Careers Dietetics Information Provided By: Georgia Statewide Area Health Education Center (AHEC) http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index PowerPoint Presentation By: Juliane Monko & Dr. Frank Flanders CTAE Resource Network, June 2009 Based On PowerPoint Ideas From: Penny Howard, RN, Healthcare Science Instructor

There are six centers in the Georgia AHEC Network, and each serves a multi-county region.  The AHEC mission is to meet the health needs of Georgia by improving the supply, distribution and quality of healthcare providers. AHECs offer enrichment programs, camps, learning tools, student counseling, volunteer and mentoring activity coordination, and access to other educational resources. Contact your regional AHEC for more information.  A H E C

Objectives Students will be able to describe health careers in the field of Dietetics. Students will be able to plan a healthcare career path in Dietetics.

Careers in Dietetics Dietetic Technician Dietician

Dietetic Technician

Dietetic Technician Usually under the direction of a registered dietitian, a dietetic technician assists in managing food service and providing nutritional care. Dietetic technicians may screen patients to identify nutritional problems. These patients often need help in planning meals within their budgets and diets. Dietetic technicians educate and train patients, develop menus, supervise food service personnel, and purchase and control inventory.

Dietetic Technician Work Environment Salary Community health programs Correctional facilities Day care centers Food service industry Health maintenance organizations Home health agencies Hospice Hospitals Long-term care facilities Public health nutrition programs Restaurants Schools Average Starting Salary $19,417 Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index

Dietetic Technician Academic Requirements A high school diploma or equivalent is required.  Completion of a dietetic technician program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education is required. Two-year associate degree programs combine classroom and supervised practical experiences.  Many graduates of a four-year dietetic program choose to work as a dietetic technician before entering a Dietetic Internship Program.

Dietician

Dietician Dieticians are experts on how food and nutrition apply to health.  They are involved wherever nutrition can help to improve quality of life.  Their actual job responsibilities depend upon their practice settings. Dieticians educate people about good nutrition. They supervise dietary personnel, plan institutional menus, and manage budgets.

Dietician They may work with individuals who are most at risk of poor health including pregnant women, children, elderly, and citizens with very limited resources.  They develop the most nutritious food plans possible for patients who can eat traditional foods; for patients who cannot tolerate traditional foods, they provide other diets. 

Dietician Areas of Specialty: Business Dietetics Clinical Dietetics Community Dietetics Diabetes Education Education and Research Management Nutrition Support Pediatric Nutrition Renal Nutrition 

Dietician Work Environment Salary Average Starting Salary $36,428 Business and industry Clinics Colleges and universities Food service Government agencies Hospitals Health clubs Nursing homes Private practice (consultant) Public health departments Public schools Average Starting Salary $36,428 Figures according to 2006 data. To see updated figures, visit the SOWEGA-AHEC website at: http://www.sowega-ahec.org/index

Dietician Academic Requirements This career requires two components: The first component is academic (didactic) preparation. Dieticians must complete a program of study approved by the American Dietetic Association.  Most of these programs of study are at the undergraduate level, although it may be possible to complete the required course work while enrolled in a graduate program.  The second component of education is an approved supervised practice component.  This component can be satisfied along with the didactic preparation in a coordinated program or can be satisfied after didactic preparation in a Dietetic Internship Program. 

Summary Careers available in Dietetics: There is a demand for individuals to choose a career in dietetics, because of increased public interest in good health by improving nutrition. Educational requirements vary by career. Students interested in these careers should use the information provided here as a basis for a career plan. The student should also research the career further to complete a career plan. Careers available in Dietetics: Dietetic Technician Dietician