Jobs for Nutrition Majors

A nutrition major has many career options.

Nutrition graduates have an diverse menu of career options to choose from.

Become a Registered Dietician (R.D.)

A Registered Dietician helps his patients make appropriate nutrition choices.

A Registered Dietitian is an expert in food and nutrition, and transforms her knowledge into practical, everyday applications. According to Benedictine University, most nutrition majors become either clinical dietitians or community dietitians.

A clinical dietitian largely works in institutions such as hospitals or nursing homes, planning and supervising food programs. He might also provide nutritional support based on individuals' needs as well as coordinate care with patients' doctors.

A community dietician also plans and supervising food programs but work in a less institutional environment, including home health agencies and clinics as well as private practice (nutritionists with a private practice are called consultant dieticians). A community dietician's work is much more hands-on at the individual level, and she assists patients with specialized needs to prepare grocery lists and meal plans.

Focus on Education

Nutrition majors can teach at any level of education.

Nutrition majors can write or edit nutrition media and print material to be distributed in doctor's offices, schools, or other venues.

Graduates of the nutrition field programs to educate the public about the importance of nutrition, such as open forums, health seminars, school presentations, and awareness events. The Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure is a well-known example of a breast cancer awareness event.

A recent baccalaureate may go on to obtain an advanced degree and teach other health professionals about nutrition at the collegiate or graduate level.

Nutrition professionals have the expertise to affect public policy through education and lobbying.

Focus on Science

Food research pairs nutrition and science.

For nutrition majors with an emphasis in chemistry, food research is an option. Food scientists study ingredients and work to improve available products and create new ones.

Focus on Sports Nutrition

Nutrition is one key to peak physical fitness.

Nutrition support is often a component of fitness centers, collegiate athletics, and spas. Professional athletes and sports teams as well as actors also may employ a personal nutritionist.

Focus on Food Service

Nutrition professionals provide essential feedback in food service.

Dietitians help professional kitchens stay safe and clean. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nutritionists can assist restaurant owners in planning, budgeting, purchasing supplies and equipment, and menu development.

References

• Benedictine University: Nutrition Department
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dietitians and Nutritionists