There are several career paths a nutrition specialist can follow.
A nutrition specialist is a health professional who is an expert in food, nutrition science, nutrition-related disease and preventative nutrition. It takes a high level of commitment and years of study to be certified as a nutrition specialist. Once schooling is complete, there are several career paths nutrition specialists can take to utilize their knowledge and skills.
Research Nutrition Specialist
A research nutrition specialist will often find employment with the government, medical centers, universities or food corporations. Their duties include lab-based experiments with animals, clinical trials with humans and research into new food products. Research nutrition specialists also conduct research in the areas of food safety as part of large-scale nutrition studies.
Registered Dietitian
A registered dietitian, or RD, dispenses advice regarding nutrition in a variety of settings and circumstances. An RD can be employed in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, community organizations or with the government. Duties can include menu planning for the nutritional treatment, control or prevention of disease. An RD must take into consideration the challenges and medical conditions facing her patients when offering nutritional advice.
Public Health Nutrition Specialist
A nutrition specialist in the public health field often works with health maintenance organizations, wellness centers, government agencies or advocacy groups at both the state and federal level. A public health nutritionist helps develop and provide education about nutrition and disease prevention and oversees nutritional assistance programs for the elderly, women, children and low-income groups.
Public Relations / Marketing
Many nutrition specialists work in the marketing department of food companies, commodity groups or restaurant and supermarket chains. Having a nutrition specialist on staff lends an air of credibility when marketing new products and can help dispel any public concern about products already on the market. A nutrition specialist helps develop promotional and educational materials and often makes presentations to businesses, the government and the public.
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