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Opportunities for Dietitians
The registered dietitian provides medical nutrition therapy. Dietetic practice includes using business and management skills in producing and serving meals in a wide range of settings. Dietitians educate clients, the public, and other professionals about the role of diet in health. They conduct research in nutrition and interpret research data to the public. For more information on the profession and career opportunities, see the American Dietetic Association website careers page.
Career Opportunities
Clinical Dietitians are specialists in food nutrition services in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. They assess patient nutrition, develop dietary plans, provide patient counseling, and monitor patient progress.
Community Dietitians work in public health agencies, health and fitness clubs, and day care centers. They counsel people on food choices and direct programs in nutrition awareness and disease prevention.
Management Dietitians specialize in food service systems or clinical management. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, school food service, cafeterias, and restaurants. They manage personnel, plan and conduct employee training programs, design food systems, and plan budgets.
Business Dietitians work in the food industry in product development and marketing, public relations, food styling, and menu design.
Consultant Dietitians are independent business people who work as nursing home consultants, book authors, and patient counselors in medical centers and fitness programs. They also develop and evaluate food service systems and serve as independent advisors to industry.
Graduate Education Opportunities
Graduates may continue their studies with the goal of obtaining a PhD or MD. The dietetics and biology programs offer students the opportunity to obtain a dietetics degree while fulfilling the requirements needed for medical school. The University at Buffalo Medical School offers an early assurance program for qualified students.