Also called: RD, RDN, Clinical Dietitian
Uses food and nutrition science to treat illness and help people eat healthier.
In a hospital, calculates tube-feeding formulas for ICU patients, teaches a newly diagnosed diabetic to count carbs, and helps a cancer patient keep weight on during chemo. Others work in clinics, schools, or private practice.
BLS May 2024.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's degree (now required for new dietitians), 1,000+ supervised practice hours, and the RD exam.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Nutrition & Dietetics, Nutrition Science, Food Science.
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). Faster than average.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Meal-planning apps and AI chat take over basic diet advice, squeezing outpatient work; hospital medical nutrition therapy stays expert-led.
Classes: Chemistry, AP Biology, Foods and nutrition.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-1031.
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