DIETICIAN

A Dietician plans, organizes, conductsand supervises programs in nutrition, dietand food service. They are employed in avariety of settings including hospitals,extended care facilities, public healthcenters, the food and beverage industry,educational institutions, sports organizationsand government, or they may be self-employed.

Dieticians should not be confused withNutritionists. Dieticians are health careprofessionals who have received specialisedformal accredited tertiary education andtraining, undertook internship in hospitals,and are required to adhere to theirregulatory body’s code of conduct. Theyare also the only non-medically trainedhealthcare profesional permitted topractice clinically in hospitals or healthcarefacilities, On the other hand, a Nutritionist isa person who advises people on dietarymatters relating to health, well-being andoptimal nutrition. It should be noted thatanyone (whether with or without formalspecialised education) can refer tothemselves as nutritionist.

TasksDevelop, administer and supervisenutrition and food preparation andservice programs in hospitals, nursinghomes, schools, company cafeterias orsimilar settings;

Evaluate nutritional status of individualsand provide nutrition counselling andconsulting to health professionals,dietetic interns, community groups,government, media and individuals;

Aid in the prevention and/or treatmentof inadequate nutrition;

Plan, evaluate and conduct nutritioneducation programs and developeducational materials for variousaudiences;

Practice on an individual basis or as amember of an interdisciplinary team todetermine nutritional needs of patientsand to plan normal and therapeuticmenus.

Basic Educational RequirementDieticians require a bachelor’s degree

in nutrition or a related field such as foodand nutritional science or biochemistry, andone to two years of supervised practicaltraining. To be a full-pledged Dietician, onemust also pass the licensure exam given bythe Professional Regulation Commission(PRC).

Skills and CompetenciesDieticians are often involved in

identifying and treating health ailments.Therefore, knowledge of prevention atevery stage of growth and developmentand a background in metabolism andbiochemistry of nutrients and foodcomponents are critical. They should beable to plan nutrition programs andsupervise the preparation and serving ofmeals.

Dieticians must have an interest innutrition and the welfare of people. He/Shemust be non-judgemental andunderstanding about alternative lifestylesand must have tact and patience whenpersuading people to change eatinghabits.

Physical Attributes and CharacteristicsDieticians should be patient, respectfuland reponsive to client’s needs;

Flexibility and ability to work on his/herown and as part of a team;

Good organizational skills and anaptitude for and an interest in science;

Good verbal and writtencommunication skills.

Salary/CompensationSalaries for Dietician at the entry level

ranges from P13,000 to P15,000 per month.Aside from the basic pay, they also getallowances and other incentives.

Prospects for Career AdvancementDieticians may specialize in such areas

as administrative dietetics, clinical dietetics,community dietetics, public health dieteticsor research dietetics. Dieticians mayprogress to management positions throughadditional experience.

Employment OpportunitiesEmployment of Dieticians is expected

to grow due to increased emphasis ondisease prevention, a growing and agingpopulation, and public interest in nutrition.

The number of Dietician positions insome hospitals is expected to grow at agradual pace as hospitals continue tocontract out food service operations. Also,employment is expected to grow fast incontract providers of food services, socialservices agencies, and physicians? officesand clinics.

Cost of Education *The cost of a 4-year course in nutrition

or a related field such as food andnutritional science or biochemistry normallyranges from P210,000 to P290,000.

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007 - 2008