Diploma in Dietetics & Applied Nutrition
A diploma in dietetics and applied nutrition is a major step in launching a career as a dietitian. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) set forth course requirements for becoming a registered dietitian, and many colleges and universities offer programs that satisfy those requirements. The successful completion of an undergraduate program leads to a bachelor of science degree in nutrition and dietetics, and students also can go on to earn a master's degree in dietetics.
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Schools
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More than 200 schools in the United States offer accredited undergraduate programs in dietetics and applied nutrition, a field that involves learning how to apply the principles of food and nutrition to health. An accredited program is a program that meets the standards of the Commission on the Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE), which is the ADA's accrediting agency. CADE and the ADA do not rank accredited programs, instead giving each a stamp of approval through accreditation.
Undergraduate Coursework
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Courses include an emphasis on the sciences, including chemistry, biology and biochemistry, along with specialized nutrition courses. Examples of these courses at one school include "Elements of Nutrition," "Nutrition During the Lifecycle" and "Nutritional Assessment." You typically can earn your diploma in dietetics and applied nutrition in four years.
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Postgraduate Work
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A diploma in dietetics and applied nutrition is not all you need to become a registered dietitian. To be certified by the ADA, you must enroll in and complete an accredited Dietetic Internship Program after earning your degree. These programs typically are affiliated with universities and involve at least 900 hours of supervised practical experience. They take anywhere from six months to two years to complete, based on your availability and how often you can work.
Coordinated Programs
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About 50 U.S. schools, mostly big public universities, offer coordinated programs. These programs offer a diploma in dietetics and applied nutrition, plus the required hours of supervised work experience. These programs allow you to bypass applying for and enrolling in a Dietetic Internship Program. Instead, after graduating with your bachelor's degree, you can immediately take the Registration Examination for Dietitians to become a registered dietitian.
Career Paths
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Your status as a registered dietitian can help you find a job in a variety of venues. Examples include hospitals, government agencies and school systems. In 2007, the median salary of a registered dietitian was $53,300. The more advanced your degree, the better chance you have of finding a higher-paying job. Some universities allow you to pursue a master's degree while simultaneously working in the Dietetic Internship Program.
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