Introduction
The Dietetics Program prepares individuals
interested in becoming specialists in food and nutrition. Graduates may work
in the health care setting, food service management, research, development
and community programs. Upon completion of the Dietetics program curriculum
students are eligible to apply for a supervised internship at one of
approximately 258 institutions across the country. Once the internship is
completed, students take the national registration examination to become a
Registered Dietitian.
The Didactic Dietetics Program at UWSP is approved by the American
Dietetic Association; this association is the professional organization for
dietetics practitioners. The Association is the advocate of the dietetics
profession, serving the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition,
health and well-being. Completion of an approved Didactic Program in
Dietetics meets minimum academic requirements for American Dietetic
Association membership and application to a dietetic internship program.
High School Preparation
High school students are expected to
pursue a college preparation curriculum and should engage in studies
focusing on a strong biology, chemistry, and mathematics background.
Additional courses in psychology, computer technology, nutrition, and health
education are helpful.
Department Features
The Didactic Program in Dietetics is part
of the School of Health Promotion and Human Development. All nutrition
faculty have advanced degrees (Masters or Ph.D.s). Many are registered
dieticians. Students participate in regional, state, and national Dietetic
Association activities via:
- Annual meeting attendance
- National Nutrition Month
- Volunteer opportunities at local hospitals, clinics, schools and
businesses
- Student Dietetics Club
Career Opportunities
A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a
professional who provides reliable, objective nutrition information,
separates facts from fads, and translates the latest scientific findings
into easy-to-understand nutrition information. The letters "RD" after a
person's name signify that he/she has completed academic and practical
experience requirements established by the Commission on Dietetic
Registration and has passed the national examination. A recent report from
the American Dietetic Association documented the growing number of jobs held
by dietetics professionals, the diversity of job settings and practice areas
in dietetics, and the increases in income levels in dietetics. Career
opportunities include, but are not limited to the following:
Community Dietitian: work for government & public
health agencies
Research Dietitian: work in laboratories, food
and pharmaceutical companies, universities and hospitals, directing or
conducting experiments
Educator Dietitian: work in colleges and
technical institutions educating about the science of food and nutrition
Clinical Dietitian: work in hospitals, HMO's,
clinics and nursing homes as part of a medical team
Management Dietitian: work in foodservice
departments of hospitals, schools, day care centers, correctional
facilities, nursing homes and restaurants
Consultant Dietitian: have your own business;
work in health care facilities, medical clinics, nursing homes, private
industry, health clubs, consumer affairs, public relations, marketing or
product development
