UNK professor preparing a diet friendly meal

About the Pre-Dietetics Program

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Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal.

The Pre-Dietetics Program is designed to pair with a bachelor's degree and prepare students for masters-level study leading to qualification as a registered dietitian. Students should check with the graduate dietetics programs that they intend to apply to and consult with their advisor to discuss requirements.

 

PROGRAM INFORMATION GUIDE

Responsibilities of Dietitians and Nutritionists:

  • Assess patients’ and clients’ nutritional and health needs
  • Counsel patients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits
  • Develop meal and nutrition plans, taking both clients’ preferences and budgets into account
  • Evaluate the effects of meal plans and change the plans as needed
  • Promote better health by speaking to groups about diet, nutrition, and the relationship between good eating habits and preventing or managing specific diseases
  • Create educational materials about healthy food choices
  • Keep up with or contribute to the latest food and nutritional science research
  • Document patients’ progress

Median Pay: $66,450 per year

7% Projected Employment Growth

from 2022 to 2032 according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

100% Placement Rate in Clinical Programs and Graduate Schools

Statistic based on cumulative placement data for the last 3 years

Amanda Skalka

"I developed a professional relationship with my advisor Dr. Bryce Abbey, which helped spark my interest in Community Nutrition through undergraduate research.  I decided on an Exercise Science major and Nutrition minor while pursuing the prerequisites that would prepare me for a Master’s of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences to become a Registered Dietitian. I enjoyed learning from the UNK professors. They truly prepared me for success in graduate school. I interned with Kaiti George, RD, LMNT at the Kearney Hy-Vee. The opportunity allowed me to gain hands-on experiences working with clients one-on-one to help improve their diet quality. I have been able to use these experiences formed here at UNK to excel in my career."

Amanda Skalka

Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student, Iowa State University, IA

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