Dietetics: Becoming a Nutritionist
After completing the DPD program at Tuskegee, students are eligible to apply for a dietetic internship so that they can sit for the dietetics board exam. Once the student passes the exam, they will become a registered dietitian.
.Dietetics Program Background
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Tuskegee University, directed by Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, Brittannie Chester, is under the Food and Nutrition Sciences department in the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences. The Dietetics Department is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. The accrediting agency is for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN).
Using Learned Skills
After completing the DPD program at Tuskegee, students are eligible to apply for a dietetic internship so that they can sit for the dietetics board exam. Once the student passes the exam, they will become a registered dietitian. RDNs are the food and nutrition experts who can translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. RDNs use their nutrition expertise to help individuals make unique, positive lifestyle changes.
What Do RDNs Do?
They work throughout the community in hospitals, schools, public health clinics, nursing homes, fitness centers, food management, food industry, universities, research, and private practice. RDNs are advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. An RDN can help individuals understand their condition and how food might affect the symptoms. A registered dietitian nutritionist works with individuals to create an eating plan that has the nutrients needed to manage their condition. RDNs will also learn about an individual’s health history, favorite foods, eating and exercise habits and will help him/her to set goals and prioritize a plan for them.
Reasons people consult RDNs
■ Help with managing diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic diseases.
■ Improve your overall health and lifestyle.
■ Learn how to read the nutrition label at the market.
■ Receive diet advice specifically for an individual lifestyle (they will not give a one-size-fits-all diet plan.)
Other Nutrition-based Programs
Tuskegee University Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Food Science, Nutritional Science, Didactic Program in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, and dual degrees in Food Science & Biology or in Nutritional Science & Biology. The Department also offers thesis and non-thesis Masters of Science (M.S.) degrees in Food Science or Nutritional Science. It is a part of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Integrative Biosciences (IBS).
For more information on the programs at Tuskegee University visit the website at www.tuskegee.edu/programs-courses/ colleges-schools/caens/fns.
 at Tuskegee University is under the Food and Nutrition Sciences department in the CAENS.){kind=link}