The Dietetics Profession
Dietitians aim to improve and promote health through food and nutrition. They play a variety of roles:
Dietitians may also go into private practice, consulting, individual counselling or choose to develop careers in the government, business and industry, education and research. Job Market ConditionsCurrent job market conditions for dietitians are excellent. There are about 1100 dietitians registered in BC and dietetics is a growing profession with excellent future job prospects. Most graduates have no difficulty obtaining employment in the field. Dietitian versus NutritionistA Registered Dietitian is a regulated professional who must complete an accredited undergraduate educational program and internship to practice. Upon registration with a provincial regulatory body, dietitians may use the RD designation. Nutrition-related positions in hospitals and public health generally require dietitian qualifications. The title Nutritionist can be a source of confusion. This title is not regulated, and is used by people with a wide range of training and knowledge. The title may be used by both individuals who do not have formal education in nutrition (e.g., health food store clerks and gym employees) and those that do (dietitians employed in community settings; nutritional scientists working in academic or industry settings; nutrition counsellors trained in non-university settings such as private colleges). Dietitians working in a hospital or health care facility will often have a job title that incorporates the term “dietitian.” These dietitians focus on the clinical care of patients/clients or manage food production and service. In contrast, dietitians working in a community setting will often have a job title that incorporates the term “nutritionist.” |
