星空传媒

Mission Statement

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is to prepare students with the competencies and skills needed for entry into food and nutrition related settings, and for entry into post baccalaureate supervised practice and/or graduate school.

The program will provide students with science-based food and nutrition curriculum and learning activities, leading to preparation for supervised practice.

Vision

To be a model for nutrition and dietetics education through experiential learning and progressive approaches to serve the community. 

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at 星空传媒 is accredited by the of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone: 800-877-1600 ext 5400

 

Application Process

The application process, required documents, and student handbook are provided in the links below:

ND Program Application Process

ND Program Recommendation Form

ND Student Handbook

Students must formally apply and be admitted to the program before beginning the professional sequence of courses in the junior year. See the Student Handbook for more information.  

Courses and Curriculum 

The Nutrition and Dietetics, B.S. program is a 120-hour undergraduate degree program. Listed below are links to the catalog course requirements and suggested eight semester plan. 

Eight Semester Plan with Milestones for B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics

GOAL 1:

The 星空传媒 DPD graduates will have knowledge to be competent for entry into supervised practice settings and entry level practice.

Objective 1.1: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length).

Objective 1.2: The program鈥檚 one year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionist is at least 80%.

Objective 1.3: At least 75% of the DPD students who completed the DPD program will rate the program as 鈥渕eets expectations鈥� or higher on the senior exit survey. 

GOAL 2:

The 星空传媒 DPD program will prepare graduates for entry into supervised practice leading to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. 

Objective 2.1: 65% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.

 

Objective 2.2: 60% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.

Objective 2.3: Of the dietetic internship directors surveyed, 75% will score the 星空传媒 DPD graduates as 鈥渨ell prepared鈥� for a dietetic internship.

Objective 2.4: 100% of faculty participate in professional development activities for maintaining current and applied nutrition and dietetics currency for teaching, service, or scholarship in the profession.

GOAL 3:

Graduates will have knowledge to be competent for entry into supervised practice settings and entry level practice.

Objective 3.1: All students will use current information technologies to locate and apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols utilizing the Nutrition Care Process.

Objective 3.2: All students will demonstrate effective and professional oral and written communication and documentation.

Objective 3.3: All students will develop an educational session or program/educational strategy for diverse populations.

Program Additional Fees

Additional costs for the ND program may include:

Selected supplemental texts or workbooks required for specific courses.  It is also recommended to purchase many of the nutrition textbooks for future reference.

in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is required once accepted into the ND program cohort.  Membership in the Academy affords the student access to the Evidence Analysis Library, a required resource for assignments in many of the required courses.

Dietetics program academic fees

ServSafe Certification: Students will become ServSafe Certified during the program. Purchase of coursebook and test is available at the .

Financial Aid

Various financial sources, such as grants, loans, scholarships and student employment are available to qualified undergraduate students. To become eligible, an application for financial assistance can be obtained by contacting 星空传媒 Financial Aid Office in Room 218 of the Killian Annex (finaid@email.wcu.edu), 828-227-3181. Financial aid recipients are expected to comply with the guidelines established by each specific granting or loaning agency.  

There are three scholarships available specifically for ND students in the DPD program: the Wilma Cosper Scholarship, the Dr. Barbara Cosper Scholarship, and the Leland and Francile Keith Waters Scholarship. The general scholarship application is required for consideration for these scholarships.

Application opens during the Fall semester, and the deadline for submitting the scholarship application online is in early Spring semester. Students also must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by January 1 each year in order to be considered for need-based scholarships.

 

To become a , you will need to: 

1. Complete a minimum of a master's degree granted by a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency or foreign equivalent, and coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic, Coordinated, Graduate or International program.
2. Complete required supervised practice/experience through an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program, Graduate Program, or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway offered through an ACEND-accredited program.
3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. For more information regarding the examination, refer to .
4. Meet requirements to practice in your state. Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes. Search for state-level licensure guidance at the .
5. Stay up-to-date in dietetics through continuing education. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices.

Students who successfully compete 星空传媒鈥檚 DI Program receive a Dietetic Internship Verification Statement in-person or via mail within 2 weeks following successful completion of the MHS- Nutrition concentration. This Verification Statement signifies completion of the second step toward the RDN credential and will prepare you for the national registration exam (step 3).

Dietetic Internship Preceptors

Thank you for your interest in mentoring the next generation of dietetics professionals. Your experience and insight are essential to guiding the future of our profession.

Review the 星空传媒 DI Preceptor Orientation for helpful guidance as to the precepting role and related responsibilities. Contact the DI Director with your questions and comments. We are happy to help, and appreciate your service.

CPEU Credit for Preceptors:

RDN/RD and NDTR/DTR preceptors can earn up to 3 CPEUs per year, or up to 15 CPEUs per 5-yer reporting period for their service.

See the Commission of Dietetic Registration site, , for information about this CPEU opportunity.

To earn this credit: complete the and email to the DI Director for their signature.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers a free . Earn 8 CPEUs as you learn more about the nuances of precepting and mentoring students.

The intern will receive a Dietetic Internship Verification Statement in-person or via mail within 2 weeks following successful completion of the MHS- Nutrition concentration.

Where You Can Work:

Clinical nutrition (hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care), community health and wellness, public health programs.

Foodservice management: institutional foodservice, wellness-focused meal planning, schools, catering, and institution-based food programs.

Nutrition education, wellness coaching, food industry roles, or roles in public health and community nutrition organizations.

Path to Credentialing & Graduate Study:

Completion of the ND B.S. along with supervised practice allows application to take credentialing exam for RDN (or nutrition-dietetics technician certification).

Program goals include high completion rates, internship placement, and pass rates for credentialing 鈥� preparing students for professional practice.