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
