Whether you’re interested in becoming a registered dietitian or already have the RD credential, here are a few reasons why BWS DI faculty love being in nutrition and dietetics.

Did you know the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the “employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations” (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)? In addition, U.S. News & World Report ranked the nutrition and dietetics profession as #76 among the Best Jobs when considering factors such as salary, job market, future job growth, stress, and work-life balance (U.S. News & World Report, n.d.). 

Another perk? There are also many career paths within the field, which can appeal to a variety of individuals. Registered dietitians can work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities, sports nutrition, corporate wellness, food and nutrition-related business industries, private practice, community and public health, and academia, as well as conducting nutrition research (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2023). 

Among these benefits, our own BWS DI faculty provided their reasons for why they love being a registered dietitian. 

 

1. There are many opportunities and registered dietitians are in high demand

  • Diversity! Your passions may evolve, and this field allows you to completely change the type of field you are working in since nutrition is involved in such a variety of different careers. 
  • Flexibility! My personal life has changed over the last ten years, becoming a mother to four little ones and also traveling to support my husband in his career, and the dietetics field has allowed me to adapt and find a position that best fits my needs during this stage in my life. 
  • In high demand! As a program director I can see that there is a high demand for dietitians, and I am so excited to see the types of jobs my graduates are getting once they enter the field. 

I enjoy being a registered dietitian because it is so fulfilling to provide guidance and counseling to individuals on how to best nourish their bodies. It is something that every human being needs to do, and as the program director of a dietetic internship, I am helping to shape the future of our field and teaching dietitians who will go out and have a positive impact on the world.

– Katie Bigart, MS, RDN, LD

2. The profession can evolve along with you as an individual 

No other degree or profession has the ability to be totally individualized to each person’s interests and strengths. You can work in pediatrics, school nutrition, hospital settings, etc.

I was initially interested in diabetes education, ended up in pediatrics and lactation support after becoming a mother and now consult with assisted living homes, and am more interested in senior nutrition. 

The sky is the limit for your career regarding salary. You can work as much or as little as you wish with PRN opportunities. This is a good career for work/life balance as well. 

We’re overall a helping profession but we also help and inspire each other, especially through dietetic practice groups (DPGs). 

– Susan Adams, MS, RDN, LD, FAND

3. Nutrition and dietetics will always be relevant

Nutrition will always be relevant because we all have to eat. 

The continuing education opportunities are a benefit and you’re also learning about how to take of yourself. 

– Sam Chin, MS, RDN, LD

4. The profession allows you to give back and help others

There are opportunities to give back not only to patients but to up-and-coming dietitians. 

– Maddy McDonough, MS, RDN, LD

5. A career focused on food and nutrition will never be boring

Learning about food and nutrition in college never felt like a chore and I found it enjoyable to attend each and every class. I’ve always loved cooking, baking, and learning how the foods we eat can affect our health. 

No matter what area of nutrition and dietetics I’m in throughout my career, I know I’ll always feel fulfilled and interested in my day-to-day work. 

– Maureen Daugherty, MS, RDN, LD

While no profession is perfect, there are many positive aspects to being a registered dietitian! 

For those interested in learning how to become a registered dietitian, click here for more information. If you have any questions about the process or how the Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship Program can support you, please email us at bwsdi@bewellsolutions.com.

Resources:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2023). Careers in Nutrition and Dietetics. Eatrightpro.org. https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/career-information/registered-dietitian-nutritionist-fact-sheet 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, September 6). Dietitians and nutritionists : Occupational outlook handbook. Bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm#tab-1 

U.S. News & World Report. (n.d.). Dietitian and nutritionist ranks among best jobs of 2023. money.usnews.com. https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/dietitian-and-nutritionist