Imagine that a friend is contemplating a change in college major. He has always had an interest in healthy living and knows he does not want to work in an office setting. You think he should consider becoming a registered dietitian. What would you tell him about the necessary training and career possibilities?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) has the educational background
necessary to deliver reliable nutrition advice and care. To become an RDN, a
person must earn an undergraduate degree requiring about 60 credit hours in
nutrition, food science, and other related subjects; complete a year’s clinical
internship or the equivalent; pass a national examination administered by the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; and maintain up-to-date knowledge and
registration by participating in required continuing education activities, such as
attending seminars, taking courses, or conducting research.
dieticians perform a multitude of duties in many settings in most communities.
They work in the food industry, pharmaceutical companies, home health
agencies, long-term care institutions, private practice, public health
departments, research centers, education settings, fitness centers, and
hospitals. Depending on their work settings, dieticians can assume a number of
different job responsibilities and positions. In hospitals, administrative dieticians
manage the foodservice system; clinical dieticians provide client care; and
nutrition support team dieticians coordinate nutrition care with other health-care
professionals. In the food industry, dieticians conduct research, develop
products, and market services.