Better nourishment, better care: Explore dietitian opportunities at VA

Nutrition is having a moment at VA. And whether you want to focus on patient care, run food service operations, explore academic research or something else, there’s a dietitian opportunity for you at VA.

With the newly revised Qualification Standard for Dietitians having recently been published, there’s no better time to bring your expertise to the care and support of Veterans.

“Nutrition is expanding in exciting new ways,” explained Dr. Anne Utech, national executive director of the Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) and manager of the Nutrition Field Advisory Board (NFAB). “And VA is at the forefront of innovation in the field of nutrition. Really, whatever your specialty or your interest, there’s a place for you here.”

Find the room to grow

Having been educated and trained in a wide scope of skills, dietitians have the expertise to step into numerous roles as part of VA’s integrated system of care.

“If you want to be the boss, you can be the boss,” Utech shared. “If you want to work with our kitchen teams, you can do that. If you want to work in data informatics and analytics, you can do that too.”

You can even explore telehealth opportunities, such as teaching healthy eating classes from your home.

“The most exciting aspect about VA is the opportunity to accomplish your own personal and professional goals in a specific area of practice you are passionate about, while also helping other VA dietitians do the same,” explained Emily Kohls, NFS chief at the VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and chair of the NFAB.

NFAB brings dietitians from across the country together to be innovative, develop new programs or build on existing ones, and ultimately improve the lives and health of the Veterans, Kohls said.

Practice how you want

Because of that integrated system, there is also a lot of room for upward as well as lateral mobility. With VA’s nationwide network of care, you can work almost anywhere in your career. You can also commit to a particular expertise or branch out and explore other professional interests.

“We have VA dietitians teaching in-person hands-on cooking classes (and virtual classes too!) and standing up eating disorder support groups at their facilities,” Kohls explained. “We have dietitians creating YouTube and other social media content as another way to educate their patients on better health and nutrition.”

Kohls continued, “There’s even the opportunity to develop new programs and initiatives that don’t exist yet and spread to other VA facilities across the country. The opportunities are endless, and no matter your passion, you have the chance to work in your passion every day in VA.”

“VA is the place where you can practice at the top of your license and with the full scope of your professional abilities,” added Utech.

Embrace the mission

“The most unique opportunity I believe VA offers dietitians is our mission—honoring America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improve their health and well-being,” said Amy Jeffers, NFS chief at VA St. Louis Health Care System and NFAB vice chair.

For Kohls and Utech, the mission of serving Veterans was also a main driver to join VA.

“I did not serve our country in the military, but I have an opportunity now to serve those who did,” Kohls added. “They deserve the very best care, and it is fulfilling to work in service to them each day.”

“That mission is first and foremost for us, a chance to serve a higher cause and care for awesome, inspiring Veterans,” Utech confirmed.

Work at VA

VA offers dietitians the freedom to see patients when and how you need to see them, and provide the care they need when and how they need it.

• LEARN more about the work of the NFS.
• SEE how we put Veterans at the center of all we do.
• EXPLORE the benefits of working at VA.
• FIND dietitian careers at VAcareers.VA.gov.