Dietitian

Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, home economics (food), or closely related field.
• Experience equivalent to three years of professional dietetics work including at least one year of experience as a registered dietitian.
• Additional graduate coursework in dietetics, nutrition, home economics (food) or closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required non-specialized experience.

Job Overview

Under general supervision, is responsible for professional dietetics works. Plans therapeutic diets and menus for a State facility and administers medical nutrition therapy to prevent and treat diseases and health conditions. Serves as a consultant to medical and nursing staff. Assesses/analyzes data from medical records (e.g., medical diagnoses, medical/nutrition history, food intake records, anthropometric data, laboratory results), and other relevant documentation to make recommendations for maintaining or improving nutritional status. Assesses nutritional needs, dietary regimens, and current medical treatment to develop and implement nutrition care plans and provide nutritional counseling. Calculates weight range, body mass index (BMI) and nutritional needs (e.g., daily caloric intake, proteins, fluids, and other needed nutrients) as necessary to establish nutrition care plans. Checks the caloric and nutrient content (e.g., protein, vitamins, and minerals) of foods on individual menus and/or facility menus to determine adjustments needed to meet clients' therapeutic needs.