adult and/or ...
    • Nutrition and Food Studies Term Instructional Faculty
      George Mason University Fairfax, VA, USA
      ... Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). The first dietetics class matriculated in the Fall of 2022. The Department is housed in the Peterson Family Health Sciences Hall and includes faculty and staff offices ...
    • Susan Levin Nutrition Internship
      Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine Washington, DC, USA
      Seeking students currently enrolled in graduate level studies in the fields of nutrition or public health or in a dietetic internship program for eight-week internship with organization promoting ...
    • Dietary Aide (Rockville)
      Maryland Treatment Centers, Inc. Rockville, MD, USA
      As a Dietary Aide you will be responsible to properly operate the dishwasher, cleanliness of the kitchen, dining room, and storage areas, and stock rotation. Weekend work required. Essential ...
    • Dietary Aide- Burke Health and Rehabilitation - Next Level Hospitality Services
      Aramark Burke, VA, USA
      Next Level Hospitality Services takes the quality and service of Dietary & Housekeeping Departments in health care facilities to the next level. Here is a chance to advance your career with a cutting ...
    • Dietary Aide
      Fair Oaks Health & Rehabilitation Fairfax, VA, USA
      DIETARY AIDE DEPARTMENT: DIETARY REPORTS TO: DIETARY SERVICE SUPERVISOR JOB SUMMARY: Helps as required in all dietary functions as directed and instructed. JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Read ...
    • Dietary Aide
      Birmingham Green Health Center for Comm Cnts Manassas, VA, USA
      New Competitive Rates Up To $19.02 per hour based on experience BIRMINGHAM GREEN Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facilities Dietary Aide Part Time ( every weekend) 12:30pm - 7:30pm Birmingham Green ...
    • Food Service Worker/Kitchen Helper/Dietary Aide
      Healthcare Services Group, Inc. Leesburg, VA, USA
      Food Service Worker/Kitchen Helper/Dietary Aide US-VA-LEESBURG Requisition ID: 2023-527178 Shift: Multiple Shifts Available Overview Who We Are Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) is an experienced ...
    • Food Services Manager - Full-Time Day Shift
      Raphael House Potomac, MD, USA
      Plan menus from those received from dietitian and reviews menus before preparing foods. Records substitutions. * Purchase foods and supplies. Inventories and supervises the storage of incoming food ...
    • COOK
      Harmony Senior Services Herndon, VA, USA
      In the absence of the Dining Services Director the cook supervises dietary staff to ensure efficient operation of the kitchen at all times. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Policies ...
    • Head Chef 2K Sign on Bonus
      Fairfax Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Fairfax, VA, USA
      We are looking for an ambitious and passionate Head Chef to lead our dietary team in ensuring that our food maintains the highest quality. By overseeing the production of all food items for our tray ...
    • OPERATOR, NUTRITION (PART-TIME)
      Compass Group Fairfax, VA, USA
      Complies with dietary restrictions on special, modified diets to ensure optimal food preferences are met within guidelines of diet order limitations. * Interacts with nursing to ensure patients' diet ...
    • Registered Nurse (RN) - Med Surg
      Vitas Healthcare Fairfax, VA, USA
      ... Dietary, Pharmacy, Supplies, Home Medical Equipment, and other visits/consults 6. Registered Nurse, RN, completes documentation at the time of the event and at the location of care unless otherwise ...
    • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Float Pool
      Howard University Hospital Washington, DC, USA
      Ability to perform the basic nursing skills, which include attending to personal hygiene and dietary needs of patients. * Ability to use patient care equipment safely and effectively; for example ...
    • Companion
      Goodwin House Alexandria, VA, USA
      Knowledge of housekeeping activities and cooking, with attention to dietary recommendations. * Must have the ability to speak, read and write English. Compensation & Benefits At Goodwin Living, we ...
    • Direct Support Professional (DSP)
      MOHMOH HEALTHCARE SERVICES, LLC Fairfax, VA, USA
      Shopping for groceries and preparing meals that meet specific client dietary needs * Encouraging client engagement in social networks and communities
    • Food Service Supervisor - Residential Treatment & Detox Services
      Fairfax County Government Fairfax, VA, USA
      Experience in adaptive cooking for modified dietary needs. * Experience in problem solving, team coaching, and conflict resolution. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Ability to independently drive county ...
    • Brand Manager
      Eat the Change Bethesda, MD, USA
      Our mission is inspired by the fact that dietary choices represent our single biggest daily opportunity to make an environmental impact. We create chef-crafted, nutrient dense foods and beverages ...
    • Cook
      Sunrise Senior Living Fairfax, VA, USA
      Responsibilities Responsibilities: - Preparing and serving the residents in our community - Ensuring all special dietary needs are met and preparing texture modified food as directed - Following the ...
    • Executive Chef
      The Canadian Embassy Washington, DC, USA
      ... dietary restrictions and allergies; * Knowledge of professional f
    • Osteopathic Physician
      The Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine McLean, VA, USA
      You would be an integral part of a comprehensive team that includes physicians, nurse practitioner, physical therapists, acupuncturist, psychotherapist, dietician and nurses. Our medical director ...
    • Culinary Specialist
      Boulder Crest Foundation Bluemont, VA, USA
      Plan menus/meals for programs based on dietary restrictions of participants. * Shop for food, maintain inventory of staples, and kitchen supplies. Replenish as necessary. * Monitor all food for ...
    • AL Lead Care Partner/Care Manager
      Kensington Senior Living, LLC Falls Church, VA, USA
      Ensures that dietary boards are up to date, that in room meals are delivered and cleared, bedtime snacks are in place for residents that require them, and reports on whether in room meals were ...
    • RN Case Manager - 24 HRS/WK - $5k SIGN-ON BONUS!
      Erickson Senior Living Ashburn, VA, USA
      The nurse care coordinator may utilize a range of alternative, non-medical services (i.e., diabetic education, cardiac rehabilitation and dietary instruction) and treatments. The care coordinator may ...
    • Home Health Aide/PCA
      Edna Home Care Services, LLC Fairfax, VA, USA
      Prepare and measure simple meals following dietary instructions. d. Measure and records intake/output as assigned. e. Measures and records temperature, Pulse, and respiration on each visit. 11
    • Summer Camp Food Operations Manager - D.C. - Capitol Hill
      Steve & Kate's Camp Washington, DC, USA
      Keeping track and being aware of camper allergies and dietary restrictions * adding daily updates and photos to campers' profiles How do you know if you're the right candidate? * Does the idea of ...
    • Line Cook
      George Washington Health and Rehabilitation Fairfax, VA, USA
      We are looking for Line Cook who will assists in supervising dietary functions and personnel. Prepares and directs preparation of food served. Assists in tray service and cleaning functions. Keeps ...
    • Personal Assistant (live-in or out) - Washington, DC
      The Calendar Group Washington, DC, USA
      Proven culinary experience and knowledge of a variety of dietary lifestyles and restrictions preferred. * Reliable, productive, and hardworking; remains calm under pressure * Proficient with Zoom, MS ...
    • PHYSICAL THERAPIST OUTPATIENT (PART TIME)
      George Washington University Hospital Washington, DC, USA
      Collaborate with our multidisciplinary care team of oncologists, nurses, dieticians, and researchers. Lymphedema experience preferred. Our ideal candidate is proactive, dedicated to lifelong ...
    • HOME HEALTH AIDE
      Cure Home Health LLC Fairfax, VA, USA
      Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy patient environment by following asepsis standards and procedures, maintaining security precautions, and following prescribed dietary requirements and nutrition ...
    • Dining Server- Evenings and Weekend
      Kensington Senior Living, LLC Reston, VA, USA
      Ensures that dietary restrictions of each resident are adhered to. * Delivers food and beverages accurately to each table. Monitors beverages and refreshes them as needed throughout the meal. Ensures ...
    • Assistant Warehouse Supervisor
      Prosynthesis Laboratories Inc Sterling, VA, USA
      The company was founded by Martha, a Registered Dietitian with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from Boston University. She started her career as an RD in 1974, and has experience ...
    • Brand Ambassador
      Eat the Change Bethesda, MD, USA
      Our mission is inspired by the fact that dietary choices represent our single biggest daily opportunity to make an environmental impact. We create chef-crafted, nutrient dense foods and beverages ...
    • Lead Camp Counselor - Full Time - Summer Seasonal
      Common Ground Child Care Reston, VA, USA
      Records and tracks camper's dietary restrictions/allergies and ensures that the meals/snacks are distributed to them. * Mediates any campers' disputes. * Knows, enforces, and follows all safety ...
    • Activities Assistant
      George Washington Health and Rehabilitation Fairfax, VA, USA
      Contact with families about outings, coordinates, transports, and work closely with Social Services, Dietary, and Nursing in developing appropriate activities. * Will target population and develop ...
    • Board Coordinator Senior (Hybrid - 3 Days in Office)
      Freddie Mac McLean, VA, USA
      Maintaining contact, schedule, and travel and dietary restriction information for each Board member * Working with Board members and their administrative assistants to book travel, ground ...
    • Pre-Kindergarten Teacher/ AM Supervisor
      Sparkles at Fair Oaks LLC Fairfax, VA, USA
      Monitors dietary requirements for individual children as needed.* 19. Shares pertinent information, suggestions, or ideas with co-workers on a regular basis.* 20. Conducts light cleaning duties such ...
    • Activities Assistant
      Fair Oaks Health & Rehabilitation Fairfax, VA, USA
      Contact with families about outings, coordinates, transports, and work closely with Social Services, Dietary, and Nursing in developing appropriate activities. * Will target population and develop ...
    • School Aged Lead Teacher
      Common Ground Child Care Reston, VA, USA
      Records and tracks students's dietary restrictions/allergies and ensures that the meals/snacks are distributed to them. * Mediates any students' disputes. * Knows, enforces, and follows all safety ...
    • Laundry Aide
      Birmingham Green Health Center for Comm Cnts Manassas, VA, USA
      Delivers clothing, linens, and other articles to the appropriate place in the facility (i.e., resident rooms, linen closets, dietary department, etc.). * Cleans equipment and work area in the laundry ...
    • Teacher Assistant/ Teacher Aide
      United States House of Representatives Washington, DC, USA
      ... dietary needs,monitor and respond appropriately to illness & injury and emergencysituations, follow cleaning & sanitation guidelines, and utilize universalprecautions. Immediately raise/bring to Lead ...
    • Teacher Assistant/ Teacher Aide
      usagov Washington, DC, USA
      ... dietary needs, monitor and respond appropriately to illness & injury and emergency situations, follow cleaning & sanitation guidelines, and utilize universal precautions. Immediately raise/bring to ...
    • Line Cook
      WOODMONT COUNTRY CLUB Rockville, MD, USA
      Basic knowledge of food allergies, cross contamination, dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian. (ServSafe) * Must have good verbal communication skills to interact ...
    • Summer Camp Substitute Counselor - D.C. - Capitol Hill
      Steve & Kate's Camp Washington, DC, USA
      Keeping track and being aware of camper allergies and dietary restrictions * adding daily updates and photos to campers' profiles How do you know if you're the right candidate? * Does the idea of ...