Need to Knows of Dietetics-Short

and Sweet!

Food Systems Management, Recipe/Menu/Food Development, Food Preparation,
Physical Sciences, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology,
Statistics, Nutrition Metabolism, Lifespan Nutrition, Food Science, Behavioral
Sciences (Psycology, Sociology, or Anthropology).
Problem Solving, Research, Communication, Teamwork, Leadership, Nutrition
Care Process, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention, Critical Thinking, Time
Management, Advocacy/Negotiation.
High Self-Esteem, Open-Minded, Positive, Self-Assessment, Thirst for Knowledge,
Collaborative, Flexible, Strong Work Ethic, Assertive.
Foundation
Knowledge
Skills Attitudes

When first declaring Dietetics as your major, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the many
concentrations to choose from. But take a big breath and relax! There are seven key areas of
dietetics, so pick one that sounds interesting to you and do some research. After acquiring
more knowledge about each key area, you can start to narrow down your likes and dislikes.
(Psss!!! Many dietetic students find themselves switching concentrations at some point in their
education or even during their internship and later on in their career, so relax and remember
that this is not a til death do you part decision!)
The seven areas of dietetics
Clinical nutrition acute care/inpatient
Clinical nutrition ambulatory care
Clinical nutrition long-term care
Food and nutrition management
Community
Consultation and business
Education and research

The Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of materials such as work samples and reflective statements regarding
these work samples or other materials that are incorporated in the portfolio. It is a collection
of items throughout your college career and can be thought of as an expanded form of a
rsum. They are not required in job interviews, but they are a great way to distinguish yourself
from your competition interviewing for the same position.
Any items that you accumulate over your college career from community/club activities,
classroom/school experiences, or academic recognition are great examples of material to be
added in your portfolio. The earlier your portfolio is started, the easier it will be to complete.
Making a portfolio is a time consuming process that requires self-reflection/evaluation, goal
setting, and decision making. Portfolios are not only used early on in your college career, but
also in your professional career as well. The more work experience you accumulate overtime
can be added to the portfolio to convey your professional competency.




Demonstrate what you know
Identify learning experiences
Record ongoing work and accomplishments
Student Portfolio-In early college career
Secure an internship
Secure a job
Self-assessment
Career Portfolio-Last years before graduation and throughout life
Ensures professional competency required to maintain registered status
Professional Development Portfolio-After RD credentials
Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian
1. Complete the minimum of a baccalaureate degree in an accredited Didactic
Program in Dietetics (DPD).
2. Complete a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice experience
(internship).
3. Successfully complete the national Registration Examination for Dietitians.


What is the Salary Range for Registered Dietitians?
The average annual income in the United States for dietitians who have been working at least
one year is $58,000. This number increases with more years of experience, obtaining higher
graduate degrees, increase in the level of responsibility, and an increase in size of the
organization of employment. The area of practice and location in the country also contribute to
salary amount. The highest paying practice areas are food and nutrition management,
consultation and business, and education and research. The lowest paying areas are in clinical
and community nutrition. The top paying metropolitan areas are:
Washington, DC
San Francisco, California
Riverside/San Bernardino, California
Los Angeles/Long Beach, California
Sacramento, California
Chicago, Illinois
Atlanta, Georgia
Miami, Florida
San Antonio, Texas
Boston, Massachusetts
Kansas City, Missouri
General
Education
Requirements
Professional
courses in
foods,
nutrition, and
foodservice
management
Graduation
with a B.S.
degree
Supervised
practice
experience
Take RD exam