1. Careers in Nutrition Nutrition Advocate Club Funded by the USDA’s Food Stamp Program, an equal opportunity provider and employer.

2. What is Nutrition? The scientific study of food and nourishment, including food composition, dietary guidelines, and the roles that nutrients have in maintaining health.

3. The Science of Nutrition Physiology Chemistry Biochemistry Microbiology

4. Careers in Nutrition Registered Dietitian Dietetic Technician Nutritionist Food Scientist

5. Registered Dietitian Recognized as the nutrition expert Education: –4-year Bachelors degree in nutrition –1-year Dietetic Internship – 70% of dietitians have a Master’s degree Must pass national registration exam to legally use the title “Registered Dietitian” Must attend educational seminars throughout their career

6. What Does a RD do? Dietitians help promote good health through proper eating. They supervise the preparation and service of food, develop modified diets, participate in research, and educate individuals and groups on good nutritional habits.

7. Registered Dietitian Jobs Clinical Setting –Hospitals, nursing care facilities, etc. Community Setting –Public health agencies, schools, etc. Management –Food service –Administration Private Practice Other: Sports nutrition, eating disorders, research, consulting

8. Registered Dietetic Technician Usually work under the supervision of a registered dietitian Education: –2 year Associates degree in nutrition –4-6 month internship Must pass national exam to legally use the title “Registered Dietetic Technician”

9. Nutritionist The term nutritionist is not regulated Anyone may call themselves nutritionists without the educational and professional requirements of registered dietitians Personal trainers, chiropractors, and holistic practitioners often refer to themselves as nutritionists as well

10. Food Scientist Food scientists work in the food processing industry Most food scientists work in the research and development departments of food processing companies

11. Competitive Edge No matter which career path you choose, you need to stay on top of your game The nutrition profession is growing and becoming more competitive each year Keep a competitive edge: –Keep grades high –Participate in clubs and organizations –Take on leadership roles –Volunteer or find an entry level job in the field

12. "To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art." - La Rochefoucauld This material was produced by the California Department of Public Health, Network for a Healthy California, with funding from the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the Food Stamp Program). These institutions are equal opportunity providers and employers. In California, food stamps provide assistance to low-income households, and can help buy nutritious foods for better health. For food stamp information, call 877-847-3663. For important nutrition information visit www.cachampionsforchange.net.