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Frequently Asked Questions Tell me more about the dietetics program at Southeast Thank you for your interest in The Didactic Program in Dietetics at Southeast Missouri State University. Our dietetics program was established in 1975 and received its most recent accreditation in 2003 from the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Our student enrollment has steadily increased over the past ten years and there are approximately 95 majors in our program during any academic year. The majority of our students elect to apply for a dietetic internship and for the past six years we have successfully placed 95% of all students who applied for dietetic internships. Many of our students additionally apply to graduate school and our students have scored an average of 1050 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). What is a Registered Dietitian? A career in dietetics can provide a challenging and fulfilling future that will allow you to develop and expand your own interests and abilities while you make a difference in the lives of others. The field of dietetics relates the science of food and nutrition to the maintenance or improvement of human health. As each of us becomes more aware of the effects that nutrition and fitness have on our lives—helping us feel and look our best, stay healthier, and live longer—dietetic professionals can help point the way to an improved lifestyle. Because of increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population, and public interest in nutrition, employment of registered dietitians (RDs) is expected to grow through the year 2010 at an average rate compared with other occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "The most common employment setting for both RDs and DTRs is a hospital (33% and 39%, respectively). Thirty-four percent of DTRs work in an extended-care or long-term care facility, compared with only 11% of RDs. Eleven percent of RDs work in a clinic or ambulatory care center, compared with only 2% of DTRs. Nine percent of both groups work in a community or public health program " (Rogers, 2006). Employment in hospitals is expected to show little change but faster growth, however, is anticipated in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and medical clinics. Salary levels will vary accordingly by region, employment setting, scope of responsibility, and supply of RDs in that geographic region. In 2005, survey results of over 9000 practicing Registered Dietitians, found that the average hourly wage was $23.80. Median total cash compensation for RDs employed in the position full-time for at least 1 year was $50,000. How do I become a Registered Dietitian? To become a registered dietitian, you must first complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association, followed by a CADE-accredited or approved, supervised practice program, which typically lasts 6-12 months, at a health-care facility, community agency or a foodservice corporation (may be combined with undergraduate or graduate studies). Finally, you must pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Becoming a registered dietitian identifies you as an expert in food and nutrition! What kind of courses will I take? The Dietetics option at Southeast Missouri State University requires a strong background in the sciences, particularly chemistry, biology and mathematics. In addition, courses in management and marketing are needed by dietetics majors. Hands-on experience and community service are an integral part of the curriculum. Students may find themselves providing nutrition education to senior citizens, delivering Meals-on-Wheels, participating in health fairs, working in a university food service or rotation through local hospitals working side-by-side with Registered Dietitians. Many students choose to complete a Master's or Doctoral degree. "Education beyond the bachelor’s degree is clearly associated with wage gains; the difference between the median wage of RDs with a bachelor’s degree and that of RDs with a master’s degree is $2.56 per hour, up from a differential of $2.30 in 2002. Earning a doctorate degree is associated with even more notable gains; median earnings for those with a doctorate degree (at $34.96) are more than $12 above RDs with only a bachelor’s degree" (Rogers, 2006).
The majority of registered dietitians 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 dietitians work in community and public health settings and academia and research. A growing number of registered dietitians work in the food and nutrition industry, in business, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs and other non-traditional work settings. Employment Settings
What is the salary range for Registered Dietitians? Among all RDs in all positions, the median hourly wage as of April 1, 2005, was $23.80 per hour. Median total cash compensation for RDs employed in the position full-time for at least 1 year was $50,000. As with any profession, salaries and fees vary by region of the country, employment settings, scope of responsibility and supply of RDs. According to ADA's 2002 Dietetics Compensation and Benefits Survey, the median annual income for registered dietitians in the United States who have been working in the field for at least a year is $45,000. Salaries increase with experience. Many RDs, particularly those in private practice, business and consulting earn significantly more than the average. How can I locate a Registered Dietitian near me? Go to http://www.eatright.org/ or call ADA's Member Service Center at 800/877-1600, ext. 5000, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Central Standard Time). |
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Department of Human Environmental Studies, College of Health & Human Services
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