Because so many people eat meals away from home, dietitians also manage noncommercial and commercial foodservice operations where they apply nutrition knowledge and managerial skills in the delivery of meals to children and adults. The broad range of opportunities for practice within dietetics provides RDs with maximum flexibility as they move through their professional careers. Advancement within the profession of dietetics often moves individuals into upper management positions in public, private, or governmental organizations, with salaries commensurate with their responsibilities. With advanced study and pertinent work experience, an RD may be designated as a Fellow of The American Dietetic Association. RDs also may be recognized as Board Certified Specialists in a variety of practice areas such as pediatrics, renal dietetics, or metabolic nutrition support.
Many states also require dietitians to be licensed in order to practice within that state.
With growing public interest in nutrition and wellness, the demand for dietitians continues to exceed supply. Dietetics offers the opportunity to combine an interest in food and nutrition with the privilege of meeting the needs of individuals or groups, in health or in illness, at all stages of the life cycle. 1999 Kansas State University all rights reserved .