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Wellness: Nutrition
The National Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated that employment of nutritionists and dietitians is expected to increase 20 percent during the current decade between 2010 to 2020, primarily because of both an increased emphasis on disease prevention in a growing and aging population, as well as increasing public interest in nutrition.
According to the California Employment Development Department, “A growing and aging population will boost demand for nutritional counseling and treatment in hospitals, residential care facilities, schools, prisons, community health programs, and home health care agencies. Public interest in nutrition also will spur demand, especially in food service management.”
Infographics
- Nutritionist Career - This infographic takes a look at the growth of a career as a nutritionist along with general statistics.
- How to Become a Nutritionist - This infographic by schools.com shows the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist along with the steps to achieve this career path.
Articles
- Dietitians and Nutritionists in California: Learn about career paths, potential job duties, and employment outlook, in this occupational guide prepared by the California Employment Development Department
Student Groups
- Cal Poly Center for Health Research - The goal of the Center for Solutions Through Research in Diet & Exercise is to translate research and science into actionable programs and policy that will improve communities.
- Cal Poly Nutrition Club - The Nutrition Club is an excellent group for students involved or interested in the nutrition field. The club provides a great social network for students to meet each other and participate in social events. There are also a lot of volunteer opportunities for students to get hands-on learning experience in the food and nutrition industry.
- Health Enrichment Action Team (HEAT) - As a nutrition-oriented team, HEAT provides dietary analysis, assistance with disordered eating and healthy eating on campus, fitness nutrition, and weight management support for students, free of charge.
Programs & Courses
Professional Connections
- Nutrition Health Providers and Professionals
- Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialists Network
- American Society for Nutrition (ASN): ASN’s goal is to promote research in the nutrition industry by bringing together nutrition practitioners and researchers. Student members can apply for travel grants and scholarships, and access ASN’s journal publications. Recent graduates can take advantage of the job board, where employers list open positions within the field. The ASN also provides its members with additional resources to promote career growth, including annual meetings, conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
- American Nutrition Association (ANA): promotes nutritional health and well-being in the U.S. Nutrition students and recent graduates can access lectures, publications, and networking opportunities. Leverage the Intern Matching Program, or submit articles and videos to the ANA website. ANA also offers a job board where recent nutrition graduates can search for current openings within the field.
Internship Opportunities
- Cal Poly Dietetic Internship: Upon completing their dietetic internship, students will be qualified to enter clinical dietetics, foodservice management, community programs and to take the registration examination for their RD credential.
Example Job Titles
- Clinical Dietitian
- Consultant Dietitians
- Management Dietitian
- Nutritionist
- Careers in Nutrition - check out Cal Poly FSN's page on career paths