Nutrition And Dietetics, B.S.

Dietetics — the application of food and nutrition knowledge to promote health, prevent disease and minimize disability — is a rapidly growing profession in allied health. Dietitians are dedicated to helping the public attain better health and longevity through the use of sound nutrition practices. Saint Louis University's nutrition and dietetics program is one of the few in the nation that allows you to become both a registered dietitian nutritionist and a certified chef. Graduates are prepared with foundation knowledge and skills to enter the field of nutrition. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who are dedicated to improving lives through nutrition. RDNs use their nutrition expertise to help individuals and groups make lifestyle changes to both prevent and treat nutrition-related illnesses. Translating the science of nutrition into solutions for healthy living, RDNs are equipped with the knowledge to impact lives. To become a registered dietitian, students must: Complete a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics Complete a supervised practice program Pass a national examination Complete continuing professional educational requirements The Saint Louis University Dietetics Association is the on-campus organization established by students to promote nutrition and dietetics and to provide student opportunities for leadership and service. Departmental welcome picnics, open houses, holiday parties and research presentations allow students to socialize with faculty and peers. Learning Outcomes Graduates will be able to demonstrate effective professional communication in the transmission of food and nutrition information. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to develop patient-centered care plans that reflect a value for the inherent worth of others. Graduates will be able to demonstrate nutrition education methods to facilitate diet changes in diverse populations. Graduates will be able to articulate the value of nutrition and dietetics professionals in an interprofessional care context. Graduates will be able to evidence the proper use of professional literature to make evidence-based nutrition care decisions. Careers Registered dietitians are employed in a wide variety of areas, including hospitals, food service, private practice, community and public health settings, universities, research, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness, schools and industry. Earnings vary according to the area of dietetics practice, level of education, additional certifications and the geographic location of practice.