Nutritionist

Nutritionists educate the public on the role healthy eating habits play in the promotion of wellness and the prevention of disease. Many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and low birth weight are linked to diet. Through development and implementation of nutrition programs, nutritionists may decrease malnutrition, maintain and promote health, and control disease for individuals and communities. Many nutritionists are also registered dietitians.

Work Environment
Nutritionists work for local, state, national, or world health agencies, health care facilities, schools, food-related industries, athletic programs, and fitness centers.

Job Outlook
An estimated 53,000 jobs existed in 1994 for nutritionists and dietitians. Most of these were in hospitals and nursing homes. As the population increases in size and age, demand for these professionals is expected to strengthen.

Length of Training/
Requirements
A bachelor's degree in dietetics or nutrition is the minimum educational requirement for a nutritionist. However, a graduate degree is required for a nutritionist to be employed as a teacher, researcher, or a public/community health nutritionist.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $34,000 - $56,000.

Educational Programs
Bachelor's/Master's/Doctoral Degrees
Abilene Christian University
Prairie View A&M University
Sam Houston State University
Southwest Texas State University
Stephen F. Austin University
Texas A&M University
Texas Southern University
Texas Tech University
Texas Woman's University
University of Houston
The University of Texas at Austin
University of the Incarnate Word
University of Texas Health Science Center - Houston

Professional Associations
American Dietetic Association
216 W. Jackson Blvd., Ste. 800
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
312/899-0040
Fax: 312/899-0040

American Public Health Association
Foods and Nutrition Section
1015 15th St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
202/787-5600