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Dietitians promote healthy lifestyles by providing food and nutritional services to
individuals of all ages. Dietitians play many important roles in different facets
of life. Dietitians who act in a clinical role work with patients in medical
facilities who are recovering from disease or illness. They assess a patient?s
nutritional status and implement plans for nutrition care that provide the optimal
health benefits during the healing process. Many dietitians act in community-based
roles, preventing and treating diseases by educating individuals on healthy eating
habits and proper nutrition. After evaluating the nutritional needs of individuals,
families, or the public at large, dietitians develop and implement nutrition-related
classes, programs, and services. While acting in this role, dietitians can work for
organizations or they may choose to be individual consultants. Dietitians also work
as directors in food management doing such things as budgeting, purchasing,
producing, and distributing food and equipment for food service companies and
other organizations. Dietitians also pursue research roles by performing food and
nutritional studies.
Dietitians work in a variety of settings to include hospitals, nursing homes,
home health care, schools, day care centers, community health programs, health
clubs, food service companies, restaurants, etc.
In terms of education, this position requires a minimum of a bachelor?s degree
(approximately four years in length) from a program that is accredited by the
Commission on
Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Majors usually include dietetics,
food and nutrition, or food management. To become a registered dietitian,
individuals must also complete a dietetic internship or a pre-professional practice
program and pass a national examination given by the
Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Upon passing the examination, individuals are considered registered dietitians. In the
state of Ohio, dietitians must also be licensed in order to practice.
To find out more about becoming a dietitian, please visit the
American Dietetic Association.
Please use the links provided below to learn more about specific educational programs
pertaining to this field in the state of Ohio.
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