A dietitian is a health care professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and supervision of nutritional problems. They help people choose healthy food and work in conjunction with other health care providers to improve their quality of life. Dietitians are highly trained in the field of nutrition and can diagnose diseases that may result from poor dietary choices or disease-related malnutrition. Some of the other roles of a dietitian include planning and executing enteral tube feeding regimens, and counseling on the effects of a cancer-related malnutrition condition called cachexia. Dietitians diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems A dietitian is a qualified health professional who diagnoses and treats dietary and nutritional problems. They work with both healthy and ill patients, providing dietary advice for recovery and treatment, and informing patients and the public about various health issues. The career opportunities are varied, and a dietitian can work in various settings, including the food industry, the workplace, and health care facilities. A dietitian may also work as a consultant, advising patients on dietary issues, providing education to patient groups, and completing quality improvement projects. To become a dietitian, you must earn a bachelorҳ degree in nutrition or another related field. You can also pursue a masterҳ degree in nutrition. Most states require dietitians to be registered, which requires six to twelve months of internship supervised by a registered dietitian. After completing an internship, you will need to pass a written exam offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Although becoming a registered dietitian is highly desirable, not all practitioners choose to pursue this path. In some cases, a dietitian may work with psychiatric patients. These patients may have an underlying mental health issue that requires special attention to nutrition. This can include patients who are pregnant, have undergone bariatric surgery, or are addicted to prescription medications. This work often requires a high level of training and knowledge in all areas of nutrition. However, some dietitians focus on specific problems, including diabetes, eating disorders, or eating disorders. A dietetics professional will provide medical nutrition therapy to people of all ages. They may work in a hospital setting or in a private practice, providing dietary expertise to businesses and public health offices. Certified clinical nutritionists are trained to assess the nutritional needs of individuals and organizations. These professionals may have advanced professional degrees. Some states require a license before becoming a dietitian. When selecting a career, be sure to choose a career path that is right for you. Registered dietitians are a highly trained and specialized group of health care providers. They have the highest amount of formal education and experience in the field. Other health care professionals may be able to provide basic nutrition education or advice, but these advice should be based on sound research. All health care providers should reinforce the principles of nutrition therapy and dietary advice to patients. And donҴ forget to ask your family member if theyҶe seen a dietitian and followed his or her recommendations. They advise people on healthy food choices A dietitian advises people on a wide range of food choices to improve their health. They are accredited practising dietitians who work in partnership with doctors and other health professionals. Dietitians may also be referred by a doctor for treatment of a specific medical condition. They can also help to gain or lose weight, help you with digestive problems, or figure out the right diet for your baby. Consultations with a dietitian are especially beneficial for people who are parents or who are taking care of an aging parent. Appointments are usually 45 minutes to an hour. During the initial meeting, the dietitian may ask questions about your overall health and diet. He or she will also ask about any health issues you may have, such as diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol. After learning about your current health and eating habits, the dietitian can tailor an eating plan to meet your needs and improve your overall well-being. A dietitian is a highly qualified professional who translates latest scientific knowledge into practical advice. A dietitian has a university degree and courses accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA). A registered dietitian must adhere to the DAAҳ evidence-based practice guidelines. A nutritionist can be a dietitian or a nutritionist. But not all dietitians are registered. Many dietitians work in public health and community health settings, including schools, recreation centers, and government agencies. They can also be in-demand as health care professionals, advising government officials, or leading community nutrition programs. They serve as credible role models, providing healthy food advice and implementing community nutrition programs. You can also work in a food service management role. A dietitian can advise and support a chef in fulfilling their responsibilities. They supervise the preparation of food As a professional nutritionist, a Dietitian performs several duties. These tasks may include supervising the preparation of dietetic food, developing and implementing nutrition education plans, directing and training employees, and organizing work. They also consult with medical personnel and nursing staff, supervise employees, and evaluate work processes and workloads. Dietitians are required to communicate effectively with clients and employees. Dietitians also supervise food preparation employees and plan and evaluate meals and menus. A dietitianҳ salary is determined by the type of food the job entails. They usually work 37.5 hours a week, flexibly dividing their time between Monday to Friday. They are paid on the Agenda for Change pay scale, and typically start out on band five. Benefits include health service discounts, a generous pension scheme, and 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that dietitians will have a high employment rate through 2014 if they continue to work in the field. A Dietitian may work in a health care facility, hospital, or HMO. These professionals oversee the preparation of meals for patients and staff and oversee sanitary regulations, including food safety. In addition, a dietitian may also work in a home health agency, performing nutrition screenings and consulting on diet-related concerns. Increasing public interest in nutrition has created numerous job opportunities in the food industry. A Dietitian is certified by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. They must complete specific educational prerequisites and pass a national registration exam. They must also complete an internship program that requires at least 1200 hours of practical experience. This internship can be completed as part of a coordinated program during the studentҳ coursework, or after graduation. For more detailed information about dietitian certification, see Appendix F. They work with other health professionals There are many different jobs for a dietitian. Some work directly with patients, while others are involved in menu planning or corporate wellness programs. Still others work under contract with various food and health care companies. All of these jobs require a bachelorҳ degree in dietetics or a postgraduate qualification that is approved by the HCPC. Depending on their preference, a dietitian can work in the public or private sector. In a hospital setting, dietitians can work independently or as a member of a multidisciplinary team. They can treat a variety of illnesses, advise patients and caterers, and plan public health programs. They also can give advice on how to avoid adverse drug interactions when taking prescribed medications. Generally, dietitians are part of a team that includes doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Dietitians also work with other health care professionals and key personnel in the community. In the community, dietitians can help individuals make healthier food choices and promote healthy living. In public health clinics, community nutritionists counsel patients about diet and nutrition issues, and they may work in nonprofit agencies, health maintenance organizations, and home care services. Some dietitians work in the food industry, as they can evaluate food products and produce nutrition literature for distribution. They may also be involved in education and the media, and may teach students or supervise the kitchen staff. A dietitianҳ job is to translate the science of nutrition into daily information for the public. Dietitians are also trained to diagnose and treat dietary disorders and prescribe treatment based on their clinical findings. Diet is the cornerstone of treatment for a number of illnesses, including coeliac disease, malnutrition, and renal disease. These professionals are responsible for educating the public about the importance of eating healthy and avoiding foods high in sugar and fats. A registered dietitian is a professional who has completed an accredited program of study. They are able to develop individualized or group dietary plans. In addition, they may work in sports and fitness facilities and manage comprehensive health services. All of these positions require a degree in dietetics. You can also choose to work as a freelance dietitian. The possibilities are endless. You can be a registered dietitian and work for a government agency, nonprofit organization, or education organization. The postJobs For a Dietitian appeared first onSMB Place.