Dietetics is "the branch of therapeutics concerned with the practical application of diet in relation to health and disease" ( http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com ). In fact, much of our current understanding of food and health is a result of the work of these professionals. Therefore, going back to school to pursue a degree in this field is not only a good idea because you're interested in the work itself, but also because the importance it has to society is difficult to overstate.

Find Food Sciences Programs

Niche Areas
There are many areas in which you may specialize in the field of dietetics. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Biochemistry
• Catering Food Science/Food Skills
• Clinical Medicine/Pharmacology
• Communications/Educational Methods/Health Education
• Dietetics
• Information Technology/Research Methods and Statistics
• Management
• Microbiology
• Nutrition
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Social Policy and Administration
• Sociology ( www.nhscareers.nhs.uk )

Types Of Associate, Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Available
As with any field in the sciences or medicine, the higher the degree you earn, the more options you'll have when it comes to the kind of work you can do. And as a result, you'll be able to make more money. "With a [bachelor's] degree in Dietetics, you would be able to complete a 1 year internship, after obtaining your degree, that would qualify you for a Registered Dietitian License (RD). The internship is strictly optional. Students do not have to obtain their RD Licensure to have a career in Dietetics. The licensure does provide more career opportunities though" ( www.cahs.uc.edu ). Graduate degrees can be pursued in either dietetics or nutritional sciences, as well as various aspects of the medical field. Really, once you have earned your bachelor's degree in dietetics, you can pursue your education as far as you would like to.

Typical Admissions Requirements
As with going back to school in order to pursue a degree in any field, passion for the work is a must. After all, if you are not interested in the subject area, then why would you go back for it in the first place? If you are interested, however, the world is your educational oyster. In the field of dietetics in particular, those with science backgrounds may find that they have a bit of an easier time with the work itself, and they may look attractive to admissions committees, but that does not mean that you won't be able to get into a program if you do not have this background. Just start slowly, perhaps by taking a class or two at a community college, and then, if you like it, enroll in a bachelor's program. From there, you can go as far as you desire.

Careers In This Field
There are many careers available in the field of dietetics. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Private practice
• Industry positions
• Mass communications
• Sports nutrition
• School foodservice
• Clinical nutrition practice
• Education and research
• Foodservice management ( www.k-state.edu )

Salary Ranges In This Field
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Median annual earnings of dietitians and nutritionists were $43,630 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,940 and $53,370. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,760. In May 2004, median annual earnings in general medical and surgical hospitals, the industry employing the largest number of dietitians and nutritionists, were $44,050.

"According to the American Dietetic Association, median annualized wages for registered dietitians in 2005 varied by practice area as follows: $53,800 in consultation and business; $60,000 in food and nutrition management; $60,200 in education and research; $48,800 in clinical nutrition/ambulatory care; $50,000 in clinical nutrition/long-term care; $44,800 in community nutrition; and $45,000 in clinical nutrition/acute care. Salaries also vary by years in practice, education level, geographic region, and size of the community" ( www.bls.org ).

Of course, depending on the areas of the field you choose to pursue, your earnings could be more or less than these averages suggest. It is, therefore, important to research the specific area of the field you wish to pursue before making any decisions based on the amount of money you could potentially earn.

Future Outlook
"Employment of dietitians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014 as a result of increasing emphasis on disease prevention through improved dietary habits. A growing and aging population will boost the demand for meals and nutritional counseling in hospitals, residential care facilities, schools, prisons, community health programs, and home health care agencies. Public interest in nutrition and increased emphasis on health education and prudent lifestyles also will spur demand, especially in management. In addition to employment growth, job openings will result from the need to replace experienced workers who leave the occupation.

"The number of dietitian positions in nursing care facilities and in State government hospitals is expected to decline as these establishments continue to contract with outside agencies for food services. However, employment is expected to grow rapidly in contract providers of food services, in outpatient care centers, and in offices of physicians and other health practitioners. With increased public awareness of obesity and diabetes, Medicare coverage may be expanded to include medical nutrition therapy for renal and diabetic patients. As a result, dietitians that have specialized training in renal or diabetic diets or have a master's degree should experience good employment opportunities.

"Employment growth for dietitians and nutritionists may be constrained if some employers substitute other workers, such as health educators, food service managers, and dietetic technicians. Growth also may be curbed by limitations on insurance reimbursement for dietetic services" ( www .bls.gov ).

Resources

1. www.eatright.org (The American Dietetic Association)
2. www.nal.usda.gov/fnic (The USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center)
3. www.nutrition.org (The American Society for Nutrition)