[ Center for the Health Professions ]

Nutrition and Medical Dietetics

The field of nutrition and medical dietetics offers a variety of rewarding and interesting careers. In this field, you’ll work to improve or maintain health by applying science to what people eat. Dietitians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, health agencies, health clubs, and government agencies. Most work directly with patients; others conduct research.

Will I need further study?
What should I major in?
What are the course requirements?
What about advising?
How do I get certified?
Where can I find additional information?

Will I need further study?
Yes. After completing the first 15 course credits of preprofessional work at Elmhurst, you’ll transfer into a bachelor of science program in nutrition and medical dietetics at another institution. Another option is to complete your bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst and then earn a graduate degree in nutrition.

What should I major in?
You won’t complete a major at Elmhurst, because you’ll spend your final two baccalaureate years in a nutrition and medical dietetics program.

What are the course requirements?
Before transferring into a nutrition and medical dietetics program, you should take:

• BIO 104, 216
• CHM 101, 103
• ENG 105, 106
• MTH 121
• PSY 210
• SOC two courses, one emphasizing development of social or cultural patterns; the other on development of influence of family relationships, family life, or group processes
• Statistics, one course
• Speech, one course
• Humanities, two courses, preferably one in literature
• Economics, one course
• Electives to complete 15 course credits (60 semester hours)

What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Center for the Health Professions. We’ll pair you with one of our expert advisors to match your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance. Want to know more? See Advisors.

How do I get certified?
After you complete a bachelor of science program in nutrition and medical dietetics, you can take the registration examination and apply for membership in the American Dietetic Association.

Where can I find additional information?
You can start by contacting us at Elmhurst’s Center for the Health Professions.