In today’s world more people are having health-related issues that are directly associated with their nutritional intake. Becoming a Registered Dietitian will provide you the educational knowledge and credentials to help people and to truly “make a difference” in their lives.
What is Dietetics?
Dietetics is the major, field of study and profession that combines nutrition, health and science knowledge to help individuals and communities address their nutritional well-being.
What is a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
A Registered Dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential "RD." The majority of RDs work in the treatment and prevention of disease (administering medical nutrition therapy, often part of medical teams), in hospitals, HMOs, private practice or other health-care facilities. In addition, a large number of RDs work in community and public health settings and academia and research. A growing number of RDs work in the food and nutrition industry, in business, journalism, sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs.
Is Dietetics for You?
Do you see yourself counseling individuals about nutrition and eating behaviors to improve their health and well-being?
Would you enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, athletes or seniors?
Would you enjoy learning about the science of nutrition, how the body utilizes nutrients and how to medically treat diseases with nutrition therapy?
Would you like a major and a career path that is challenging, rewarding and growing in opportunities?
Then becoming a Registered Dietitian could be exactly what you are looking for.
Salary & Job Outlook
According to AND’s 2011 Dietetics Compensation and Benefits survey, the median salary for registered dietitians is $57,990, with those in management, business and consulting earning incomes above $87,000. Employment of dietitians is expected to grow because of the increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population and public interest in nutrition.
Program Description
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is designed for students who wish to become Registered Dietitians (R.D.) and practitioners in clinical, community, food industry and foodservice areas of nutrition. Registered dietitians are employed by hospitals, community agencies and various government or private organizations. Completion of degree requirements will result in the student being awarded a Verification Statement of completion of the AU Didactic Program in Dietetics. Following completion of the program, the completion of an accredited dietetic internship program is required before students are eligible to take the registration examination and obtain the Registered Dietitian (R.D.) credential.
Our Mission
The Ashland University Didactic Program in Dietetics' mission is to provide the foundation of knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to encourage the development of ethical behavior, intellectual growth, critical thought, communication and problem solving skills, in preparation for entry into post-baccalaureate dietetics internships, professional employment and/or graduate school; as well as developing students to become contributing members of the scientific community.
Completing Your Degree
Completion of degree requirements will result in the student being awarded a Verification Statement of completion of the Ashland University Didactic Program in Dietetics. Following completion of the DPD, completing an accredited dietetic internship program is required before students are eligible to take the registration examination and obtain the Registered Dietitian (R.D.) credential. These internships are available throughout the U.S. and you do not have to complete one only in Ohio.
Accredited Internships
Acceptance into an accredited dietetic internship program is extremely competitive. Currently, there is a significant shortage of available internship positions for the number of students applying for acceptance. Acceptance into an internship program cannot be guaranteed. Because of this shortage, it is vitally important to excel academically and gain work-related experiences to improve your chances of being accepted.
Accreditation
The AU DPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312.899.0040, extension 5400, www.eatright.org
