Dietitians and nutritionists help people understand the connection between food and their well-being. They assess people’s nutritional needs, then create nutrition plans and food service programs to promote good health. Watch the video below to learn what a typical day is like for a dietitian.
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 830
N/A - Data not available
Dietitians and nutritionists:
Dietitians usually work in one of three main areas:
Dietitians work in private practice and in public health-care positions. Nutritionists usually work in private practice. Both may work independently or as part of a health-care team. This work can take place in a variety of settings, including hospitals, extended care facilities, community health centres, private health clinics, not-for-profit health organizations, private homes, grocery stores, gyms and schools. Some nutritionists and dietitians work in the food and beverage, sports or pharmaceutical industries. Dietitians and nutritionists bring a science-based approach to their work, and use calculations to assess clients and determine their caloric needs. Technology is increasingly important to this work. Dietitians and nutritionists use online documentation and virtual practice, which became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: 2016 Census
In British Columbia, laws distinguish between Registered Dietitians and nutritionists. Dietitians are regulated under the Health Professions Act, the Dietitians Regulation and the College of Dietitians of BC bylaws. Nutritionists are not regulated in B.C. Dietitians require:
Some employers may also require workers to be members of the national association, Dietitians of Canada. Nutritionists’ qualifications vary. Many nutritionists have a post-secondary certificate or degree in nutrition; others have no formal education. Workers coming to B.C. Dietitians who are certified by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information, such as a letter of good standing, references or a criminal record check. Workers who trained outside of Canada Dietitians who trained outside of Canada and have never received certification from a Canadian jurisdiction will likely need a full assessment. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact the College of Dietitians of BC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C. For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca. View a list of B.C. occupational regulators.
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
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Demand for dietitians and nutritionists is high and expected to rise. Retirements will add to the shortage of workers. Also, new roles for workers are emerging, especially in the areas of research, public health and the food industry. Dietitians and nutritionists must consider each client as an individual to create a care plan that best meets their needs. This means considering their culture, financial barriers, medical restrictions and personal tastes. Dietitians and nutritionists work closely with their clients and often report a high level of job satisfaction in helping them succeed.
Career paths
Dietitians and nutritionists have a variety of career options. Many start in private practice. Most dietitians choose to work in public health care. With additional experience, dietitians and nutritionists may progress into management positions. Dietitians may become chief dietitians or take on management roles in health care. Dietitians with experience and a master’s degree in education, nutrition or public health may move into teaching positions or take government jobs in food policy development. Those with additional certification may specialize in areas, such as sports nutrition or education in diabetes, celiac disease, or bariatrics (obesity).
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