Training in supervisory and management skills are sometimes emphasized in courses offered by private vocational schools and university programs. Some dietitians specialize in areas such as renal or pediatric dietetics. Others may leave the occupation to become sales representatives for equipment or food manufacturers. Dietetic technicians usually advance with additional education. They may become dietitians, nurses, chefs or kitchen supervisors.
Salaries also vary by years in practice, educational level, geographic region and size of community.
Over half were in hospitals, nursing homes, or offices and clinics of physicians. Others were employed by firms that provide food services on contract to such facilities as colleges and universities, airlines and company cafeterias. Some dietitians were self-employed, working as consultants to facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, and seeing individual clients. Employment of dietitians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006 due to increased emphasis on the prevention of disease by improved health habits. A growing and aging population will increase demand for meals and nutritional counseling in nursing homes, schools, prisons, community health programs and home health care agencies.