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Society-Ready Graduates
Dietetics Program
Issue
The demand for registered, credentialed dietitians has increased in
the United States, largely because the public is more interested now
in general nutrition, disease prevention, and the health of the aging.
According to figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the
American Dietetic Association, "employment of dietitians is expected
to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the
year 2005," at competitive salaries. Registered dietitians work
in health care facilities, sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs,
food and nutrition-related businesses and industries, private practice,
community and public health settings, at universities and medical centers,
and in research.
What has been done?
The Department of Nutritional Sciences offers a Didactic Program in
Dietetics which is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation
for Dietetics Education. To earn an RD credential, students undertake
the bachelor's degree program of study in dietetics, complete an approved,
supervised internship program at a healthcare facility, community agency,
or a food service corporation, and pass a national examination.
Impact
Students completing the UA's dietetics coursework have a 95 percent
placement rate for internship programs, compared with the national average
of 60 percent. This experience gives them the skills and abilities they
need to pass the national registered dietitian (RD) exam. As of the
year 2002, UA dietetics graduates are yielding a 99 percent pass rate.
Alumni comments:
"I like the internship a lot so far. It's very challenging, but
I feel well-prepared coming from the U of A."
"You will be well-prepared for this internship by going to the
U of A. I felt that I was stronger in certain areas than some of the
other interns in the program, including one girl who already had her
Ph.D."
"...all the dietitians said they felt that when they went to their
internships they were a step ahead of all the other interns as far as
knowledge and experience, because of going through the program at the
U of A. I feel the same way."
Funding
The University of Arizona
UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Contact
Wanda Howell, associate professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences
Shantz Bldg, Room 309, PO Box 210038
The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
Telephone: (520) 621-1619, FAX: (520) 621-9446
Email: whhowell@ag.arizona.edu
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