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The Great Plains Institute for Food Safety provides various undergraduate and graduate programs focused on food safety. This field is a significant priority for numerous Americans, receiving substantial global attention, investment, and resources, while also facing a noticeable lack of skilled professionals. A registered dietitian is a qualified practitioner who has obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution and completed 1,200 hours of supervised training. Registration requires passing a national exam, and dietitians must pursue continuing education throughout their careers. Starting in 2024, a master's degree will be mandatory for all new dietitians entering the field. North Dakota State University has built a strong legacy in food and nutrition education. For nearly a century, since 1925, NDSU has trained dietitians who excel nationwide in the profession and hold leadership roles in industry organizations. The university's undergraduate dietetics program ranks among the best in the country, offering two pathways: the Dietitian Education Program (DEP) with a community nutrition focus and the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
Dietitians work in diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, where they manage nutrition therapy and food service operations. They also serve in business roles, such as sales or education, for corporate and government entities, or as practitioners in community and public health programs. Some registered dietitians collaborate with food industry groups like the Dairy Council or Wheat Commission. In academic environments, they teach dietetics, nutrition, and food service management at universities, medical schools, and public schools. Community-based dietitians offer counseling and nutrition services through health departments, senior meal programs, childcare centers, school food programs, and retail outlets like grocery stores. Additionally, they contribute to wellness centers, hospitals, and consulting roles as part of health promotion initiatives.