OCCUPATION: REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Name: Susan Moore Company: Martin Luther Hospital, Anaheim Thumbs up: “I like the wide variety of responsibilities involved. I particularly enjoy the people contact and working as a part of a professional team for the benefit of our patients.” Thumbs down: “My days are very fragmented. You have to get used to accomplishing tasks in bits and pieces.” Next step: “I would like to become a chief clinical dietitian, which involves greater administrative and managerial responsibility.” Advice: “Anyone interested in becoming a hospital dietitian should volunteer at a hospital or find employment in the dietary department. Some cities, including Anaheim, offer paid training programs for high school students who want to work in the health care field.” Salary range: $2,250 to $4,600 per month. Fringe benefits: Most employers offer medical insurance, retirement plans, sick leave and paid vacation. Hours: Daytime hours, five days a week, with some weekend work, depending on the facility. Educational and training requirements: Bachelor’s degree in dietetics is required. An internship of about 10 months to two years is also required. Dietitians must pass a national registration exam and attend continual educational seminars. Many dietitians also complete a postgraduate degree in nutrition or education. Size of work force: Small. In Orange County, 600 people, or 0.05% of the labor force, work as registered dietitians. Expected demand: Steady. Job description: Dietitians assess, monitor and make recommendations on each patient’s nutritional care. Patient and family education is also an integral part of the job. Dietitians work closely with physicians, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals. Major employing industries: Hospitals, nursing homes, state mental hospitals, prisons, schools, universities and corporations. Some registered dietitians enter private nutritional counseling practice or work as consultants to the health care industry. For more information: Contact the California Dietetic Assn. for a list of accredited university programs at (310) 822-0177 weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times