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Job outlook for registered dieticians in the United States
Are registered dietician jobs in demand?
Registered dietician job and salary trends over time
Registered dietician jobs over time
Registered dietician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 89 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 91 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 87 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 84 | 0.00% |
Average registered dietician salary over time
Registered dietician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $53,753 | $25.84 | +3.0% |
| 2025 | $52,202 | $25.10 | +1.5% |
| 2024 | $51,435 | $24.73 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $50,617 | $24.34 | +0.8% |
| 2022 | $50,200 | $24.13 | +1.7% |
Registered dietician jobs by state
Most common states for registered dieticians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 31 | 5% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 265 | 4% |
| 3 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 68 | 4% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 56 | 4% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 27 | 4% |
| 6 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 291 | 3% |
| 7 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 261 | 3% |
| 8 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 170 | 3% |
| 9 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 126 | 3% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 123 | 3% |
| 11 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 58 | 3% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 26 | 3% |
| 13 | California | 39,536,653 | 618 | 2% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 170 | 2% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 167 | 2% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 117 | 2% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 95 | 2% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 88 | 2% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 27 | 2% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 19 | 2% |
Most common cities for registered dieticians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Milford | 1 | 4% | $65,152 |
| 2 | Crown Point | 1 | 3% | $52,543 |
| 3 | Newark | 1 | 3% | $64,912 |
| 4 | Salisbury | 1 | 3% | $62,457 |
| 5 | Lompoc | 1 | 2% | $70,849 |
| 6 | Mishawaka | 1 | 2% | $53,127 |
| 7 | Pittsfield | 1 | 2% | $65,679 |
| 8 | Urbana | 1 | 2% | $51,058 |
| 9 | Modesto | 2 | 1% | $74,977 |
| 10 | Merced | 1 | 1% | $74,214 |
| 11 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $54,012 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $51,141 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $53,653 |
| 14 | Saint Louis | 1 | 0% | $52,310 |
| 15 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $71,547 |
Registered Dietician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of registered dietician experts
University of Northern Colorado
University of Rhode Island
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Utah State University
University of Georgia
Michigan State University
Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
University of New Haven
Grand Valley State University
North Carolina State University
Oakland University
Pennsylvania College of Technology
University of North Florida
Montana State University
University of Akron
Shannon Aguilar MS,RD,LD
Assistant Professor of Practice, Didactic Program DirectorWhat general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Shannon Aguilar MS,RD,LD: Nutrition is constantly changing so staying up to date with current trends, nutrigenomics, food insecurity/food sustainability, social media basics if pursuing consulting field, and cooking skills/classes to engage your patients/clients for real-world skills.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Shannon Aguilar MS,RD,LD: Learn from each job and take something with you as you grow your skills, knowledge, and experience. Don't be upset/discouraged if you don't get the perfect job first. Eventually, you will learn your strengths and areas of interest may change during your career. Think outside the box and there are so many opportunities for dietitian's that you may not think of so collaborating with other dietitian's through professional organizations like eatrigh.org and/or your state affiliation organization and dietetic practice groups (DPG's) in your area of interest.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Dr. Kerry Smith: The field of Nutrition Science has the potential to be quite lucrative. Those with a degree in Nutrition Science can additionally move into Dietetics and become a Registered Dietician or Registered Sports Dietician. The Sport careers are becoming more robust in the college setting following the NCAA changes regarding to fueling stations a little over a decade ago. Additionally, working in private practice providing nutritional services allows for job flexibility and autonomy. By working in a private practice there are opportunities to offer additional services that are unavailable through standard insurance coverages making your business more marketable and profitable.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Dr. Michelle Johnson PhD, RDN, LDN: The day-to-day function of a registered dietitian can be very different, depending on the type of practice you engage in. We have three main domains of practice: Clinical, Community, and Foodservice, and there is a great deal of variety within these domains. Every program, and every dietitian has a unique perspective on what they enjoy about the field (this is a great thing!). At ETSU, our program focus is Clinical (whether that be inpatient or outpatient settings). One of things I love about being a clinical dietitian is that no two days are alike. Each patient is unique, and I rarely have a day where I am not learning something new. Providing medical nutrition therapy can include all age groups, or you can specialize in an area of practice including obesity and weight management, geriatrics, pediatrics, sport nutrition, oncology, renal and critical care.
What Registered Dietician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Michelle Johnson PhD, RDN, LDN: The field of Dietetics is a great field to enter as it is ever-growing (estimates are 7% growth from 2021-2031), and there are so many career paths to choose from. There are always jobs available. In addition to more traditional health care roles, registered dietitians may choose to become managers of foodservice operations, strive to improve the health of the public through community nutrition efforts, corporate wellness, engage in research, assist with the development of novel food products, work in media and communications, support athletic teams, and even continue in academia to develop future practitioners. There is also flexibility to engage in more than one of these paths over a career, and many dietitians do.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Michelle Johnson PhD, RDN, LDN: As in any field, there are aspects that are positive and negative. While the academic road to becoming an RDN can be challenging, its science-based curriculum provides a foundation that supports decision-making skills that are valued by other practitioners. Many of our graduates have gone on to work in facilities with other dietitians and interprofessional teams, and this environment provides a sense of contribution and comradery that are rewarding. Most companies allow growth and compensation that increases over time. It is possible to specialize as well and offered career ladders. Our field has a great deal of flexibility, and many home-based opportunities. Most positions include traditional hours, and the opportunity for growth. Starting salaries vary by location and responsibility so this can be a challenge in deciding what position to pursue.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Anne Burdine MS, RDN, LDN: Do your homework ahead of time on the going rate in your geographic area and particular area of practice. Even though you are entry level, you do not have to take the first offer that is given to you. Negotiating can be intimidating, but practicing ahead of time with a friend or family member who has experience in the work force can help significantly. When negotiating, don’t forget about job benefits such as tuition remission, paid time off, money towards continuing education, etc. These can go a long way towards job satisfaction. Tuition remission and continuing education also give you opportunities to advance your skills and climb the career ladder. A lower salary with a clear path (and definitive timeline) for advancement is sometimes better than a higher salary with no advancement potential.
What Registered Dietician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Anne Burdine MS, RDN, LDN: Keep an open mind! Don’t be afraid to say yes to a job that isn’t necessarily your final long-term goal. You never know what doors a job will open and what skills you may pick up along the way. You are not locked in- the field of dietetics is wide, and most dietitians go through several areas in dietetics before finding a more “permanent” landing place. You are never stuck. It’s okay to leave a situation that ultimately isn’t a good fit- but a good general rule of thumb is to give a job 6 months before making any true assessments of if you like it or not. Being the newbie can be hard. I’ve wanted to quit many a job within the first few weeks, but then ended up staying for years and loving it! Also, do not be afraid to say “yes” when trainings and opportunities present themselves (or seek these out when a need arises). Get trained in hands-on skills, advance your degree, conduct research when the opportunity arises- all of these will help to set you apart as a leader.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Anne Burdine MS, RDN, LDN: The hands-on clinical skills will set us apart from other nutrition professionals who do not hold the registered dietitian credential. Being able to physically assess someone’s nutrition status, uncover and treat malnutrition, and even place NG tubes are all skills that can help secure our spot in the healthcare arena. With the master’s mandate for new graduates, research skills should be more prevalent in new RDNs. Honing your research skills is incredibly important as it can contribute to career advancement as well as the advancement of the profession and patient care.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Dr. Stephanie Fanelli PhD, RDN: As of early 2024, a graduate degree is now an entry-level requirement for registered dietitians. This means that all future dietitians will have at least a master's degree, inherently increasing the baseline expertise of entry-level dietitians in the United States. Dietitians with a graduate degree should advocate for a higher salary compensatory with this additional education. Many graduate programs prepare students to become experts in research and clinical practice, which further strengthens dietitians' contributions to a huge variety of work settings and organizations. Compensation and professional reward may also come in other forms than just salary. For instance, many organizations may pay for preexisting dietitians without a graduate degree to go back to school to earn a master's degree. This investment in dietitians not only helps to bolster the strength of the organization itself, but it also prepares its dietitians to excel in the field, assume leadership roles, and maximize their salary potential. The healthcare landscape in the United States is evolving to adopt the value-based healthcare model in which cost-effective services are rewarded as opposed to less effective yet costly clinical interventions. Medical nutrition therapy and nutrition education delivered by registered dietitians has proven to be clinically effective and cost-efficient time and time again, and emphasis on disease prevention and lifestyle change is becoming more apparent. Clinical dietitians should monitor their impact on patient outcomes, which may save healthcare organizations, insurance agencies, and individual patients a considerable amount of money over time. By quantifying their clinical and economic effect, dietitians can advocate for their direct contributions to their company and negotiate their compensation. Dietitians may consider collaborating with faculty and researchers at universities to better evaluate their effectiveness.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stephanie Fanelli PhD, RDN: The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the use of telehealth, and the role of telenutrition will continue to expand over the next 3 to 5 years. Telenutrition is the virtual delivery of evidence-based nutrition counseling by a registered dietitian, and can make dietitians more accessible to many people across the United States. Dietitians and nutrition experts will need to master these virtual skills so that they can deliver high-quality nutrition counseling sessions that are traditionally done in-person. Nutrition misinformation is rapidly being spread across social media platforms. Many social media influencers cherry-pick nutrition research studies and inaccurately interpret their findings, which ultimately threatens the safety and wellbeing of millions of social media users. Nutrition and dietetics professionals should learn how to accurately and rigorously evaluate and critically appraise nutrition research so that they can correct this nutrition misinformation and serve as a reputable source of evidence-based information. Graduate school prepares nutrition and dietetics students to be able to critically appraise nutrition research, and hopefully the new entry-level graduate degree requirement for dietitians will lead to greater scientific accuracy and less nutrition misinformation being spread across social media channels.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Sarah Larson MS, RD, LDN: There are many, many career paths for Registered Dietitians, so each day will vary depending on the position. For example, an RD in a clinical setting (such as a hospital) may start their day by checking in on patient charts, attending multidisciplinary rounds, then developing nutrition care plans and deliver nutrition education to patients, provide recommendations for nutrition plans to the care team, and end the day with charting on their patients. An outpatient RD could see 2-10 patients in a day and their diagnoses can vary from high cholesterol to irritable bowel syndrome to food allergies and everything in between.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Sarah Larson MS, RD, LDN: I can't speak for all RDs, but generally, we love to talk about food in any situation. Being an RD is a flexible career path - there is so much that can be done with the credential that many build their own 'dream jobs' from several experiences and opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Pinkin Panchal MS, RDN: Due to the high demand for RDNs in various settings and the recent advanced education requirements, new practitioners can remain competitive through salary negotiation and sign on bonuses for entry level positions. As you become an experienced practitioner, acquiring advanced level certifications through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) in focus practice area will enhance expertise as well as obtaining leadership positions in the field.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Pinkin Panchal MS, RDN: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) jobs are in high demand due to the current health crisis as more patients are facing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs for registered dietitians and nutritionists will increase by 11% between 2018 and 2028. There are numerous opportunities for registered dietitians to provide medical nutrition therapy within different settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, higher education, and school nutrition as well as state and federal government related positions. As the program director responsible for the education of entry level RDNs, I encourage my graduates to pursue opportunities that they are passionate about as they begin their professional careers. There are so many diverse roles and positions within the field of food and nutrition that an RDN is well equipped for!
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Dr. Lacie Peterson PhD, RDN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FAND: To optimize your earning potential in the field, developing and using negotiation skills that effectively convey your value to prospective employers is crucial. Many employers may underestimate or not understand the breadth of what you bring to the table.
What Registered Dietician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Lacie Peterson PhD, RDN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FAND: When considering a career in dietetics, early engagement with practicing professionals is important to learn more about career options. Seek opportunities to connect with dietitians during your academic journey and embrace networking to build relationships within the field.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Lacie Peterson PhD, RDN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FAND: Looking ahead, the landscape of dietetics is evolving, emphasizing the importance of expanding clinical skills as well as leadership skills.
Emma Laing PhD, RDN, FAND
Clinical ProfessorUniversity of Georgia
Dietetics And Clinical Nutrition Services
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Emma Laing PhD, RDN, FAND: Pursue trainings and seek advice from mentors about effective interviewing and negotiating skills. Always negotiate – if a higher salary cannot be granted, then negotiate for updated software or equipment, moving expenses, or job-related perks. Take chances and apply for jobs that you might not necessarily feel qualified for. Persistence is key. If you do not receive the job offer you were hoping, harness your disappointment and use it to keep applying to other positions. Say ‘yes’ to partnerships in or outside of dietetics that align with your values. There are many ways to leverage your expertise in freelance work, e.g., public speaking, consulting, tutoring, marketing, developing recipes, partnering with brands, as well as writing, editing, and publishing in media spaces. Many RDNs operate part-time or full-time private practices or offer online courses for both clients and other professionals, and these can be quite lucrative.
What Registered Dietician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Emma Laing PhD, RDN, FAND: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Even with rigorous education, new graduates can suffer from imposter syndrome. Dietetics is a challenging STEM major within nationally-accredited undergraduate programs. New registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) not only have formal training in STEM, but they also have a minimum of a master’s degree and approximately 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience before they can become credentialed and licensed to practice. Being confident in what you know and taking advantage of continuing education opportunities will help squash feelings of insecurity. One of the best ways to pursue continuing education is to attend conferences in order to expand both your knowledge and your professional network. Our field is relatively small, so it’s important to get to know as many practitioners as you can in both in and outside of dietetics.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Emma Laing PhD, RDN, FAND: In the next 3-5 years, it will become more imperative than ever to prioritize social determinants of health and acknowledge your implicit biases in order to provide the best care to your patients and clients. While you should be confident in your abilities, it’s impossible to know the answer to every question. Admit when you do not have the answer and then refer to evidence-based resources or consult with coworkers, colleagues, and other experts in the field in order to find it. Use motivational interviewing techniques to involve your patients in decision making and become familiar with a variety of counseling methods that you can add to your toolbox. Seek feedback regularly and be open to accepting suggestions and improving your skills. You’re never too advanced in your career to seek additional training and supervision. Remember that healthcare is a team sport, and leaning on your coworkers and building relationships with other members of the care team will foster respect and collaboration. Offer to be a preceptor to the next generation of dietitians. There is a lot of satisfaction in mentoring others, and it might surprise you how much you can learn from them as well.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Jill DeJager MPH, RDN: As graduates enter the field of dietetics, it is advantageous to have some motivational interviewing experience and be intentional about further honing motivational interviewing skills in their new position. This is especially important for dietitians who will be providing nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy, but strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for all areas of dietetics. Cultural competence is also a priority. Finally, don’t worry if your first job after passing the RD/RDN exam is not your dream job. Make sure you are networking and building strong connections with other dietitians and health care professionals wherever you are.
What Registered Dietician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jill DeJager MPH, RDN: Cultural competence and strong communication skills will continue to be important in the field of dietetics. Being knowledgeable about the eating patterns and customs of cultures other than your own can help customize meal plans and dietary advice in a way that honors individual preferences. Additionally, having motivational interviewing skills and the ability to effectively communicate valuable nutrition information will be crucial for dietitians in the next 3-5 years.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Jill DeJager MPH, RDN: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in dietetics, it is important to be familiar with salaries in the area and have realistic expectations for negotiation during the hiring process. Taking advantage of retirement contributions and continuing education funds for conferences and seminars can also help. Additionally, standing out as a reliable and positive team member, expanding skill sets through volunteering for public speaking or new projects, and demonstrating leadership skills can contribute to maximizing salary potential.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Dinah Dalder: Critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills will continue to be important. RDNs will need to continue to be self-motivated and adaptable as new information and technologies are always expected in the food and nutrition field.
What Registered Dietician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dinah Dalder: Be prepared with questions about benefits and salary when interviewing for a position. When evaluating an offer be sure to evaluate benefits as well as the salary and don't be afraid to ask for more if the offer does not meet your expectations. Be ready to negotiate as part of the hiring process.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Dinah Dalder: I suggest students keep track of the names and contact information of RDNs and other food and nutrition professionals that they meet and stay in touch while in school. Having a network is a great way to find that first job and jobs in the future.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Catherine Palmer: We have an aging population, and the field of dietetics will continue to grow. As more people take control of their health and become interested in nutrition and its impact on health, disease prevention, and management, more and more people will seek the expertise of an RDN.
What Registered Dietician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Catherine Palmer: One of the great things about becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is that there are endless opportunities for what one can do with their degree. RDNs work in various settings within healthcare, public health and community, private practice, government, research, and education. While RDNs are medical professionals, they are not limited to working in clinical areas. One dietitian may work in the hospital providing medical nutrition therapy, while another may provide 1:1 nutrition counseling to someone with an eating disorder. Another RDN may work with a professional sports team, while another works to create recipes for a major food company. One dietitian may work in school nutrition, while another may be a researcher at a university. With endless options as an RDN, it’s impossible to outline a standard typical day.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Catherine Palmer: RDNs enjoy having a vast array of career opportunities from which to choose. The possibilities are endless! RDNs make a difference in the lives and health of others. The frustration of being a dietitian is constantly having to combat the self-proclaimed “nutrition experts.” RDNs have a master’s degree, have completed 1000 hours of experiential training/internship, and have passed a credentialing exam. RDNs are the nutrition experts.
Maggie Lyon
Practitioner in Residence, Food and Beverage Manager, University of New HavenUniversity of New Haven
Dietetics And Clinical Nutrition Services
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Maggie Lyon: Marketable diagnostic skill sets such as blood sugar monitoring tech and Nutrition Focused Physical Exam for malnutrition assessment will increase in prevalence. Additionally, a strong understanding of social media channels and marketing will be a key skill.
What will help Registered Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Maggie Lyon: Diversifying income streams and negotiating for higher pay are important strategies to maximize salary potential.
Libby MacQuillan Ph.D.
Program Director, Applied Food and Nutrition DPD Program, Assistant Professor, Clinical Dietetics Coordinated Graduate ProgramGrand Valley State University
School of Interdisciplinary Health
What skills stand out on Registered Dietician resumes?
Libby MacQuillan Ph.D.: Having the RDN credential for registered dietitian nutritionists is the most important thing that helps a candidate stand out from those with other types of training, "nutritionist" certificate programs, etc. The credential RDN means a person completed an accredited dietetics program and has passed the credentialing exam to be an RDN, a qualified nutrition expert.
What soft skills should all Registered Dieticians possess?
Libby MacQuillan Ph.D.: In nutrition and dietetics, we communicate closely with our patients and clients about topics that are often sensitive or difficult, such as behavioral change. So, teaching, counseling, and general communication skills are key.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Registered Dieticians?
Libby MacQuillan Ph.D.: Knowledge and the application of Medical Nutrition Therapy, or the treatment and prevention of disease using nutrition, are the most important hard skills. Candidates need a strong knowledge of biochemistry, metabolic processes, and anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology.
Natalie Cooke PhD, RDN
Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs for Nutrition ScienceNorth Carolina State University
What skills stand out on Registered Dietician resumes?
Natalie Cooke PhD, RDN: Students need to seek out opportunities to gain both technical, discipline-specific, and more general, "soft" skills. A strong resume for a student graduating with a degree in nutrition science will include relevant hands-on experience in addition to strong academic credentials. These experiences include paid and unpaid internships and jobs in nutrition and health-related settings, including community-based and clinical settings; undergraduate research experience in nutrition, food science, or other life science disciplines; undergraduate teaching experience where students serve as teaching assistants for life science courses; volunteer experience with nonprofit organizations; and leadership experience through involvement with clubs and other on- and off-campus organizations.
Skills gained through these various experiences might include being able to (1) design and conduct a research study under the direction of a faculty member, (2) read and interpret scientific literature to make a judgment about the evidence for a nutrition-related topic, (3) effectively communicate scientific information in an accessible way through community-based nutrition education, (4) create an eye-catching and informative handout, social media post, or article for a blog, or (5) demonstrate critical thinking standards while providing feedback to others.
What soft skills should all Registered Dieticians possess?
Natalie Cooke PhD, RDN: In June 2020, the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities released two reports, one quantitative and one qualitative, on gaps in employability skills (https://www.aplu.org/news-and-media/News/aplu-releases-two-reports-on-gaps-in-employability-skills-and-workforce-preparedness-among-college-graduates). As the Executive Summary (https://www.aplu.org/library/from-academia-to-the-workforce-executive-summary/file) reports, the 11 skills that were identified as "critical growth areas" include: (1) understanding role in the workplace and having realistic career expectations, (2) recognizing and dealing constructively with conflict, (3) accepting and applying critique and direction in the workplace, (4) listening effectively, (5) communicating accurately and concisely, (6) realizing the effect of decisions, (7) building professional relationships, (8) navigating change and ambiguity, (9) identifying and analyzing problems, (10) transferring knowledge from one situation to another, and (11) asking good questions.
Additionally, critical thinking is an essential skill for nutrition science professionals, including being able to critically evaluate scientific literature about a topic to inform decision-making and information shared with the public. Nutrition scientists want to make sure that they are sharing information with the public that is based on research. Teamwork is also an essential skill needed in any setting, but especially in healthcare settings, where work is often collaborative with many members of the healthcare team. Similarly, in a research setting, interdisciplinary work is highly valued. Empathy is also essential for healthcare providers.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Registered Dieticians?
Natalie Cooke PhD, RDN: Different fields in healthcare will have competencies that they expect their professionals to have mastered. For example, a working group from the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior created a list of Nutrition Educator Competencies for Promoting Healthy Individuals, Communities, and Food Systems (https://www.sneb.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Competencies_Page_21.pdf). These competencies are organized into ten categories: (1) Basic Food and Nutrition Knowledge; (2) Nutrition Across the Lifecycle; (3) Food Science; (4) Physical Activity; (5) Food and Nutrition Policy; (6) Agricultural Production and Food Systems; (7) Behavior and Education Theory; (8) Nutrition Education Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation; (9) Written, Oral, and Social Media Communication; and (10) Nutrition Education Research Methods. A technical skill for a nutrition educator in the area of "Written, Oral, and Social Media Communication" is: "Engage and educate through simple, clear, and motivational language appropriate for diverse audiences." These technical or discipline-focused skills can be gained through engaging in internships and gaining work experience under the direction of nutrition educators and/or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs).
One way to learn what hard/technical skills are required of jobs is to start looking at job descriptions years before planning to apply for a job. That way, a student can carefully select experiences to help develop those skills over time, making them a stronger applicant for the job they wish to apply for in the future.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Registered Dietician job market given the pandemic?
Kristen Munyan: I don't know that the nursing profession is at a point where we can predict the impact of COVID-19 on our job market yet. Right now we are still in extraordinarily high-demand, and hospitals continue to see COVID-19 related admissions that require high levels of nursing care. There have been discussions about how the pandemic will impact interest in the profession going forward, the retirement plans of existing nurses and graduate school enrollments. This is all still developing. Nursing is still responding to the immediate demands of the pandemic.
In my opinion, I think that the pandemic has reinforced the positive image of nurses on a national stage. In 2020, hospital-based nurses carried the burden of surging COVID-19 admissions, created care innovations to improve patient outcomes and worked tirelessly to save lives. In 2021, community-based nurses are leading us out of this dark time by organizing and running vaccine clinics and educating the public. I believe we will continue to see a high demand for nursing professionals in all-settings, and in nurses going back for advanced degrees that allow them advanced practice roles.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Registered Dieticians?
Rebecca Pawlik: Registered dietitians need to be licensed in the state they provide the nutrition education. Any additional specialized certifications are a real advantage such as Certified Diabetes Instructors, Obesity and Weight Management, Sports Dietetics, or Oncology Nutrition.
Lauri Wright
Chair, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, UNFUniversity of North Florida
Nutrition and Dietetics
What skills stand out on Registered Dietician resumes?
Lauri Wright: For a dietitian, experience demonstrating critical thinking skills, interprofessional and practice competency.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Registered Dietician job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Carmen Shanks Ph.D.: The job market in the fields of food and nutrition will shift towards meeting the new ways of life that arose out of COVID-19. Positions in health care, retail, and nutrition counseling will certainly have a focus on digital technologies, such as telehealth and online ordering. To address the problem of rising food insecurity in the United States due to COVID-19, positions in the policy and non-profit sectors will become available. The way people eat has changed dramatically, with more foods cooked at home, and opportunities may arise for nutrition education or meal services. The problem of nutrition-related chronic disease has persisted since before the pandemic, and positions designed to help individuals care for health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease will remain. Many positions across the field will have the opportunity to work remote.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Dietician?
Dr. Carmen Shanks Ph.D.: Entering the food and nutrition workforce during 2021 will be different than any other time in history given. Remain committed to your career path and clear about the types of positions that you apply and interview for. The real key is to remain open and flexible to how employers are addressing issues related to COVID-19, such as being willing to work from home, follow COVID-19 safety protocols, or work different hours than typical.
What Registered Dietician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leann Schaeffer: If a gap year is necessary for a student that is interested in becoming a dietitian, they should do the following:
-Ask RDNs if they can shadow them for a day. This availability has been hampered by the pandemic, however, when we return to normal business operation, this should be an area of focus. The reason we suggest shadowing dietitians is to increase familiarity with the field, which is beneficial when considering career options and is a an opportunity for networking. It is important to record the facility, date, and the RDN's contact information for future reference.
-Volunteering in the community is essential. The philosophy of most RDNs is we should give back to our community and help individuals in need. This can be as easy as helping at a soup kitchen, assisting in the distribution of food at food banks and food pantries, or spending time serving in churches and organizations.
-If leadership opportunities are available, go after them. The ability to work as a team and the experiences learned from being an officer or a leader in an organization are invaluable. RDNs are often managers in the work force and leadership is an important component.
-If a person interested in dietetics needs to work, they should consider working in foodservice. This opportunity gives students the experience of working with the public, learning teamwork, and the strategies for good customer service. Working in hospital or long term care foodservice departments, or waitressing are ideal for individuals interested in dietetics. These opportunities also teach the worker about building a rapport with patients or customers and how to solve problems or challenges. In addition to those benefits, the exposure to foodservice teaches a person about cooking and using foodservice equipment. Often times there are opportunities for advancement such as being a team or shift leader or orienting new employees, which illustrates they are a competent employee and have leadership qualities.
-Learn how to cook. Dietetics has a clinical component, but there is also a strong food component. Familiarity with foods and their preparation are invaluable when working in foodservice. How would an RDN know how to assist a cook in a foodservice operation if a problem arises? Or how would an RDN be able to counsel a patient about healthier cooking techniques if they are unfamiliar with food selection and preparation?