Registered dietitians (licensed experts in nutrition, diet and their role in health and well-being) have an excellent career outlook -- one which is set to improve over the coming years. Nutrition and healthy eating preoccupy the average person more than ever before. Simultaneously, a "graying" population -- one with more elderly people - will create more dietitian jobs. Thanks to these factors and others, the diet and nutrition sector offers the fastest rate of growth of any career in America.
The majority of dietitians start with a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification. To become licensed, many states require the completion of a supervised course of study. This course allows a newly-graduated individual to demonstrate his or her command of the science of nutrition and how best to apply it in practice. Registration or licensing is often a legal requirement to work as a dietitian in a particular state.
Diet and nutrition, especially in the context of promoting health and a good lifestyle, are a dietitian's purview. World health authorities now assert that avoiding the wrong foods is imperative for well-being and longevity. Many diseases that are currently rampant in the West - diabetes, for example, or heart disease -- can be prevented or at least managed to a degree by making good food choices. By cutting down on unhealthy types of food and switching to beneficial ones, some diseases and risk factors can be dramatically reduced -- even eliminated.
Some medical conditions can be controlled through diet. These include gastric reflux, food intolerances such as celiac disease, even migraines and arthritis. By eliminating certain foods, a sufferer's symptoms may be alleviated or even resolved completely.
Schools and colleges are increasingly employing dietitians on their staff. Other workplaces can include cafeterias, hospitals and nursing homes. Some dietitians obtain employment with larger organizations, while others elect to become self employed and maintain a private practice.
Employment opportunities for licensed experts in nutrition are set to skyrocket, rising by 20 per cent between 2010 and 2020 according to current trends. This is faster than any career. A number of factors contribute to the rapid increase in employment.
Virtually everyone now knows that medical science has shown an inextricable link between poor nutrition and increased mortality and morbidity. This is true for all age groups, from babies and toddlers to seniors. The public's awareness of nutrition and its place in a healthy lifestyle has never been higher, meaning that more and more people are seeking expert advice on improving their health through a better diet. This is one factor driving up demand.
Another factor driving this rise in employment is the shifting demographic. A falling birthrate means that there are more older people relative to the number of younger people. This disparity is likely to increase in the coming years rather than decrease. Older people, being more likely to suffer from the kinds of health issues that can be assisted by a proper diet, are more likely to benefit from the expertise of someone qualified to speak on nutrition. A senior may be directed to seek help from a dietitian by a healthcare professional or may choose to do so independently. Institutions involved in the care of the elderly are also recruiting in-house nutrition experts to help maintain their clients' health. Few eras have presented more opportunities to find dietitian jobs.
The majority of dietitians start with a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification. To become licensed, many states require the completion of a supervised course of study. This course allows a newly-graduated individual to demonstrate his or her command of the science of nutrition and how best to apply it in practice. Registration or licensing is often a legal requirement to work as a dietitian in a particular state.
Diet and nutrition, especially in the context of promoting health and a good lifestyle, are a dietitian's purview. World health authorities now assert that avoiding the wrong foods is imperative for well-being and longevity. Many diseases that are currently rampant in the West - diabetes, for example, or heart disease -- can be prevented or at least managed to a degree by making good food choices. By cutting down on unhealthy types of food and switching to beneficial ones, some diseases and risk factors can be dramatically reduced -- even eliminated.
Some medical conditions can be controlled through diet. These include gastric reflux, food intolerances such as celiac disease, even migraines and arthritis. By eliminating certain foods, a sufferer's symptoms may be alleviated or even resolved completely.
Schools and colleges are increasingly employing dietitians on their staff. Other workplaces can include cafeterias, hospitals and nursing homes. Some dietitians obtain employment with larger organizations, while others elect to become self employed and maintain a private practice.
Employment opportunities for licensed experts in nutrition are set to skyrocket, rising by 20 per cent between 2010 and 2020 according to current trends. This is faster than any career. A number of factors contribute to the rapid increase in employment.
Virtually everyone now knows that medical science has shown an inextricable link between poor nutrition and increased mortality and morbidity. This is true for all age groups, from babies and toddlers to seniors. The public's awareness of nutrition and its place in a healthy lifestyle has never been higher, meaning that more and more people are seeking expert advice on improving their health through a better diet. This is one factor driving up demand.
Another factor driving this rise in employment is the shifting demographic. A falling birthrate means that there are more older people relative to the number of younger people. This disparity is likely to increase in the coming years rather than decrease. Older people, being more likely to suffer from the kinds of health issues that can be assisted by a proper diet, are more likely to benefit from the expertise of someone qualified to speak on nutrition. A senior may be directed to seek help from a dietitian by a healthcare professional or may choose to do so independently. Institutions involved in the care of the elderly are also recruiting in-house nutrition experts to help maintain their clients' health. Few eras have presented more opportunities to find dietitian jobs.
About the Author:
David Combs writes for DietitianCentral.com, a web site that offers services to registered dietitians. Visit this site for more about dietitian jobs, online self-study courses, webinars for dietetics professionals, dietitian forums, and other features and services for nutrition professionals.
0 comments:
Post a Comment