Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Sample of reported job titles:
Clinical Dietician, Clinical Dietitian, Clinical Nutritionist, Dietitian, Nutritionist, Oncology Dietitian, Outpatient Dietitian, Registered Dietician, Registered Dietitian, Renal Dietitian
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Tasks
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Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions, and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling.
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Evaluate laboratory tests in preparing nutrition recommendations.
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Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
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Advise patients and their families on nutritional principles, dietary plans, diet modifications, and food selection and preparation.
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Incorporate patient cultural, ethnic, or religious preferences and needs in the development of nutrition plans.
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Consult with physicians and health care personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of patient or client.
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Record and evaluate patient and family health and food history, including symptoms, environmental toxic exposure, allergies, medication factors, and preventive health-care measures.
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Develop recipes and menus to address special nutrition needs, such as low glycemic, low histamine, or gluten- or allergen-free.
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Coordinate diet counseling services.
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Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used in teaching.
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Plan, conduct, and evaluate dietary, nutritional, and epidemiological research.
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Plan and conduct training programs in dietetics, nutrition, and institutional management and administration for medical students, health-care personnel, and the general public.
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Write research reports and other publications to document and communicate research findings.
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Select, train, and supervise workers who plan, prepare, and serve meals.
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Make recommendations regarding public policy, such as nutrition labeling, food fortification, or nutrition standards for school programs.
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Manage quantity food service departments or clinical and community nutrition services.
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Monitor food service operations to ensure conformance to nutritional, safety, sanitation and quality standards.
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Inspect meals served for conformance to prescribed diets and standards of palatability and appearance.
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Purchase food in accordance with health and safety codes.
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Develop policies for food service or nutritional programs to assist in health promotion and disease control.
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Organize, develop, analyze, test, and prepare special meals, such as low-fat, low-cholesterol, or chemical-free meals.
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Advise food service managers and organizations on sanitation, safety procedures, menu development, budgeting, and planning to assist with establishment, operation, and evaluation of food service facilities and nutrition programs.
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Prepare and administer budgets for food, equipment, and supplies.
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Plan, conduct, and evaluate nutrigenomic or nutrigenetic research.
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Coordinate recipe development and standardization and develop new menus for independent food service operations.
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Plan and prepare grant proposals to request program funding.
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Test new food products and equipment.
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Confer with design, building, and equipment personnel to plan for construction and remodeling of food service units.
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Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software — Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro; Compu-Cal Nutrition Assistant; Monash University Low FODMAP Diet App; The Nutrition Company FoodWorks
; 10 more
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Cloud-based data access and sharing software — Google Drive
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Data base user interface and query software — CyberSoft NutriBase; Database software; DietMaster Systems DietMaster; ValuSoft MasterCook
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Desktop communications software — Skype
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Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook
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Graphics or photo imaging software — Graphics software
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Internet browser software — Web browser software
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Medical software — BioEx Systems Nutrition Maker Plus; Lifestyles Technologies DietMaster Pro; MNT Northwest MNT Assistant; SureQuest Systems Square 1
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Network conferencing software — ReadyTalk
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Office suite software — Microsoft Office software
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Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
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Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
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Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.
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Work Activities
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Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
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Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
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Detailed Work Activities
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Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
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Monitor nutrition related activities of individuals or groups.
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Analyze laboratory findings.
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Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
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Interpret cultural or religious information for others.
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Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
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Compile data or documentation.
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Create new recipes or food presentations.
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Direct healthcare delivery programs.
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Advise communities or institutions regarding health or safety issues.
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Manage healthcare operations.
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Supervise medical support personnel.
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Train caregivers or other non-medical personnel.
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Monitor medical facility activities to ensure adherence to standards or regulations.
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Prepare healthcare training materials.
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Manage preparation of special meals or diets.
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Conduct health or safety training programs.
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Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
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Order medical supplies or equipment.
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Design public or employee health programs.
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Devise research or testing protocols.
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Present medical research reports.
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Consult with others regarding safe or healthy equipment or facilities.
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Work Context
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Electronic Mail — 93% responded “Every day.”
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Face-to-Face Discussions — 89% responded “Every day.”
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Telephone — 73% responded “Every day.”
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Contact With Others — 66% responded “Constant contact with others.”
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Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 90% responded “Every day.”
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Freedom to Make Decisions — 55% responded “A lot of freedom.”
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Structured versus Unstructured Work — 53% responded “Some freedom.”
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Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 45% responded “Very important.”
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Work With Work Group or Team — 43% responded “Extremely important.”
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Time Pressure — 37% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Deal With External Customers — 40% responded “Extremely important.”
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Letters and Memos — 47% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Spend Time Sitting — 40% responded “About half the time.”
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Exposed to Disease or Infections — 40% responded “Every day.”
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Physical Proximity — 41% responded “Slightly close (e.g., shared office).”
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Frequency of Decision Making — 34% responded “Every day.”
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Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 30% responded “Limited responsibility.”
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Level of Competition — 50% responded “Moderately competitive.”
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Coordinate or Lead Others — 33% responded “Very important.”
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Duration of Typical Work Week — 73% responded “40 hours.”
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Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 40% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 41% responded “Minor results.”
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Job Zone
- Title
- Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Related Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
- Job Zone Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
- SVP Range
- (8.0 and above)
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Training & Credentials
- State training
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- Local training
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- Certifications
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- State licenses
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Apprenticeship Opportunities
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Skills
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Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
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Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
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Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
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Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
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Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
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Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
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Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
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Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
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Knowledge
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Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
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Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
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Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
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Abilities
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Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
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Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
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Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
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Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
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Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
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Interests
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Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Work Values
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Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
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Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
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Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
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Work Styles
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Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
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Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
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Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
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Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
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Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
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Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
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Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
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Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
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Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
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Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
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Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
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Wages & Employment Trends
- Median wages (2023)
- $33.50 hourly, $69,680 annual
- State wages
-
- Local wages
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- Employment (2023)
- 81,300 employees
- Projected growth (2023-2033)
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Faster than average (6% to 8%)
- Projected job openings (2023-2033)
- 6,100
- State trends
-
- Top industries (2023)
-
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data
external site and 2023-2033 employment projections
external site.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2023-2033). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web
- State job openings
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- Local job openings
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Professional Associations
Disclaimer:
Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries.
Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
Actively assisted with the O*NET data collection, helping to identify occupational experts who can be surveyed about their work in the occupation.
View the list of Allies
National Associations
Accreditation, Certification, & Unions
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