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 $43,630 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,940 and $53,370. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,760. In May 2004, median annual earnings in general medical and surgical hospitals, the industry employing the largest number of dietitians and nutritionists, were $44,050. According to the American Dietetic Association, median annualized
wages for registered dietitians in 2005 varied by practice area as
follows: $53,800 in consultation and business; $60,000 in food and
nutrition management; $60,200 in education and research; $48,800 in
clinical nutrition/ambulatory care; $50,000 in clinical nutrition/long-term
care; $44,800 in community nutrition; and $45,000 in clinical nutrition/acute
care. Salaries also vary by years in practice, education level, geographic
region, and size of the community. Salary information taken from 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 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 Career Services offers career search support and networking opportunities for students and alumni from academic programs of the College of Agriculture. 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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