Supervised practice experience can be acquired in one of three ways. There are 51 coordinated programs that combine academic and supervised practice experience in a 4-year program. The other two options require completion of 900 hours of supervised practice experience - either in one of the 157 accredited internships or in one of the 91 approved preprofessional practice programs. Recommended high school courses include biology, chemistry, health, home economics, mathematics, and communications. Experienced dietitians may advance to assistant, associate, or director of a dietetic department or become a consultant.
Clinical specialization offers another path to career advancement.
Other dietitians leave the occupation and become sales representatives for equipment or food manufacturers. Job Outlook Employment of dietitians is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 as demand grows for meals and nutritional counseling in such settings as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, prisons, community health programs, and health clubs. Public interest in nutrition and the emphasis on health education and prudent lifestyles will add to the demand. Many job openings will also result from the need to replace experienced workers who leave the occupation. Employment of dietitians in hospitals will grow slowly as more hospital food service operations are contracted out to private firms.