Northeastern State University

College of Science and Health Professions

 

Human and Family Sciences

Dietetics

If you want a career that is exciting, challenging, and allows you to succeed, excel, and feel good about what you do, then consider the field of dietetics.

Dietetics is the high-tech science of applying food and nutrition principles to personal and community health.  It's a vital, growing field open to creativity and opportunity. The possibilities are endless.

The field of dietetics has something to offer all consumers of health care.  The Registered Dietitian is the only nationally recognized credential in foods, nutrition and dietetics, and is recognized as the nutrition expert in health care, nutritional counseling, food production, sales, and the media. Most employment in the health care industry requires the R.D. credential.   The jobs with the most potential for advancement are closed to "nutritionists" who are not registered dietitians. 

To become a Registered Dietitian you must complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics, apply for and complete a 900-hour Dietetic Internship, and pass the nationally administered Registration Exam.  

The mission of the Didactic Program of Dietetics at Northeastern State University is:
   
    The Didactic Program in Dietetics provides a flexible, comprehensive, and relevant bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences that will prepare professionals for entry-level positions in health care and food service agencies, as dietitians, nutritionists and food service managers. Graduates of the Didactic Program in Dietetics will be able to seek knowledge, think analytically, and communicate their thoughts effectively. Graduates of the DPD Program who complete a Dietetic Internship and pass the ADA Registration Exam will help fill the geographical shortage of Registered Dietitians in northeastern Oklahoma, in areas where Native Americans are concentrated, or anywhere in the United States. If you want a career that is exciting, challenging, and allows you to succeed, excel, and feel good about what you do, then consider the field of dietetics.

Dietetics is the high-tech science of applying food and nutrition principles to personal and community health.  It's a vital, growing field open to creativity and opportunity. The possibilities are endless.

PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE NSU DIDACTIC PROGRAM IN DIETETICS:

1.    To prepare graduates to be successful candidates for CADE accredited dietetics internships.
2.    To prepare graduates, who either are not accepted into internships or who do not apply, for entry-level positions in health care and food service agencies.
3.    To recruit new students and increase the number of students who complete the degree.
4.    To meet the employment needs for nutrition and food service professionals in the region and beyond.

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at Northeastern State University is accredited by the Commission on Dietetic Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Il 60606-6995; 312-899-5400.  This program allows for mastery of the foundation knowledge and skills and practitioner competencies for entry level dietitians as set forth by The American Dietetic Association. 

Career Opportunities in Dietetics:

· Healthcare (clinical and community dietetics)

· Management (healthcare and commercial)

· Community Nutritionist 

· Sales or marketing of food or equipment

· Dietetics Educator/Researcher 

· Government

· Fitness 

· Private practice

 

What is dietetics? 

A profession that is more than a job:
Dietetics is a career with growing potential. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that employment of dietitians is expected to grow as fast as average through 2010.
The number of jobs for dietitians is expected to increase to meet the growing demand by Americans for healthy foods and fat-free foods. The best opportunities for qualified dietitians will be in hospitals, clinics, physician groups, nursing homes, hotels, restaurants, health clubs, food manufacturing companies and social service programs.

A career with a competitive starting salary:
Most dietetics graduates earn $35,000 - $40,000 in their first year of employment. Median annual income for 2000 was $38,450.

 

For more information e-mail Alexandria Miller, Ph.D, RD/LD

 

 

To request more information about the dietetic program contact: 

Dr. Alexandria Miller

Human and Family Sciences, BT 210A
Northeastern State University
College of Science and Health Professions
Tahlequah, OK 74464 
(918) 456-5511, Ext. 2967

Last updated August 21, 2007

 

 

Updated 8/21/2007