Dietitians are professional healthcare providers who have received their Registered Dietician (RD) accreditation. Graduates who receive their bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are all eligible to work toward their RD accreditation. They provide their patients with information about food and guided eating and diet plans that address an individual's health concerns. Beyond this, there are several benefits that dietitians enjoy in their professional and personal life.
As a dietitian, your education revolves around how to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Your knowledge is applied to yourself as well as your patients. Most dietitians are surrounded by other health professionals in other fields. Trade your services for other health services, such as massage or personal training. You will benefit personally by improved health. This also improves your professional career because your image is crucial to your credibility as a dietitian.
Dietitians are employed in a variety of work environments. Jobs are available in hospitals, clinics, public health, private practices and colleges or universities. According to the University of Maryland, as of 2010, 29 percent of RDs chose to work part time. Many dietitians have flexible hours and a choice to work full or part time.
The median salary for RDs in 2009, according to the University of Maryland, was $39,000. This amount varies depending on the level of college education and employment situation. Most RDs, especially those employed by hospitals, government or colleges, enjoy retirement, heath, and vacation benefits.