Realistically, no kind of technology will be able to replace the human aspect of treating patients in person, but computerizing some human-force is definitely a huge part of dietetics in the future.

1. Dietitian

2. Dietitian Perception
Let food be thy
medicine and
medicine be thy food.
– Hippocrates,
Greek Physician
Many people want to achieve their health goals
every day, whether it’s nourishing the body to
become more energetic and radiant, properly
gaining or losing weight, or helping the body to
fight off diseases – and I wanted to be the
person to assist them through proper nutrition.

3. OBJECTIVES
To clear misconceptions
between a dietitian and
a nutritionist
To learn what it is like
to be a dietitian
To research about what it
takes to become a
dietitian
When I can actually
love what I am doing
Dietitian ?

4. Definition of a Dietitian
“A translator of science
of nutrition into the skill
of furnishing optimal
nourishment of people.”
– the American Dietetics
Association (ADA)

5. Road to Dietetics
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
4 years Nutrition/Dietetics Major
Courses: physiology, chemistry,
biology, computer science,
sociology, business,
economics, nutrition,
foodservice
EXAMINATION
• the Principles of Dietetics
• Nutrition Care for Individuals
and Groups
• Management of Dood and
Nutrition Programs and Services
• Foodservice Programs
INTERNSHIP
1200 hours of Supervised Training
Alternative: Coordinated Program
with a Masters Degree
EMPLOYMENT
• Clinical Dietetics
• Food and Nutrition Management
• Education and Research
• Consultant/Private Practice
• Business and Industry
• Government/Organizations
1
2
3
4

6. Duties and Expectations
Dietitians are expected to
• Explain nutrition issues and assess patients’
and clients’ dietary needs
• Develop individualized meal plans, evaluate
the effects, and change accordingly
• Promote better nutrition and manage
chronic diseases through community
presentations
• Keep up with the latest nutritional
science research
• Help navigate food allergies,
sensitivities, and intolerances

7. Analytical
Disorganized
Approachable
Inarticulate
Motivated
My Strengths and Weaknesses

8. Loans and Salaries
Educational
Funding
College (UC Davis, Financial Aid Included)
Internship (National Average)
Wages in California, 2015
HourlyMean
Wage
$0.00
$8.00
$16.00
$24.00
$32.00
$40.00
Minimum Wage
Living Wage
Dietitan Technitian
Registered Dietitian
Registered Nurse
Annual Mean Salary of
Dietitians in California, 2015:
$72, 320

9. Real Life Dietitians
The job of a registered dietitian is considerably low-stressed compared to other occupations
in the medical field. The hours are not too demanding, nor does it involve strenuous work
2
FOOD MAGAZINE EDITOR
PLANT-BASED NUTRITION AUTHOR
SPEAKER
BLOGGER
SHARON PALMER, RD
sharonpalmer.com
JESSIE ERWIN, RD
thehappinessinhealth.com
YOUTH SUPERVISOR
CLINICAL DIETITIAN
CONSULTANT
BLOGGER

10. The Future of Dietitians
• being able to work at any time
and hold multiple jobs
• having access to resources to
increase knowledge in nutrition
• reaching clients in different
regions
Increased Flexibility
• allowing dietitians to reach more
patients
• providing patients with better
access to healthcare because of
convenience and lower costs
Expanded Coverage
• saving time on commuting
• increasing maximum client load
per day
• easier information management
• aving money on rent,
maintenance, utilities, paperwork
Streamlined Work
Realistically, no kind of technology will be able to replace the human aspect
of treating patients in person, but computerizing some human-force is
definitely a huge part of dietetics in the future.
The benefits of online counseling include:
Ways to Use Technology in Online Counseling
• Update online health reports
• Track diet and exercise progress
• E-mail newsletters
• Online calculators
• Meal, supplement, and exercise plans • Customized profile
• Message boards and blogs • Wellness information

11. Thoughts
on the Career
Is this job for me and do I still wish
to pursue?
What to consider:
• fierce competition and challenges to meet and
keep up with requirements
• costly funding to get into the career
• lower salary compared to other similar
occupations in the medical field
• minimal stress
• compliant working hours
• highly rewarding because of the
impact on other people
YES ❑
NO ❑

12. Works CitedAccreditation and Education Programs Team. “Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
Educational and Professional Requirements.” Registered Dietitian
Nutritionist Fact Sheet. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2013. Web. 20
Apr. 2016.
Aronson, Dina, RD. "High-Tech Counseling: An Untapped Market for Today's
Dietitian?" Today's Dietitian 9.3 (2007): 46. Today's Dietitian. Great Valley
Publishing Company. Web. 20 May 2016.
"Clinical Nutrition Major." UC Davis Department of Nutrition. Ed. Martha
Amesquita. University of California, Davis, 2016. Web. 20 May 2016.
Erwin, Jessie. “A Day in the Life of a Registered Dietitian.” Web log post. The
Happiness in Health. The Happiness in Health, 15 Mar. 2011. Web. 10 May
2016.
Garrity, Betty. "Dietetic Internship." UC San Diego Health. University of California,
San Diego, 2016. Web. 20 May 2016.
Glasmeier, Amy K., Dr. “Living Wage Calculation for California.” Living Wage
Calculator. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2016. Web. 10 May 2016.
Goldmarie, Stefanie. Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie Jar. Digital image.
Stefaniegoldmarie. Stephanie Goldmarie, 26 Apr. 2016. Web. 20 May 2016.
Kath, and Jade. Salad, Cake, Porridge, Smoothie. Digital image. Panaceas Pantry.
Loving Earth, 28 Aug. 2015. Web. 20 May 2016.
Palmer, Sharon. “Plant-Based Dietitian Job Overview.” Personal interview. 24 Apr.
2016.
"Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian in California." Nutrition Education.
NutritionED.org, 2016. Web. 20 May 2016.
Turner, Kristy. But I Could Never Go Vegan! New York: Experiment, 2014. Print.
Warner, Ashlae. Banana Bread, Salad Bowls. Digital image. Oh, Ladycakes. Ashlae
Warner, 12 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 May 2016.
Westerkamp, Jenny, RD. Dietetic Internships 101. All Access Internships, 2014.
Web. 10 May 2016.
United States. Department of Labor. Dietitians and Nutritionists. U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics, 2016. Web. 10 May 2016.