Where Are the Jobs in Nutrition?

Although any number of medical professionals may counsel individuals in diet and nutrition, the true pros of nutrition are undoubtedly the ones that hold credentials as registered dieticians (RD) and nutritionists.

Registered dietitians and nutritionists are clinical experts whose work often takes them to hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities. But a career in nutrition doesn’t have to be bound by the four walls of the clinical setting.

Outside of clinical practice, careers in nutrition include performing research at colleges, universities, and governmental/private research facilities, helping governmental and private agencies set policies used to develop and administer nutrition programs, and overseeing product development and quality control in private food companies/corporations.

  • Clinical Dietetics/Nutrition
    • Work in inpatient and outpatient settings
    • Work with specific populations (older adults, infants, adolescents, pregnant women)
    • Work in specific medical specialties (pediatric, renal, diabetes, nutrition support)
    • Registered Dietitian (RD)
  • Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR)
  • Licensed Nutritionist
  • Nutritionist
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Health Coach
  • Clinical Dietitian
  • Holistic Nutritionist
  • Food and Nutrition Management
    • Provide consulting services for healthy eating options to:
      • Hospitals
      • Businesses
      • Schools
      • Restaurants
      • Hotels
      • Spas
  • Public Health Nutrition
    • Work with federal government organizations, such asi ICDS, USDA and FDA
    • Work with state and local agencies in programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Congregate Meals programs

 

  • Nutrition Education and Research
    • Work with state boards of education and nutrition/health councils
    • Provide nutrition education and wellness programs to businesses
    • Work in research settings, overseeing clinical trials and interventions 

 

  • Private Practice/Consulting
    • Provide consultation services to clients in areas such as:
      • Diabetes management
      • Weight management
      • Eating disorders
      • Sports nutrition
    • Provide consultation services to clients at health clubs/spas

 

  • Business and Industry
    • Work in marketing, public relations, quality control, and research and development for:
      • Food manufacturers
      • Nutraceutical companies
      • Pharmaceutical companies
      • Food service vendors
      • Food service contract management
      • Trade associations

 

  • International Food Organizations
    • US AID
    • CARE
    • Peace Corps
    • Oxfam
    • Center for Food Safety