Dietetics Career InformationDietetics is a health-related career that emphasizes food and nutrition. Registered Dietitians have met national educational requirements and are nutrition experts who have as their goal the optimal health and nutrition of individuals and the population. Dietitians have an aptitude for science, concern for people, and the ability to plan and direct programs. Educational Pathway Educational PathwayTo become a Registered Dietitian, students must successfully complete a Bachelor's degree and the Didactic Program in Dietetics coursework, apply for and complete a supervised practice program/dietetic internship, and pass the national registration exam. The educational and professional requirements to become a Registered Dietitian are specified by the American Dietetic Association. In the state of Iowa, Iowa State University is the only approved Didactic Program in Dietetics. The American Dietetic Association's web site shows a full listing of approved/accredited Didactic Programs in Dietetics. Career OpportunitiesDietitians have career opportunities everywhere, from small communities to large cities - in hospitals, wellness centers, health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, food companies, schools, the armed forces, long-term care facilities, and public health programs. There is a growing market for dietitians who want to operate their own businesses, and the demand for dietetics professionals continues to be strong.Typical position titles in the following practice areas include:
Education and Research
Community
Food and Nutrition Management
Consultation and Business
Salary InformationMedian annual earnings of dietitians and nutritionists were $46,980
in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $38,430 and $57,090.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,860, and the highest 10
percent earned more than $68,330. Salary information taken from More recently, results from the American Dietetic Association's Compensation and Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession in 2007 indicated a median annualized full-time salary of $53,000 among all registered dietitians in all positions. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,000 in total cash compensation per year, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $82,500 in total cash compensation per year. Salaries vary by education level, years of dietetics experience, amount of supervisory and budget responsibility, and geographic region. Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association March 2008 (Vol. 108, Issue 3, Pages 416-427). Career ServicesStudents and alumni of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University are eligible to utilize the career services in both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Human Sciences.College of Human Sciences Career Services provides career development support for students and alumni from academic programs of the College of Human Sciences. The office also serves as a liaison among students, alumni, academic programs and employers. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Services offers career search support and networking opportunities for students and alumni from academic programs of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Iowa State University Career Management System (ISU CMS) provides professional opportunities for students and alumni. The users manage their online accounts to send resumes for job postings & interviews and access information about Career Fairs and Information Sessions. Use ISU CMS for your professional advantage:
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Dietetics Academy, 220 MacKay Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011-1123 dietetics@iastate.edu.
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