The Health Sciences Major may be used as a pre-professional curriculum for students wishing to apply to four-year baccalaureate degree programs in Clinical Dietetics. The OU Health Sciences Center Department of Nutritional Sciences offers a four year B.S. degree in Clinical Dietetics.
Students apply to the professional phase of the program at the OU Health Sciences Center after first completing a freshman and sophomore year (or 60 hours) of general education and prerequisite courses.
SWOSU students may choose the Health Sciences Major to complete these 60 hours at SWOSU or obtain their degree in Health Sciences at SWOSU before applying to the Clinical Dietetics Program.
Profession
Clinical Dietitians are a vital part of the medical team in hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, and other health care facilities. As a key member of the medical team the clinical dietitian provides medical nutrition therapy and the use of specific nutrition services to treat chronic conditions, illness, or injuries.
Employment
Employment for dietitians in non-clinical settings include community, education, research, private practice, management, and business. According to the ADA’s 1997 membership database, of those registered dietitians who have been employed full time in dietetics for 1-5 years after registration, 45% report annual gross income between $25,000 and $35,000, and 32% report incomes between $35,000 and $45,000. Salary levels may vary with location, scope of responsibility, and supply of job applicants.
Curriculum/Accreditation
Following completion of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutritional Sciences, students are then eligible to apply for membership in the American Dietetic Association and to take the National Registration Examination. Upon satisfactory completion of the examination, the individual will become a registered dietitian. (RD)