What is a Dietitian?
Dietitians apply the science of nutrition to plan meals for patients. They help prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits, evaluating clients' diets and suggesting changes. Knowledge of nutritional needs for every stage of human growth and development, as well as for the treatment of illnesses, is important to plan proper diets for the patients. Calculating nutritional needs based on the age, height and weight of a patient is necessary to prescribe the correct amount of food. The dietitian educates patients so they will know what to eat when they leave the hospital.
Real People Profile
| Name: | Kelly Lewis |
| Workplace: | Palmetto Health Richland |
| Education: | Bachelor of Science in food and nutrition, Appalachian State University Master of Public Health in nutrition, |
| Favorite Subject(s) in School: |
Biology and nutrition |
| First Real Job: | Fellowship at a Wellness Center in Naples, Florida |
| Dream Job: | I feel the job I have right now. I have the opportunity to work and help people of all ages |
| Interests: | Spending time with family and friends, going to the lake |
Real People Q&A
Advice for students interested in my job:
If you enjoy the science of food and nutrition and how it relates to human health, dietetics is for you.
What subjects in school will students need to do my job?
Mathematics, science, health and English
What I like most about my job?
I have the opportunity to work with all age groups, which is something that I really enjoy. I work with patients from infancy to geriatrics. I like the fact that I actually help people have a healthier life and see a difference from what I recommend for patients.
What is the biggest challenge in my job?
The main challenge is that nutrition is an evolving field so you are always learning something new which can be a challenge, trying to keep up with everything out there these days.
How do you get a job like mine?
After high school, you look for an American Dietetic Association accredited program for college and once you finish and graduate, you will apply for an internship that usually lasts six to nine months. After completion of that you, will have to take a national exam. After you do all of those things you will become a registered dietician.
