Finding nontraditional jobs in dietetics. (column)

Kathy King Helm, RD

Interest in nontraditional dietetic jobs is increasing. Twenty years ago when a dietitian became an RD, there was only a handful of employment arenas. Today, the "well" population, with its interest in fitness and healthy foods, has a seemingly insatiable desire for nutrition information. This has opened the door to employment at spas and fitness centers and in business and industry, product invention, media and marketing, consulting, book publishing, sports nutrition, speaking, and private practice.

A wave of curiosity always surges through an audience of dietitians and dietetic technicians when a peer mentions an unusual-especially a challenging or higher-paying-job. At ADA Annual Meeting the past 2 years, sessions on new career avenues and entrepreneurship have had standing-room-only audiences.

Why the growing interest?

Many practitioners and students are drawn to the excitement and challenge of new jobs with less routine and structure. Others enjoy the wellness philosophy and still others like working with athletes and sports or educating the public. it is understandable that dietitians are reexamining their options considering the …