The aim of this article is to explain the salary and duties of a nutritionist. Read on to know more.
Over the last few years, the number of people suffering from various health related disorders is rising at a rapid pace. Excessive work related stress and lack of exercise are some of the reasons for people suffering from diseases. However, the lack of nutritious food tops the reasons for health related issues. The resistance power of the body to combat diseases and ailments reduces due to the practice of eating unhealthy food. The main task before a nutritionists is to suggest a good balanced diet to patients to help them recover fast.
Tasks and Duties
A nutritionist can guide people of all ages regarding what kind of diet they should follow. They chalk out a diet plan for their clients by considering their age and medical history. Both, past as well as current health condition of the client is considered while recommending a diet for him/her. The nutritionist will ask the clients to avoid certain foods if they are suffering from health issues such as diabetes. They suggest foods which should be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner by conducting a proper research of your body requirements. For example, athletes and other sportsmen will require a diet which will provide proteins and carbohydrates in sufficient quantities. Their contribution in making a sportsman fit is quite significant. They get opportunities to work at hospitals, health care centers, schools, colleges and universities.
How to Become a Nutritionist?
In order to become a nutritionist, you should ideally have a graduate degree in nutrition or dietetics. You will be able eligible for the best jobs if you qualify from a reputed school offering courses in nutrition. Apart from the basic course, growth prospects will get better if you achieve various standard certifications in the field of nutrition. Having practical work experience is very essential to make a mark as a nutritionist. Initially, you will have to work as a trainee under the guidance of experienced professionals. The experience, thus gathered, will help while you practice independently.
Salary
The salary for nutritionists largely depends on the educational qualifications, their years of experience and location of work. Nutritionists passing out of premier educational institutions can expect to earn 25-50% more as compared to those passing out from other institutes. The ones who work for reputed hospitals and schools in urban and metropolitan cities are bound to earn more than those who render their services in rural areas. Salaries are the best in places such as New York, Texas, California and Washington.
The salary at the beginning of their career can be in the range of USD 25,000 to USD 30,000 per year. With an experience of three to four years, the salary can be in the range of USD 31,000 to USD 42,000 per year. They can earn anything in between USD 50,000 to USD 75,000 per year, once they gain more than ten years of experience. Clinical nutritionists are known to earn between USD 45,000 to USD 60,000 per year whereas the salary of a sports nutritionist can be anything between USD 50,000 to USD 85,000 per year.
Hopefully, this article will help you in the right way. All the best for your career!