Dietetics offers a wide variety of jobs in hospitals, health promotion programs, nursing homes, public health agencies, industries, schools, universities, the armed services, and state, national and international organizations. Governmental regulations require the services of dietitians in federally supported programs. The consulting services of a dietitian are often sought by architects and hospital administrators in planning and equipping food preparation and services facilities. A dietitian must have a good background in the basic and behavioral sciences to apply the science of nutrition for the promotion of health and the prevention of disease.
A dietitian is essential to the total care of a patient in a healthcare facility, giving nutritional guidance and instruction. Dietitians also work in clinical research units. The role of a dietitian is changing with changes in health care and has become more involved in preventive health care and in community nutrition programs.
Through the program in dietetics, students develop an understanding and competency in food, nutrition, and management. South Dakota State University’s dietetics program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education of Nutrition and Dietetics, the accrediting agency for Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 ext 5400) as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Students enrolled in the dietetics program are assessed a discipline fee. Upon completion of the program and Bachelors of Science requirements, the student will receive a verification statement from the program director and are then eligible to apply for the supervised practice experience (dietetic internship). To become a registered dietitian, one must satisfactorily complete the South Dakota State University’s dietetics program, apply, be accepted and complete an accredited dietetic internship and pass the national registration examination for registered dietitians. The dietetic internships are post-graduation, require additional fees, and are competitive.
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