Becoming a Dietitian

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Becoming a Dietitian

• By
• Kristin Anne Tindle

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What is a Registered Dietitian?

• A Registered Dietician is an expert in the area
  of foods and nutrition who has met certain
  criteria to obtain the RD credential.

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Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelors degree
• Coursework approved by the Commission on
  Accreditation for Dietetics
• Internship
• Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians
• Educational Requirements to maintain registration
  

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College Coursework

• Sciences (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology,
  Physiology, Anatomy)
• Foodservice Management
• Business
• Computer Science
• Culinary Arts
• Psychology
• Communications

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Universities/Colleges With CADE Approved Dietetic
Programs in Michigan

• University of Michigan School of Public Health
• Andrews University
• Marygrove College
• Michigan State University

• Western Michigan University
• Madonna University
• Northern Michigan University
• Central Michigan University

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Registration Examination for Dietitians

• Evaluates ability to perform at entry-level
• 5 Components
• Food and Nutrition
• Clinical and
• Community Nutrition
• Education and Research
• Food and Nutrition Systems
• Management

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Computerized RD Examination

• Results with the click of a button (no more 6
  week waiting period)
• Flexible Test Administration
• Retesting Available in six weeks
• Unique test based on examinees entry-level
  competence

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Where do RDs work?

• Hospitals, HMOs or other health care facilities
• Food and nutrition-related businesses
• Private Practice
• Universities and medical centers
• Others

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Salaries

• Salaries vary with location, experience, type of
  RD (clinical, private practice, etc.)
• Employment expected to grow through 2005
• Entry-level RDs employed full time for five years
  (according to ADAs 1997 Membership Database)
• 61 earned 25,000-30,000 per year
• 26 earned 35,000-45,000

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THE END