Didactic Program in Dietetics

Mission Statement and Goals

Program Mission

To prepare students to meet the Didactic requirements as defined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) in order to be successful nutrition professionals that work in diverse communities and workplaces. The students will also be prepared for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).

Program Goals

1. The program prepares graduates for entry-level nutrition careers as a Dietetic Technician, Registered, (BS-DTR) or Nutrition Dietetic Technician, Registered, BS-NDTR (under Plan III), entrance into a supervised practice program and/or admittance to nutrition-related postgraduate programs.
2. The program prepares graduates who are competent for employment opportunities in diverse communities and workplaces.

Program Objectives

1.1 At least 80 percent of program students complete program requirements within 6 years (150 percent of program length) for full-time students

1.2 At least 25 percent of program students complete program requirements within 10 years (150 percent of program length) for part-time students

1.3 Fifty percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation

1.4 Within 12 months of graduation, 80 percent of the graduates that take the DTR exam will pass in the first year of taking the exam

1.5 Twenty-five percent of program graduates are admitted to a supervised program within 12 months of graduation

1.6 Eighty percent of graduates will be employed or pursue further education in a health-related discipline within 12 months of graduation

1.7 The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of their first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80 percent.

2.1 At least 80 percent of surveys returned by supervised-practice program directors or employers will rate the DPD graduates as “competent” or “extremely competent” in their ability to provide service to culturally diverse communities and workplaces.

2.2 At least 70 percent of surveys returned by supervised-practice program directors or employers will DPD graduate as “competent” or “extremely competent” in supervised practice, graduate program, pre-professional program, or entry-level nutrition and dietetics position.

Program outcomes data are available upon request.