Other suggested courses include business, mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, sociology, and economics. Since practice requirements vary by State, interested candidates should determine the requirements of the State in which they want to work before sitting for any exam. Supervised practice experience can be acquired in two ways. Students interested in research, advanced clinical positions, or public health may need a graduate degree. Experienced dietitians may advance to assistant, associate, or director of a dietetic department, or become self-employed.
Some dietitians specialize in areas such as renal or pediatric dietetics.
Others may leave the occupation to become sales representatives for equipment, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturers. A growing and aging population will increase the demand for meals and nutritional counseling in nursing homes, schools, prisons, community health programs, and home health care agencies. Public interest in nutrition and the emphasis on health education and prudent lifestyles will also spur demand, especially in management. Besides employment growth, job openings will also result from the need to replace experienced workers who leave the occupation. The number of dietitian positions in hospitals is expected to grow slowly as hospitals continue to contract out food service operations.