Degrees & Certificates

Interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian?

Consider the following:

A registered dietitian (RD) works in Hospitals, HMOs or other health care facilities, educating patients about nutrition and administering medical nutrition therapy as part of the health care team. They may also manage the foodservice operations in these settings, as well as in schools, day-care centers, and correctional facilities, overseeing everything from food purchasing and preparation to managing staff. * Sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs, educating clients about the connection between food, fitness, and health.

Facilitates communication between Food and nutrition-related businesses and industries, working in communications, consumer affairs, public relations, marketing, or product development.

May work in Private practice, working under contract with health care or food companies, or in their own business. RDs may provide services to foodservice or restaurant managers, food vendors, and distributors, or athletes, nursing home residents, or company employees.

Can be a part of the Community and public health settings teaching monitoring, and advising the public, and helping to improve their quality of life through healthy eating habits.

Can teach at Universities and medical centers, working with physicians, nurses, dietetics students, and others in the sophisticated science of foods and nutrition.

Is qualified to assist in research areas in food and pharmaceutical companies, universities, and hospitals, directing or conducting experiments to answer critical nutrition questions and find alternative foods or nutrition recommendations for the public.

What Does it Take to Become an Registered Dietitian?

Becoming a dietitian or nutritionist usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a related area. Graduate degrees also are available. College students in these majors take courses in foods, nutrition, institution management, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and physiology. Other suggested courses include business, mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, sociology, and economics. High school students interested in becoming a dietitian or nutritionist should take courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, health, and communications.

Explore our degree and certificate options. For nutrition advising or questions, please contact:

Lori Zienkewicz EdD, MS, RD
480-461-7379
loriz@mesacc.edu