Renal Dietitian Job Description
The renal dietitian plays a key role in the treatment of kidney disease. With proper diet and medical care the progression of chronic kidney disease may be slowed. These dietitians consult with phrenologists and other health care workers to provide a diet that helps their patients. Each diet is specifically customized to individual patient's needs.
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Education Requirements
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A renal dietitian must have bachelor's degree in foods and nutrition, dietetics or a related field, such as food service systems management and is usually certified by the state in which they practice. Specific practice requirements vary by state but most require licensure, statutory certification, or registration. The Commission on Dietetic Registration awards the title of registered dietitian to individuals who complete their academic coursework and a supervised internship. Maintaining this title requires the dietitian to complete a minimum of 75 hours of continued education every five years.
Job Duties
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The renal dietitian works with doctors and other medical providers to establish a diet plan that best suits the individual patients' needs. They assess patient's nutritional needs and develop programs that aid in their care. In this process they will consult with the patient in order to understand their lifestyle and coordinate their diet plan to them. Some renal dietitians work in dialysis centers and provide nutrition education to the patients. They develop nutrition programs and evaluate and write reports on their outcome.
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Advancement
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Many renal dietitians advance to management positions in hospitals, nursing and in food service companies. They become assistant directors or directors in dietetic departments, or become self-employed as consultants. Many will leave healthcare positions to work as sales representatives in pharmaceutical companies or food manufacturers. Those with master's degrees often enter the research field or public health.
Employment Outlook
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics average employment growth can be expected. Those with advanced degrees and certifications will have the best opportunities. The aging population will increase the demand for nutritional counseling in hospitals and nursing homes, schools and prisons. There will also be a demand for nutritional counseling due to public interest in healthier lifestyles.
Earnings
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wages for renal dietitians was $50,590, in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,060 and $61,790 while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73,410.
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References
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