DIETETIC/NUTRITION DEGREE OPTIONS

The University of Central Arkansas offers a bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Family & Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Dietetics, a post-baccalaureate Dietetic Internship and a Master of Science degree with a specialization track in Nutrition and Foods.  The BS degree requires a minimum of 124 hours.  The dietetics option meets requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and is accredited by the American Dietetic Association.  When students successfully complete the academic requirements (DPD) and experience components, dietetic internship or preprofessional practice program (AP4), they are eligible to write the registration Examination for Dietitians.  The individual who is successful on the examination is a registered dietitian and entitled to use the initials "R.D." to signify professional competence.  Many states,   including Arkansas, also require a license to practice dietetics in the state.  The curriculum leading to the Master of Science requires approximately 30 hours (thesis option) or 36 hours (non-thesis option) of professional course work.  All students admitted to the dietetic internship must be enrolled concurrently in the graduate program.

DIETITIAN PRACTICE AREAS

A dietitian is a highly-qualified professional who is recognized as an expert on food and nutrition.  Dietetic professionals may be found in a variety of settings:

Clinical Dietitians are a vital part of the medical team in hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, and other healthcare facilities.  They work with doctors, nurses and therapists to help speed patients' recovery and lay the groundwork for long-term health.  Opportunities for advancement are available by choosing a particular area of nutrition, such as diabetes, heart or pediatrics.

Management Dietitians work in healthcare institutions, schools, cafeterias, and restaurants.  They are responsible for personnel management, menu planning, budgeting, and purchasing.  With more and more Americans recognizing the importance of good nutrition, management dietitians increasingly play a key role wherever food is served.

Community Dietitians work in public and home health agencies, day care center, health and recreation clubs, and in government-funded programs that feed and counsel families, the elderly, pregnant women, children and disabled or underprivileged individuals.  Wherever proper nutrition can help improve quality of life, they reach out to the public to teach, monitor and advise.

Dietitians in Education work in colleges, universities, and community or technical schools, teaching future doctors, nurses, dietitians, and dietetic technicians the sophisticated science of foods and nutrition.  Many say they enjoy their role as mentors who bring qualified students into the exciting field of dietetics.

Research Dietitians work in government agencies, food companies, pharmaceutical companies, major universities and medical centers.  They conduct or direct experiments to answer critical nutrition questions and find alternative foods or dietary recommendations for the public.

Business Dietitians work in food and nutrition related industries.  They work in product development, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, purchasing, and in many other capacities that enable companies to satisfy consumers' growing interest in nutrition.

Consultant Dietitians work full or part-time, usually under contract with a healthcare facility or in their own private practice.  Consultant dietitians in private practice perform nutrition screening/assessment of their own clients, as well as those referred to them by a physician.  They offer advice on weight loss, cholesterol reduction and a variety of other diet-related concerns.  Those under contract with healthcare facilities often consult with food service managers, providing expertise on sanitation and safety procedures, budgeting and portion control. Other clients include athletes, company employees and nursing home residents.

Dietetic Technicians work in a number of different settings, such as hospitals, public health nutrition programs, and long-term care facilities, under the direction of registered dietitians.  Technicians also work in child nutrition and school lunch programs, and in food service management settings.  Their responsibilities are as varied as the settings in which they work.  Dietetic technicians may screen patients to identify nutrition problems and often provide patient education and counseling to individuals or groups, develop menus and recipes, supervise food-service personnel, purchase food and monitor inventory.  Computer skills are a plus for dietetic technicians who use computers for everything from inventory and payroll, to charting patients' nutrition progress.

For additional information on dietetics/nutrition, contact:

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