Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics | SIU

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

The relationship between diet, health and disease is the basis of coursework in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics in the DPD provides focused instruction regarding current health and nutrition issues that impact our food systems and body functions.

The broad curriculum provides the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful nutrition professional. Courses cover topics ranging from chemistry and marketing, to nutrition through life cycles, sports nutrition, experimental foods and metabolism. Our graduates will have the skillset to enter the workforce in a variety of fields or can begin advanced studies to become a registered dietitian.

Diet Technician, Registered (DTR)

Another career option in the field of nutrition is the Diet Technician, Registered (DTR). This position provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). DTR’s conduct patient screens, collect data, and assist the RDNs in providing medical nutrition therapy in various settings, including hospitals; clinics; nursing homes and retirement centers; hospices; and home health-care programs. There are also many job opportunities that allow DTRs to work independently providing general nutrition education. Potential places of employment consist of schools; day-care centers; correctional facilities; restaurants; food companies; health-care facilities; corporations and hospitals; Women, Infants, Children (WIC) programs; public health agencies; and Meals on Wheels as well as other community health programs. The duties conducted by DTRs in these areas include, but are not limited to, management of employees; purchasing and food preparation; maintaining budgets within foodservice operations; implementation of programs and presentation of classes for the public, health clubs, weight management clinics, and community wellness centers; helping educate consumers about the connection between food, fitness and health; developing menus for contract food management companies or food vending and distributing operations; conducting nutrient analysis and data collection; and overseeing foodservice sanitation and food safety.

To become a DTR the following qualifications apply:

1. Successful completion of a Dietetic Technician Program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) of the Academy that includes 450 hours of supervised practice experience in various community-based programs, health care and foodservice facilities and completion of at least a two year associate's degree at a U.S. regionally accredited college or university
2. Completion of a Baccalaureate at a university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) or successful completion of coursework in an ACEND®-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics and completion of at least a bachelor's degree at a U.S. regionally accredited college or university
3. Successful completion of a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
4. To maintain the credential, a DTR must complete continuing professional educational requirements

The Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DP) at SIU provides the classroom component of dietetics education to obtain a B.S. degree and/or Verification of Completion Form, thus completing the first step in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or a Diet Technician, Registered.

Facilities

Students in the Human Nutrition and Dietetics program receive hands-on instruction and training in skills necessary to succeed as dietitians in several areas of practice. While classroom studies of dietetic theories and concepts is a portion of the HND course of study, laboratory work provides the competence needed for successful careers in dietetics.

Food prep labs allow students to master the practical components of cooking and food preparation while covering topics in safety measures, personal nutrition and culinary skills.

Labs for social sciences provides students the opportunity to interpret the effects of diet and nutrition on individuals, communities and at-risk populations.

Construction of a sensory kitchen laboratory is in the works at SIU for students to master the latest in topics related to this burgeoning study within dietetics.