The House of Delegates for the American Dietetics Association met in Chicago on Saturday to discuss proposed changes to the dietetics programs.

A year ago, the House of Delegates formed a task force to look into changes for the educational program for dietetics.

Its report came out at the end of February.

The task force had a total of seven recommendations, but three were mainly discussed at the meeting, said Donna Wickstrom, accreditation manager for the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education.

The main recommendation is to move entry-level dietetics to a master’s degree instead of a bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, an internship or supervised practice would be included in the master’s program. Another recommendation is to no longer accredit dietetic technicians.

Statistics show that each year, fewer dietetic technicians are taking the accreditation exam and renewing their ADA membership, Wickstrom said.

The ADA does see a use for dietetic technicians, but they would no longer be required to take an exam to become registered, she said.

Wickstrom said it would take a long time, possibly up to 10 years, to implement any changes if they are accepted.

“If the report is accepted and they decide to go forward, it is up to the CADE [Commission of Dietetic Registration] to implement,” Wickstrom said.

ISU dietetic students have mixed feelings about the proposed changes.

“If changes are made, then others will have a higher degree than me. They’ll come out ahead of me, and I will have to go back to school to get a higher degree,” said Kristin Delleman, senior in dietetics.

Delleman said she plans to go back to school to further her education but wants to experience the field first.

At this point in time, she said, she is unsure of what she wants to do after graduation.

Delleman’s roommate, Lindsey Metcalf, senior in dietetics, said she does not see herself getting a master’s degree, but sees both the negatives and positives of getting a one.

“I think it’s a good idea. It will make us look more professional and be taken more seriously by doctors,” Metcalf said.

Metcalf said a drawback to getting her master’s degree would be that she would not necessarily get paid any more money.

She said she is interested in getting certified in the education of dietetics, but it is not necessary for her to go back to school. She said she would, however, need to take a test every five years.

Delleman and Metcalf said they have received brief e-mails about the possible changes to dietetics programs everywhere and understand that if the proposed changes do occur, they will not be implemented for a while.

“We’re told not to let it discourage us. It’s all about the work experience,” Delleman said.

The recommendations will be voted on in mid-May by an electronic vote.