Pediatric Dietitian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of healthcare, the importance of pediatric dietitians has never been more prominent.

As our understanding of nutrition and its impact on child development deepens, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, tailor, and ensure the nutritional well-being of our children grows stronger.

But what exactly is expected of a pediatric dietitian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager creating an outline for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the specifics of pediatric dietetics,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric dietitian job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Pediatric Dietitian Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Dietitians play an essential role in the treatment and management of nutritional health in children, from infancy to adolescence.

They use their specialist knowledge of nutritional science and diet to provide assessments, dietary plans, and support to patients and their families.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating nutritional needs of pediatric patients and determining nutritional diagnoses
• Developing individualized nutrition plans for patients based on their health needs and medical history
• Monitoring patients’ progress and adjusting nutritional plans as needed
• Educating patients and their families on how to incorporate healthy eating habits into their daily life
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, and therapists to implement comprehensive patient care
• Providing specialized dietary counseling for pediatric patients with conditions such as diabetes, obesity, allergies, eating disorders, and more
• Conducting nutritional research to stay up-to-date with the latest findings and improve patient care
• Documenting all patient information including dietary history and progress, adhering to privacy regulations and standards

 

Pediatric Dietitian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Pediatric Dietitian to join our team.

As a Pediatric Dietitian, you will be responsible for creating individualized nutrition plans for children in accordance with their health needs.

The Pediatric Dietitian will conduct detailed nutritional assessments, monitor the implementation of the nutrition plan, and adjust as necessary.

The successful candidate should have a deep understanding of the specific nutritional needs of children and possess excellent communication skills to effectively engage with both children and parents.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ health needs and diet
• Develop meal plans, taking both cost and clients’ preferences into account
• Evaluate the effects of meal plans and change the plans as needed
• Promote better nutrition by giving talks to groups about diet, nutrition, and the relationship between good eating habits and preventing or managing specific diseases
• Keep up with the latest nutritional science research
• Write reports to document patient progress

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a dietitian
• Experience working with children
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of the specific nutritional needs of children
• Able to create comprehensive nutritional plans
• Ability to counsel and educate others
• Valid license to practice as a dietitian
• BS degree in dietetics, clinical nutrition, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Dietitian
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. Some travel may be required for community outreach or home visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Nutrition or Chief Medical Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $52,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Dietitian Do?

Pediatric Dietitians are specialized nutrition professionals who work primarily with children and adolescents, from infancy to the age of 18.

Their main responsibility is to evaluate, assess, and develop nutrition plans for children based on their specific health needs and conditions.

This may include managing dietary needs for children with diabetes, obesity, food allergies, or other specific nutritional deficiencies.

They also provide nutrition education and guidance to parents and caregivers to help them make suitable food choices for the child’s growth, development, and overall health.

This may involve providing meal planning strategies, suggesting dietary changes, and teaching about the importance of balanced nutrition.

In collaboration with a healthcare team, Pediatric Dietitians often develop and implement nutritional interventions to help manage or treat medical conditions.

They may also conduct regular follow-ups to monitor the child’s progress and make necessary adjustments to the nutrition plan.

In addition to working with individual patients, some Pediatric Dietitians participate in community outreach programs to promote healthy eating habits among children and adolescents.

 

Pediatric Dietitian Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Dietitian should have the skills and qualifications that are essential to effectively manage the nutritional needs of children, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of child nutrition, including understanding how different foods can impact a child’s growth and development.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey dietary advice and information to children and their parents or caregivers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with children and their families, thus encouraging adherence to dietary recommendations.
• Problem-solving skills to assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems in children.
• Ability to create personalized nutrition plans, taking into account the child’s health status, age, cultural background, and personal preferences.
• Experience working with children with special dietary needs, such as allergies, eating disorders, obesity, or certain medical conditions.
• Detail-oriented nature to keep precise records and monitor the progress of their pediatric clients.
• Empathy and patience to deal with children who may be scared or uncooperative.

 

Pediatric Dietitian Experience Requirements

Pediatric Dietitians often need to hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field, where they accumulate a substantial amount of theoretical and practical knowledge.

As part of their training, they are required to complete an accredited, supervised internship, which typically involves several months of practical experience in different settings such as hospitals and community health centers.

This hands-on experience is essential for developing patient interaction skills and understanding child nutritional needs.

Entry-level Pediatric Dietitians usually have 1 to 2 years of experience.

This could be through their internships or through a role in general dietetics before specializing in pediatrics.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their skills and knowledge through roles in pediatric nutrition, either in hospitals or private practice.

They may also have experience in areas like pediatric nutrition research, public health nutrition, or school meal planning.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have developed advanced skills in managing complex cases, such as children with food allergies, diabetes, or eating disorders.

They may also have leadership experience, such as managing a team of dietitians or a nutrition department in a hospital, and may be suitable for a senior or managerial position.

Continuing education is an important part of a Pediatric Dietitian’s career to stay updated on the latest research and dietary guidelines.

This could be through attending workshops, conferences, or obtaining additional certifications.

 

Pediatric Dietitian Education and Training Requirements

To become a Pediatric Dietitian, one must start by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related health science field.

This program typically involves studying subjects such as food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, culinary arts, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry.

Following this, aspiring Pediatric Dietitians must complete a dietetic internship in a hospital setting, which combines classroom learning with supervised fieldwork.

This internship should preferably provide exposure to pediatric nutrition and dietetics.

After successful completion of the degree and internship, candidates are eligible to sit for the national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) for licensing as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Thereafter, gaining practical experience in pediatric nutrition is crucial, and professionals can consider obtaining specialized certification such as the Certified Specialist in Pediatric (CSP) credential from the CDR.

Continuous learning is also important in this field due to ongoing research and development in pediatric nutrition.

Therefore, many Pediatric Dietitians take part in professional development opportunities and additional training courses throughout their careers.

 

Pediatric Dietitian Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Dietitian can expect to earn an average salary of $60,370 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income may vary based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, location, and the specific healthcare organization where they work.

 

Pediatric Dietitian Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Dietitian need?

Pediatric Dietitians require a deep understanding of nutrition and dietary needs during different stages of a child’s growth.

They should have excellent communication skills to effectively communicate dietary plans and nutritional information to both children and their parents.

They should also have strong counseling skills, empathy, and patience to deal with children and adolescents.

 

Do Pediatric Dietitians need a degree?

Yes, Pediatric Dietitians usually require at least a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, food and nutrition, clinical nutrition, or a related field.

Additionally, they need to complete a dietetic internship and pass an examination to become a registered dietitian.

Some may also have additional certification in pediatric nutrition.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Dietitian resume?

A Pediatric Dietitian resume should include their educational qualifications, including their degree and any additional certifications.

It should also detail their experience working with children and adolescents, whether in a hospital, clinic, or school setting.

Further, look for any specialized training or experience in childhood nutrition, eating disorders, or weight management, and any research or publications in these areas.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Dietitian?

A good Pediatric Dietitian should have a strong interest and passion for children’s health and nutrition.

They should be patient, understanding, and able to connect with children of different ages.

They should also be able to work well with families and provide them with practical, achievable dietary advice.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Dietitians?

Hiring Pediatric Dietitians can be challenging depending on your location and the specific requirements of the position.

It is a specialized field, so the pool of qualified candidates may be smaller.

Offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can help attract quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed some light on what it truly means to be a pediatric dietitian.

Surprised?

It’s not just about designing meal plans.

It’s about shaping the healthy future of our children, one nutritious meal at a time.

With our handy pediatric dietitian job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards creating detailed, well-crafted job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every meal plan is a step towards a healthier generation.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Dietitian (Complete Guide)

Recession-Ready: Careers That Withstand Economic Hardships

The Uncommon Career: Unusual Jobs with a Creative Edge

The AI Job Challenge: Careers Facing a Tech Takeover

Fulfillment Finds: The Most Satisfying Jobs in the World