Nutrition & Dietetics Frequently Asked Questions

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What can I do with a nutrition and dietetics degree?
A lot! A career in nutrition and dietetics holds a lifetime of opportunity for interesting and diverse employment. We encourage students to pursue the registered dietitian (RD) credential. This is typically a three step process:
1. Completion of an accredited nutrition/dietetics program, also called Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
2. Completion of an accredited dietetic internship.
3. Obtaining a passing score on the national registered dietitian examination.
Program graduates who do not pursue the RD credential most often seek employment in community health, food service management, or sales (food, supplements, medical devices). All graduates of the UNF nutrition program are eligible to take the examination to become a dietetic technician (DTR). Dietetic technicians typically work under the direction of an RD in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
Where do RD’s work?

Hospitals, health departments, home health agencies, wellness centers, nursing homes, school districts, food companies, dietary supplement companies, clinics, universities, diabetes centers, cancer centers, dialysis centers, community agencies and mental health centers all employ RD’s. Many RD’s have their own private practices. Other RD’s hold challenging positions in government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
What do RD’s do?

Depending on their place of employment, RD’s may do the following: assess the nutritional status of diverse populations and help people implement healthful lifestyle changes; manage health/nutrition programs and supervise staff; manage and direct food service operations; conduct research; teach; manage university nutrition programs; develop and market food and supplement products; oversee school food service operations; and author books and articles.
How are nutrition program courses scheduled at UNF?

Courses are typically scheduled during daytime and evening hours Monday through Friday. There are no online degree options at this time. Many program courses are offered only once a year, therefore it’s imperative that students follow the proper sequence of coursework.
Can I take program prerequisites at a community college?

Yes, many community colleges offer the required prerequisites. You must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all nutrition program courses including program prerequisites. You may contact a Brooks College of Health advisor for additional information regarding course transfers.
In addition to completing the required program courses, will I participate in other activities?

Yes, we encourage students to participate in the campus community and to become active and engaged citizens. There are opportunities for membership and leadership positions within the UNF Student Nutrition Club, the Jacksonville Dietetic Association, the American Dietetic Association, and the Florida Dietetic Association. Campus and community volunteer opportunities are plentiful.
Am I guaranteed acceptance into a dietetic internship after meeting the undergraduate program requirements and graduating?

Acceptance into internships is competitive and cannot be guaranteed. The dietetic internship programs are separate entities from the undergraduate nutrition/DPD program. There are over 200 accredited internship programs throughout the U.S. Typically, students apply to internship programs during their senior year and if accepted they usually start in August following graduation. Students pay for the tuition and other expenses associated with their dietetic internship.
Do I need a master’s degree in nutrition to succeed as a registered dietitian?

No, a master’s degree is not required for many entry-level positions. However, some of the specialized jobs in nutrition and dietetics require an advanced degree. About half of all registered dietitians currently have a master’s degree.