Careers in the Licensed Professions
Dietitian-Nutritionist Print Profile
Certified dietitians and nutritionists help to achieve and maintain people’s health by examining their nutrition needs based on age, activity level, and other factors, such as medical conditions. Examples of services performed by these professionals:
- assess nutrition needs and food patterns
- plan for and direct the provision of food appropriate for physical and dietary needs
- provide nutrition counseling, such as advice on dietary changes
Education |
Bachelor’s or associate degree in a Department-registered dietetics-nutrition licensure program or accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, or the equivalent. Most department-registered programs lead to a Bachelor's degree. |
Experience |
Experience requirement varies according to the nature of your college degree and program. |
Examination |
Registered Dietitian or Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam. |
Visit the Office of the Professions for a listing of all options and requirements.
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Salary and Projected Growth
- Median salary: $60,370 in the U.S., $67,830 in NY
- Salary range: $52,120 - $77,800
- Projected growth: faster than average
Where Could I Work?
- Private practice, hospitals, and long-term care facilities
- Public health
- Food service management (grocery stores, prisons, schools)
- Education/research
Your Interests and Abilities
- Strong background in the sciences, particularly chemistry and biochemistry
- Behavioral and social sciences
Professional Skills
- Concern for others
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Communication
What Interests You?
Match your interests and personality to career options! Explore a free career tool at mynextmove.org/explore/ip
mentoring programs—talk to a dietitian-nutritionist about what they do and how they got started!