Contact Information
Program Requirements
Typical Program
Degree/Certificate: Associate in Science
HEGIS Code: 5613
SUNY Code: 2643
Major Code: DIET
The Career
Upon completion of the program, students who continue on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics may become registered dietitians and will have favorable job prospects in a variety of settings, which may include long term care facilities, hospitals, community settings, schools, industry, research, and in private practice.
According to the US Department of Labor, “…employment of nutritionists and dietitians is projected to grow 21 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations…” and will add a projected 14,200 new job openings a year. Recently, interest in the role of food promoting health and wellness has increased, particularly as a part of preventive healthcare in medical settings. There will be more demand for dietetic services, especially given diet-related diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and obesity. An aging population will also increase the need for nutritionists and dietitians in nursing homes and in home healthcare.
The SUNY Niagara Approach
Nutritionists and dietitians are experts in food and nutrition. The Dietetics Studies program offers a comprehensive study of nutrition, proper food preparation, and food chemistry as it relates to physiological functioning in all stages of life.
The program stresses the importance of science as related to nutrition and dietetics. An Associate in Science degree preparing students to ultimately earn a Bachelor’s degree is viewed as favorable since nutritionists and dietitians who have earned advanced degrees and certifications may enjoy better job prospects.
Admission
Students are admitted in fall, spring and summer.
Because of the sequencing of courses, it may take more than two academic years of full-time study if a student begins this program in a spring or summer semester.
Articulation Agreements
Buffalo State University
SUNY Oneonta
SUNY transfer path in Dietetics
The Transfer Paths summarize the common lower division requirements shared by all SUNY campuses for similar majors within most disciplines. These courses are guaranteed to transfer across the SUNY system within each discipline.
For more information on the Dietetics transfer path, visit the SUNY website: http://www.suny.edu/attend/get-started/transfer-students/suny-transfer-paths/
Program Goals and Objectives
- To educate students in the fundamental study of food and its physiological effects in all stages of life
- To prepare students for transfer into a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics, after which students may become registered dietitians
- To assist students in meeting General Education requirements
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
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Demonstrate knowledge in food preparation, chemistry, and safety, and nutrition as it relates to physiological functioning in all stages of life
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Utilize principles of health literacy, including critical thinking skills, literature searches, data collection and interpretation, and be able to use information effectively
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Employ technologies to locate and apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols
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Develop interventions to affect positive change in health and wellness amongst a variety of groups and individuals
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