What are some of the specializations within this degree program?

Clinical Dietitian: Many dietitians practice in the healthcare setting. They give nutritional advice to patients in clinics, community health centers, hospitals, nursing care facilities, and other healthcare settings. Dietitians assess the nutritional needs of various patients and design nutrition programs to benefit patients. They also implement the programs and undertake evaluate patients' progress. Clinical dietitians collaborate with doctors and others healthcare professionals in providing nutritional services to clients.

Community Dietitian: Community dietitians practice in various community settings. They advise and educate individuals about healthy nutritional practices, in order to prevent diseases and promote good health.

Consultant Dietitian: Consultant dietitians provide a wide range of nutritional services in private practice or may be contracted by healthcare facilities. Services include nutritional screenings and advising clients or cholesterol reduction, reduced salt intake and weight loss. Consultant dietitians often consult with food service managers and advise on budgeting, meal planning, safety procedures, and sanitation.

Management Dietitian: Schools, companies, correctional facilities, and hospitals undertake food planning on a large-scale. Management dietitians supervise meal planning and preparation, which involves budgeting, food purchase, and enforcement of sanitary and safety regulations. They also hire and train food service workers.

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What degree levels are available?

Associate Degree: Requires 2 years to complete

Bachelor's Degree: Takes 4 years to complete

Master's Degree: Requires 2 to 3 years

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What are the educational and certification requirements?

Most states have laws governing nutrition practitioners. Many states have a licensure requirement although specific requirements vary by state. It is best to check the specific requirements of the state in which you wish to practice before you register for a certification exam. To become an RD, an individual must have completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree at an accredited university. The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) performs accreditation for academic programs in the field. One must have completed a CADE-accredited supervised practice program that may take 6 to 12 months to complete. Individuals must also successfully take a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

DTRs must have completed a minimum of a 2-year associate degree dietetic technician program accredited by CADE. Training programs must include a minimum of 450 hours of supervised practice experience in various community programs. To be certified as a DTR, an individual must also successfully take a national exam administered by the CDR.

Registered dietitians are required to meet continuing educational requirements, to maintain their credentials. It is possible to seek additional certification for specializations within the field. Specializations include diabetes education, pediatric nutrition, renal nutrition and sports dietetics. Specialized certifications are awarded by the CDR and other recognized professional medical or nutritional organizations.

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What kind of classes will I be expected to take?

Individuals training to become registered dietitians must study various subjects, which focus on food, nutrition, management, and sciences. Courses required to complete a degree in dietetics will vary from one school to the next and according to area of specialization. However, subjects commonly included in training programs may include:

Communications: The focus here is on counseling theory and strategies, human and group dynamics, interpersonal communication skills, interviewing techniques, media presentations, negotiation techniques, and public speaking. By developing oral and written communication skills, students are prepared to efficiently counsel individuals on healthy nutritional practices.

Food Science: These classes can cover everything from biotechnology, culinary techniques, food and non-food procurement, food delivery systems, food production systems, food safety, food technology, sanitation and sociocultural food trends. Students develop the ability to interpret the nutritional composition of food and determine recipe nutritional proportions. They also learn how to prepare and present food that meets the dietary needs of various individuals and groups.

Healthcare Systems: This type of coursework focuses on administration, delivery, policy, regulations and reimbursement.

Management: These classes typically cover program planning, monitoring, and evaluation; marketing theory and techniques; human resource management; and quality improvement.

Nutrition: Students learn how to screen individuals for nutritional risk, define diets for specific health conditions, translate nutritional needs into meals, and calculate body composition data.

Physical and Biological Sciences: Students develop an understanding of various scientific areas that allows them to efficiently interpret medical terminology relating to nutrition.

Research: The focus here is on needs assessment, research methodologies, and outcomes-based research, which allows students to conduct efficient research during practice.

Social Sciences: Areas of focus include economics and nutrition; educational needs of diverse populations; health behaviors; psychology; and public policy development.

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If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?

Programs in dietetics and nutrition require hands-on learning. Only a handful of programs currently allow students to complete the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian through distance education. Individuals may want to check with the CADE for a list of accredited dietetics education programs. It is best to contact programs directly for details of coursework completion requirements.

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What are some degrees that are related to this program?

• Culinary Arts: This degree prepares students for a career in the catering industry. The coursework teaches students how to prepare diverse food and drink menus. Students also develop an extensive understanding of the hospitality industry.
• Health Education: A degree in health education prepares students to teach individuals and groups about ways to promote a healthy lifestyle, including practicing healthy dietary habits. Health educators also educate people about various disease prevention methods.
• Hospitality/Restaurant Management: This is a good choice for individuals keen on senior managerial roles in the food service industry. The coursework allows students to develop competencies and skills in all aspects of the running of a food service establishment. Students also learn how to relate efficiently with employees and customers.
• Nursing: a nursing degree prepares you to treat and educate patients in various healthcare settings. Registered nurses also play an advocacy role by educating members of the public about healthy dietary patterns and the need to live an active life.
• Public Health: this degree prepares you to advise and educate individuals and groups about various aspects of healthy living. Students also learn about disease prevention strategies and how to implement health awareness programs in the community, aimed at improving lifestyles.

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