Table of Contents
Preface ix
New to this Edition xi
Acknowledgments xv
Reviewers xvi
Part I The Past 1
Chapter 1 The Profession Is Born 3
The Very Beginning 3
The Middle Ages 4
Progress (?) in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries 5
The Young Profession in the Twentieth Century 10
Entering the Twenty-First Century 16
Summary 18
Suggested Activities 21
Selected Websites 22
Suggested Readings 22
References 22
Part II The Present 23
Chapter 2 The Dietetics Profession 27
What Is Dietetics? 28
What is a Profession? 29
How Is Dietetics a Profession? 29
What Is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist? 29
Who Are Dietitians? 31
Where Do Dietitians Work, and What Do They Do? 32
What Is the Salary Range for RDNs and NDTRs? 37
Specialty Areas and New Employment Opportunities 39
What Are Some of the Issues Facing Dietetic Practice? 41
A Brief Introduction to the Professional Association 42
Summary 43
Suggested Activities 48
Selected Websites 50
Suggested Readings 50
References 51
Chapter 3 Joining Together: The Team Approach 53
The History of the Healthcare Team Concept 54
What Makes a Group a Team? 54
Teamwork 55
Fundamentals of Team Dynamics 56
Team Development 59
Communicating for Team Success 59
Members of Healthcare Teams 63
Summary 72
Suggested Activities 76
Selected Websites 77
Suggested Readings 77
References 78
Chapter 4 Beginning Your Path to Success in Dietetics 81
Who Are You? 81
The Portfolio 81
What Are the Purposes of a Portfolio? 82
The Résumé 89
The Interview 94
Summary 97
Suggested Activities 102
Selected Websites 103
Suggested Readings 103
Part III Preparing for Practice 107
Chapter 5 Dietetics Education and Training 109
Have I Got a Plan for You! 109
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics 110
The Steps to Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered 112
The Academic Experience 116
Distance Education in Dietetics 117
Service Learning in Dietetics 119
Verification of Academic Requirements 120
Building a Career Portfolio 120
Graduate Education 121
Summary 124
Suggested Activities 124
Selected Websites 125
References 130
Chapter 6 The Supervised Practice Experience 133
Trying Your Wings 133
Competencies for the Supervised Practice Component 133
When Does Supervised Practice Occur? 134
The Dietetic Internship Shortage 135
Making the Decision: Coordinated Program versus Dietetic Internship 135
Distance Internships 137
Individualized Supervised Practice Pathways (TSPPs) 138
Applying for the Supervised Practice Experience 138
The Interview as Part of the Admission Process 141
Suggested Activities 147
Selected Websites 148
References 148
Chapter 7 Credentialing 151
Protecting the Public 151
Commission on Dietetic Registration 151
Dietetic Registration 152
The Registration Examination 152
Computer-Adaptive Testing 154
Getting Ready for the Credentialing Examination 155
Maintaining Registered Status 156
Steps in Professional Portfolio Development 157
Specialty Credentials 157
Fellow of the American Dietetic Association/Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 160
Licensure 160
Other Tools Supporting Professional Competence 161
Summary 167
Suggested Activities 170
Selected Websites 171
References 171
Part IV Professional Organizations 173
Chapter 8 Why Join a Professional Association? 175
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 175
Mission, Vision, Philosophy, and Values 177
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Headquarters 179
The Volunteer Element of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 180
Honors and Awards Bestowed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 187
Why Should I Become a Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics? 190
Other Professional Associations 190
Summary 190
Suggested Activities 196
Selected Websites 196
References 197
Part V The Future 199
Chapter 9 Trends, Predictions, and Your Future 201
Implications for Dietetics Practice 204
The Future for Dietetics Professionals 205
Summary 205
Suggested Activities 207
Selected Websites 208
References 208
Chapter 10 Crossing the Bridge: From Student to Professional 211
Professional Advice 212
You Are Entering a Helping Profession 214
Lifelong Learning and Professional Development 214
Standards of Professional Practice 215
Professional Ethics 216
Commitment to the Profession 216
Finally, Some Tips for Career Success 218
Summary 220
Suggested Activities 224
Selected Websites 225
Suggested Readings 225
References 226
Appendix: Commonly Used Acronyms in the Dietetics Profession 229
Index 233
