The health of people is influenced by their food habits. Regardless of age, nutrition plays a major role in their well being. Impressive advances in nutrition have provided a solid foundation for the work of dietitians and nutritionists. Their application of the sciences of foods and nutrition in teaching individuals has assisted hundreds of thousands toward better health. Dietitians are proficient in the art of feeding individuals and groups. They excel in the sciences of nutrition and management. More than one half of all dietitians are employed in hospitals. The organization of the department of dietetics is under the direction of an experienced dietitian. Dietitians, who are specialists in food administration, therapeutic nutrition, and education, assist the director in fulfilling the objectives of the department. Administrative dietitians are responsible for all aspects of food service in hospitals for patients and personnel. The principles of nutrition and management are applied in menu planning, and in the purchase, preparation, and service of food. Other responsibilities involve establishing standards for quality food service, conducting inservice education, supervising personnel, and controlling costs. Therapeutic (or clinical) dietitians, as members of the healthcare team, provide nutritional care to patients. An important phase of this work includes interpreting dietary recommendations and adapting these to the food pattern of patients, taking into account their income, cultural background, and living conditions. Therapeutic dietitians may also counsel groups and individuals about foods and essentials of nutrition in outpatient clinics. Many teaching dietitians coordinate dietetic education programs within medical centers, or serve on university faculties. Programs in nutrition and diet therapy are conducted for dietetic, medical and dental interns, medical residents, nursing students, and other students. In universities, they teach nutrition, food, institutional management courses, and may conduct research in these areas. As highly qualified persons with graduate degrees, they are versed on all specialties within the profession.

There are two primary routes that can be used to become a Registered Dietitian. Both routes combine academic coursework with preprofessional experience. Students earn a baccalaureate degree in either dietetics, food and nutrition or foodservice systems management from a college or university with a program approved by the American Dietetics Association (ADA). Following this four year degree coursework, the student completes a 900 clock hour dietetic internship or pre-professional practice program. Students earn a baccalaureate or master's degree in either dietetics, food and nutrition or foodservice systems management from a college or university with an ADA accredited Coordinated Program. Students combine classroom study and experience in an accelerated program.

• 4 year Bachelors Degree
• 4+ year Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree

Employment of dietitians is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 as demand grows for meal and nutritional counseling in nursing homes, schools, prisons, community health programs, home health care agencies, diet workshops, and health clubs. Public interest in nutrition and the emphasis on health education and prudent lifestyles will add to the demand. Many job openings will also result from the need to replace experienced workers who leave the occupation. Employment of dietitians in hospitals is expected to grow slowly because of decreases in the number of inpatients and as hospitals contract outside food service operations. On the other hand, rapid growth in employment is expected in nursing homes as the number of very old people rises sharply; in contract providers of food services; in residential care facilities; in offices and clinics of physicians; and in other social services

Dietitians and nutritionists apply the principles of nutrition in a variety of situations. Workers with duties similar to those of administrative dietitians include home economists and food service managers. Nurses and health educators often provide services related to those of community dietitians.

$38,450

• Central Missouri State University
• Fontbonne College
• Kansas State University Health Professions Advising Office
• Northwest Missouri State University
• Southeast Missouri State University
• Southwest Missouri State University
• St. Louis University Doisy School Of Health Sciences
• University Of Kansas School Of Allied Health
• University Of Missouri - Columbia Coordinated Program In Dietetics

• Aft Healthcare
• American Association Of Nutritional Consultants
• American Dietetic Association
• Dietary Managers Association
• Institute Of Food Technologists
• National Environmental Health Association
• Society For Nutrition Education