REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Do you have an interest in science and food? Do you have sound critical thinking and communication skills? Are you practical and results oriented? Dietitians enjoy coordinating and developing materials and programs, analyzing information and solving problems, and working with people. Explore the possibilities of a career as a registered dietitian; it might be the right one for you!
Dietetics is the science of applying food and nutrition to health. Registered Dietitians are nutritionists who integrate and apply the principles derived from the sciences of food, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, food management and behavior to achieve and maintain the health status of their patients. Dietitians plan food and nutrition programs, supervise meal preparation, and oversee the serving of meals for organizations. They assess patients’ nutritional needs, develop and implement nutrition programs, and evaluate and report the results. They also confer with doctors and other health care professionals to coordinate patient’s medical and nutritional needs. They prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modifications. For example, dietitians might teach a patient with high blood pressure how to use less salt when preparing meals or create a heart healthy diet for a patient with heart disease. Some may specialize in managing the weight of overweight patients or in the care of renal (kidney), diabetic, or critically ill patients.
Registered Dietitian (RD) is a private credential issued after completing qualifications required by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), including successfully passing the CDR examination. This private RD credential does not function as a license or allow a person to practice dietetics in a state with mandatory licensure and Illinois is one of those states. Since dietetics is a licensed profession in Illinois, only those who hold a valid license as a Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) have the right to call themselves “dietitian,” “nutritionist,” or “dietitian nutritionist,” and practice dietetics.
First Steps:
In high school, take classes that will prepare you for college. The following high school electives will help you prepare for a career as a dietitian nutritionist: communications, computer applications, family and consumer sciences, food and nutrition, food service, health education.
Earnings:
Listed below are hourly/annual wages for both entry level and experienced licensed dietitians and the annual median hourly/annual wage.**
| Entry Wage |
Median Wage |
Experienced Wage |
| Hourly |
Annual |
Hourly |
Annual |
Hourly |
Annual |
| $14.94 |
$31,056 |
$23.14 |
$48,136 |
$27.92 |
$58,074 |
**Wage Data 2009, State of Illinois Department of Employment Security
Work Environment:
In a health care setting, dietitians usually work in clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated areas; however, some may work in hot, congested kitchens. Many dietitians are on their feet for most of the day. Most full-time dietitians work a 40-hour week, although weekend work may be necessary.
Job Outlook:
The number of positions for dietitians in hospitals is expected to grow slowly. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that many hospitals contract out for food services so they do not need to employ staff dietitians.
Education:
There are two ways to become a Registered Dietitian – by either completing a coordinated program or a didactic program. A coordinated program is completion of a bachelor’s level program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) combining coursework with 900 hours of supervised internship experience that prepares graduates for the American Dietetic Association Commission on Dietetics Registration examination. The following Illinois schools offer a Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP):
Dominican University, River Forest
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago
The second way to become a registered dietitian is through a didactic model and complete a bachelor’s degree from a CADE-accredited program that provides only classroom instruction. After receiving your degree, 900 hours of hands-on experience through a CADE-accredited practice program or internship is necessary. The following Illinois schools offer a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD):
Bradley University, Peoria
Dominican University, River Forest
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston
Illinois State University, Normal
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana
Western Illinois University, Macomb
Educational/Professional Requirements:
In Illinois, Registered Dietitians are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Applicants must file with IDFPR a completed, signed application, on forms supplied by the Division that includes:
- Proof of completion of a bachelor’s degree program in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, food systems management, or nutrition education
- Verification of completion of 900 hours of supervised experience with an approved supervisor or current registration with the Commission Dietetic Registration (CDR)
- Successful completion of an examination given through CDR
- An application fee of $100
Professional Organization:
American Dietetic Association
Illinois Dietetic Association