YOUR CAREER IN DIETETICS WILL BE LIMITED ONLY BY YOUR IMAGINATION!

Welcome to one of the professions that has been ranked as a hot career choice for 2007 and beyond. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dietitians is expected to grow faster than the average profession through the year 2014.

Twenty years ago, when a dietitian became an R.D., only a handful of employment opportunities were available. Typically, dietitians worked in health care settings, in either clinical or food service management, while a few dietitians worked in education. Today, in addition to traditional career paths, dietitians are moving in directions they have never gone before, and interest in non-traditional jobs is increasing. The "well" population has developed an interest in fitness and healthy food choices. This has opened the doors of employment to non-traditional fields: private practice, public health, business, industry, education, product development, government/politics, media, marketing, book publishing, sales, health promotion, sports nutrition, spas, fitness centers, and restaurants. Opportunities even exist for consultants and public speakers.

Thank you for choosing the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Dietetics Specialization within the Food and Nutrition Program. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association, and is designed for students who wish to meet Knowledge Requirements for Entry-Level Dietitian Education Programs and be eligible to apply for an accredited supervised practice program (dietetic internship) to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). The field of dietetics is important to our society and you will be able to use your talents to its benefit.

The faculty and staff are happy to have you here!