Dietitians are trained in applying the principles of nutrition and food science to the individuals' health and fitness. Nutrition, health, and fitness have become a way of life. Eating right to live better and learning about good nutrition are top priorities and people are eager to learn even more. These changes mean increased opportunities in the field of dietetics. Dietetics is a vital, growing field open to creativity and opportunity and the possibilities are endless.
Dietitians offer preventative and therapeutic nutrition services in a variety of settings.
In 1924, the minimum specifications for courses for student dietitians was introduced. Throughout the decades, revisions in academic requirements have been updated. In 1974, the ADA was first recognized by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, now USDE, as the accrediting agency for dietetic internships. The BS degree requires a minimum of 124 hours. Many states including Arkansas also require a license to practice dietetics in the state.