It’s no secret that America is currently suffering from a widely publicized health crisis. According to the latest research, two out of every three American adults are classified as overweight, and one in three are classified as obese. Childhood obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other nutrition-related health problems are also on the rise. While this is bad news for the general population, it means that there is a huge demand for specialists who can advise others on the science of nutrition. Read on to learn if dietetics is the right pathway for you.
A dietitian is essentially a consultant who advises others about food, nutrition, and wellness. Dietitians may advise individuals who have special dietary needs; doctors and nurses who need a specialist’s opinion on how to help a patient; governments and nonprofit organizations who work to feed large groups; and companies who want to offer healthy choices to their employees, clients, or target market. Dietetics is a highly promising career field, expected to grow at a rate of 16 percent between 2014 and 2024. Career opportunities are available to dietitians in health facilities, food service organizations, government agencies, and consulting work.
Alexander Ford, '12, recently discovered that diluted fruit juice serves as an adequate alternative to Gatorade during physical activity. “I was very pleased with the results,” Ford said. “My objective was to show that there are healthier alternatives to the sports drinks than the public is familiar with, and they are equally as effective during exercise.”
In 2015, the former Dietetic and Nutrition and Health and Wellness department merged to form the Health, Nutrition, and Dietetics Department. “This will strengthen all the programs we offer,” said Carol DeNysschen, associate professor and department chair. “And it will open more doors for students.”
DeNysschen, who holds a master's degree in public health, a doctorate in exercise science, and is a registered dietitian, is enthusiastic about the department’s future. “Both students and faculty will have more communication and synergy. I feel fortunate to be in this position.”
Buffalo State's Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics is part of the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Dietetics. The program provides students with the academic requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for entry-level dietitians/nutritionists.
Graduates are then eligible to apply for an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program via dietetic internships or individualized supervised practice pathways that are available throughout the country. After completing the supervised practice requirements, individuals may take the registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Passing the registration examination earns the credentials of registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Some individuals use this program to prepare for graduate study in nutrition-related areas.
What makes Buffalo State’s Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics a good choice? We’re glad you asked. Read on for some of the reasons:
The Health and Wellness department sponsors multiple opportunities that enable students to gain hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Below are just a few clubs, programs, and opportunities available to dietetic students.
As a registered dietitian, you may advise any of the following:
Dietitians may also work with researchers conducting clinical trials or interventions, open private practices, or write cookbooks and food-related magazine columns.
