What Is a Community Dietician?

Community dieticians (or dietitians) work in home health agencies, home care agencies, clinics, and health maintenance organizations. They evaluate client needs and develop nutritional plans, then provide instruction to individuals and to groups on ways to stay healthy through a proper diet. Community dieticians work with a wide variety of people both in their client base and in their peer group.

Identification

A community dietician (or dietitian) works on diet changes and holds regular clinics for people with health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or children who are overweight. The dietician teaches new ways of eating and the importance of avoiding the fast food, high-fat and high-sugar meals and snacks which have been an increasing component in many people's diets.
A dietician working in a home health agency teaches effective grocery shopping and healthy cooking methods to the elderly, new parents, low-income people, and individuals with special needs.
Community dieticians might research current nutrition-related trends and issues, such as the relationship of nutrition to preventing disease and improving chronic disease symptoms. They facilitate healthy eating habits among specific sociological groups. Community dieticians evaluate the effectiveness of promotional activities and nutrition programs, and provide guidance on dietary relationships to health risk factors.

Function

Community dietitians sometimes work with school boards and teachers to develop, implement, and review coursework in regard to healthy eating. They occasionally must speak with the media about nutrition topics, and provide seminars, workshops, and literature for the general public as the community requests. They utilize the media and the Internet to promote healthy eating initiatives and raise awareness.

Features

A community dietitian must get along with a wide variety of clients, some of whom may have limited English skills, or physical or mental disabilities. Community dieticians work with government employees, clerical workers, media representatives, and medical professionals. Excellent teaching and communication skills are essential.

Considerations

A community dietician needs a bachelor's degree. Some community dieticians go on to obtain a master's degree. The coursework is very science-oriented and requires classes in chemistry, biology, physiology, and microbiology.
Most states require licenses. The applicant typically must provide proof of a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited university with the particular major, and completion of an internship. The applicant also must successfully complete an exam administered by the state's commission overseeing dietetic licensing and registration. Renewal licenses usually require completing 20 hours of continuing education every two years.

Benefits

According to statistics provided by the United States Bureau of Labor and simplyhired.com, the average salary for dieticians in 2006 was between $38,000 to $47,000, although these figures also include clinical, research, and management dieticians. Most community dieticians work full-time Monday through Friday, although some must work holidays and weekends. Community dietician jobs typically provide health insurance, paid vacation, and a 401(k) plan. Employment opportunities are expected to grow at an average rate through 2016.