Career Options
Dietitians: Boosting thebuilding blocks of lifeAfter clean water, food is the most important building block of life. What we choose to eat directly impacts our health. APRILLE JANES |
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 [ 2002-06-05 ] |
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Susan Mah, nutrition consultant
Dietitians help people make the right choices, acting as nutrition consultants.
The practice of dietetics includes assessment, treatment and prevention of nutrition-related disorders. This health professional can make a tremendous difference in the well being of their patients.
In areas ranging from wellness counselling to dietary advice for special needs, dietitians can be found working in a wide range of settings. This expanding field promises good opportunities for employment and growth.
"Employers are struggling to find people. The demand is there. It's hard on people who are looking for a dietitian but there are excellent prospects for a career," says Mary Lou Gignac, registrar for the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
Many dietitians are employed by hospitals, schools and businesses planning safe, healthy and cost-effective meals. However, there are numerous other opportunities as well.
Clinical dietitians practice in the traditional health care settings, such as hospitals, clinics and home care. Here the dietitian usually assesses patients and their nutritional problems. They then help develop a long-term plan and monitor its effectiveness.
Public health dietitians work with the larger picture, assessing the needs of communities and developing programs. They provide information and advice to other agencies and the public.
If owning your own business has appeal for you, then consider becoming a consulting dietitian. These experts provide advice and expertise to individuals, businesses and the media.
Susan Mah, M.H.SC, RD, is a self-employed nutrition consultant. "I always had an interest in nutrition. My father is a chef and I grew up with an emphasis on food and celebration.
When I reached high school, I became active in sports and realized a good diet helped my performance. All of this inspired me to pursue a career in fitness and dietetics."
If research interests you, there are plenty of opportunities in areas such as the food and pharmaceutical industries. As well, there are careers available in the field of education, both in traditional settings and other facilities such as fitness centres.
In Canada there are three steps on the road to becoming a registered dietitian. First you need a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from a university offering a Dietitians of Canada (DC) program or equivalent. In Ontario the DC program is offered at the University of Western Ontario, University of Guelph and Ryerson Polytechnic University.
Next, you must obtain professional experience. This can be accomplished by taking part in a DC-accredited internship or practicum, or completion of a graduate program.
Finally, in order to practice, you must register with your provincial regulatory body after successfully completing the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE). Here in Ontario you should contact the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO).
You can visit the Web site atwww.cdo.on.ca. You'll also find more information about Dietitians of Canada at www.dietitians.ca.
Your registration with CDO lets the public know that you have met national standards for education and training. It provides an assurance that you adhere to professional practices and a code of ethics.
Only registered dietitians are licensed to use the titles dietitian, professional dietitian or registered dietitian.
Pay a visit to your own dietitian during June for Heart and Stroke month.
Changing to a healthier diet is a great way to celebrate and a good first step in preparing for your new career.
Anti-Oxidants
Anti-oxidants may prevent heart disease, cancer, cataracts and other conditions. To get more of these friendly foods in your diet, try these five easy tips from the Dietitians of Canada:
-- Dietitians of Canada
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