Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Allied Health (Nutrition and Foods Concentration)] From East Tennessee State University

Skillfulness in implementing nutrition interventions and monitoring the effectiveness of nutrition therapy or counseling is required at all levels of dietetics practice. The interdisciplinary health care team utilizes the skills and knowledge of the well-trained registered dietitian as the expert in planning and implementing nutrition therapy. Dietetics professionals provide nutrition education and counseling to patients and clients, health coaching in out-patient settings, diabetes education and training, monitoring tube feedings or nutrition support for patients in critical care units, management of clinical nutrition departments or health care food service operations.Upon successful completion of the requirements for the Nutrition and Foods concentration (didactic program in dietetics), students are eligible to apply for dietetic internships where they will perform 1200 hours of supervised practice in a variety of dietetics rotations. Once the supervised practice is successfully completed, the student will be eligible to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians (RD exam.) Licensure requirements for registered dietitians vary according to state statutes but all require a passing score on the RD exam. An option for students who delay or choose not to pursue the RD credential is taking the examination to become a dietetic technician immediately upon completion of the requirements for the nutrition and foods concentration and the B.S. degree.