A Dietician helps people choose the best foods for living a healthy life. A dietician studies the science of food and the way it effects our bodies. Dieticians give us advise on what we should and shouldn’t eat to stay healthy.
Duties of a Dietician:
- Create diets for people with special health problems
- Develop resources and programs about nutrition and healthy eating
- Consult with other healthcare members to assess patients needs, to develop specific programs for them
- Nutrition programs for schools, hospitals and even nursing homes are planned, coordinated and implement by the dietician on diet, food and nutrition.
Work Requirements:
Dieticians work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes and community clinics. Most of their work is done in a office setting with limited physical activity involved. Dieticians can be involved in the preparing and administering of meals in big institutions like hospitals and schools. Dieticians can also develop individual menus for clients.
Types of Work Environments:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Government/public health
- Long-Term Care facilities
- Food industry
Personality Requirements:
- Likes to help people
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong mathematical skills
- Works well as a team player
- Very organized individual
- Enjoys science and research
Education: 5-8 years post-secondary
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Dietetics, Nutrition or a closely related field. This is followed by one to two years of supervised training.
Certification:
- National: Must pass the national registration exam for dieticians
Courses taken during high school which will assist you in a career as a dietician:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Math
- Health
- Computer-related courses
Job placement – after 5-8 years of post-secondary education your chances of finding a job are considered – Very Good
The demand for dieticians is very high and increasing because of the growing interest Canadians have in preventing and improving their lifestyles.
Wages:
Average annual income: $35,000 to $65,000
Links:
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca
Nationals Institute of Nutrition
http://www.nin.ca
Canadian Health Food Association
http://www.chfa.ca
Canadian Health Network
http://www.reseau-canadien-sante.ca
Job Futures: Dieticians and Nutritionists
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/313.shtml
