1. Dietetics: Beyond the Hospital
presented by Miranda Brown, MS, RDN/LD
September 2015

2. What IS Dietetics?
Dietetics is the integration, application and communication of principles derived from food, nutrition, social, business and basic sciences, to achieve and maintain optimal nutrition status of individuals through the development, provision and management of effective food and nutrition services in a variety of settings.1
HUH?? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN??
1. Definition of terms list. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Web site.

3. Using food to improve and maintain optimal health
What IS Dietetics?
Using food to improve and maintain optimal health

4. What Do Dietitians DO??
Dietitians translate “the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living.”1
Scope of practice ranges from treating critically ill patients in hospitals to serving as wellness coaches to employees.
Dietitians:
Assess nutritional status
Prescribe therapeutic diets (medical nutrition therapy)
Counsel, educate, coach
1. Learn more about RDNS. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Web site.

5. What Do Dietitians DO??

6. Path to Become a Dietitian
Begins with a passion for health and wellness
Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences or related discipline
4 semesters of chemistry!
Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences (most states)
2 more semesters of chemistry!
1200 supervised practice hours – UNPAID – 1 year
Passage of national registration exam
Licensure by state of residence to practice medicine
Completion of 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years to retain registration

7. Where Do Dietitians Work?
Hospitals – inpatient and outpatient
Hospitals – food service directors
Doctor Offices – medical nutrition therapy
Military – food service directors, medical nutrition therapy
Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program – nutrition educators
Health Departments – nutrition educators
Corporations – wellness coordinators, health coaches
Corporations – product developmers, nutritional analysis

8. Where Do Dietitians Work?
Retail Stores – nutrition educators
Private Practice – medical nutrition therapy
Sports Teams – professional and college
Colleges & Universities – nutrition educators, research
School Systems – food service director, nutrition educators
Entrepreneurs
Writers/bloggers
Nutrition educators
Recipe developers
Health coaches

9. What Do Dietitians Get Paid?
$25/h for clinical - $75/h private practice
As in any field, entrepreneurs have the ability to make much more!

10. Miranda Brown, MS, RDN/LD
MS = Masters of Science
RDN = registered dietitian nutritionist
LD = licensed by state of Oklahoma to practice medicine
Hybrid career path:
Part-time clinical dietitian in hospital
Part-time nutrition educator/health coach
Part-time nutrition/wellness blogger: msbrownknowsnutrition

11. Questions?