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Clinical Dietitian, Community Dietitian, Food Service Dietitian, Registered Dietitian, Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Registered Nutritionist, Research Dietitian
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Duties and responsibilities vary. In general, dietitians:
Many dietitians work in health-care and health-promotion settings. Others manage food services or work in education, business, private practice, or research. Some combine work in a variety of settings.
Working conditions vary depending on the type of workplace. Dietitians generally work weekdays but may be on call outside of these hours. They may deliver programs on evenings or weekends. In inpatient settings, dietitians may be on their feet for most of the day. In outpatient and community roles, they often spend more time in an office or at a computer.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating and developing educational materials for various audiences; and in planning, evaluating and conducting nutrition education programs
Interest in studying and analyzing current scientific nutritional studies, in conducting research to improve the nutritional value, taste, appearance and preparation of food and in aiding in the prevention and/or treatment of inadequate nutrition
Interest in consulting to provide nutrition counselling and consulting to health professionals, dietetic interns, community groups, competitive sports teams, government, the media and individuals
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Dietitians need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 10 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 26, 2022 and Feb 06, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 4 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Develop, administer and supervise nutrition and food preparation and service programs | 4 |
| Other benefits: Parking available | 3 |
| Tasks: Supervise staff | 3 |
| Tasks: Determine nutritional needs of patients and plan, implement and evaluate normal and therapeutic menus to maintain and enhance general health | 3 |
| Tasks: Plan, evaluate and conduct nutrition education programs and develop educational materials for various audiences | 3 |
| Tasks: Evaluate nutritional status of individuals and provide nutrition guidance and consulting to health professionals, individuals, dietetic interns, community groups, government and the media | 3 |
| Determine nutritional needs of patients and plan, implement and evaluate normal and therapeutic menus to maintain and enhance general health | 3 |
| Evaluate nutritional status of individuals and provide nutrition guidance and consulting to health professionals, individuals, dietetic interns, community groups, government and the media | 3 |
| Develop, administer and supervise nutrition and food preparation and service programs | 3 |
The minimum education requirement to practice as a registered dietitian is a 4-year bachelor of science degree in foods and nutrition followed by a 1-year internship. Both programs must be approved by the College of Dietitians of Alberta.
In Alberta, the University of Alberta’s Dietetics Specialization program is the only program approved and accredited to train dietitians. Applicants compete to enter the program following a pre-professional year. Internship is a professional placement or practicum where students are mentored by registered dietitians. Internships take place at approved sites across Alberta during a student’s third and fourth years of specialization.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Dietitians assess nutritional status and develop, implement and evaluate food and nutrition strategies and interventions to promote health and treat illness; apply food and nutrition principles to the management of food service systems and to the development and analysis of food and food products; promote optimal health, food security and food safety through the development and delivery of food and nutrition education, programs and policies; teach, manage and conduct research in the science, techniques and practice of dietetics; and provide restricted activities authorized by the regulations.
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists Profession Regulation, registration with the College of Dietitians of Alberta (CDA) is mandatory if you meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public, provide food and nutrition professional services that are used by other regulated members and individuals to provide services directly to the public, teach the practice of the profession to members or students of the profession, or supervise registered members who provide services to the public. Registered members who are authorized by the College may perform restricted activities specified in the Regulation. Only registered members may use the protected titles Registered Dietitian, Registered Nutritionist or Dietitian, or the initials RD.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Dietitian/Registered Nutritionist.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Dietitians work in a variety of settings, including:
Some dietitians are self-employed consultants.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 3132: Dietitians and nutritionists occupational group, 81.2% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3132: Dietitians and nutritionists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $35.31 | $39.42 | $36.79 | $37.85 |
| Overall | $38.82 | $51.87 | $46.41 | $47.49 |
| Top | $47.53 | $52.36 | $49.54 | $50.33 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $76,285 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $77,239 |
| Public Administration | $87,252 |
College of Dietitians of Alberta website: collegeofdietitians.ab.ca
Canadian Healthcare Association website: www.healthcarecan.ca
Dietitians of Canada website: www.dietitians.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta website: www.hsaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
