Food Nutrition & Dietetics

The Food, Nutrition and Dietetics (FND) sequence is a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD Program) which prepares students for dietetic internships and careers in promoting optimal health by incorporating positive food choices and nutrition strategies which influence the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

DPD Program Overview

The FND sequence is a 120–121 semester hour program that includes extensive coursework in the sciences, social sciences, management and specialized courses covering the broad field of food, nutrition and dietetics. Students gain comprehensive knowledge of foods and nutrition and develop professional skills in medical nutrition therapy, food service management, community health and nutrition counseling. Graduates are eligible to apply for a post-graduate dietetic internship during their last semester. Dietetic internship are a minimum 1200 hours of experience (approximately 8 months) and typically 10-12 month long or longer if combined with a master's degree.

The FND degree option is an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program, one of 226 accredited programs in the United States in spring 2012. The DPD program meets the American Dietetic Association Accreditation Standards and prepares students for a post-graduate dietetic internship and a career as a registered dietitian (R.D.). The Policies and Procedures of the DPD Program are located in the DPD Student Handbook.

Registered dietitians work in many areas using their specialized knowledge of food and nutrition. Employment opportunities are diverse and include medical centers, corporate wellness, school lunch programs, long-term care facilities, food companies, medical clinics, public relations companies, medical product companies, education and research, sports nutrition, personal wellness training, and others. Graduates who do not complete a dietetic internship seek entry-level employment in a food and nutrition related area upon graduation.

Completion of a DPD program meets the course requirements and bachelor's degree requirements necessary to begin a dietetic internship, but it is not a guarantee of acceptance by a dietetic internship. A national matching process is used for post-graduate dietetic internship placement. As of spring 2012 there were 243 dietetic internships. During 2009-11, approximately 50% of applicants nationally were matched with a dietetic internship. The Illinois State University DPD Program had a match rate of 81.5% for current seniors in 2010 and 76.0% in 2011..

After completion of an internship, one is eligible to take the registration exam, and upon passing it, one is a R.D. The R.D. exam pass rate for ISU DPD graduates taking it for the first time during the past 5 years is 90%. The registered dietitian credential is necessary, in most cases, to become licensed to practice as a dietitian/nutritionist in the State of Illinois and many other states.

For more detailed information about the process of becoming a Registered Dietitian check out the Steps to Becoming a R.D.

DPD Curriculum and Plans of Study

Four-year and two-year plans of study are helpful in reviewing the curriculum and course planning. The two-year plan of study is most appropriate for transfer students.

Specific degree requirements are listed in the Undergraduate Catalog under the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

DPD Program Mission Statement, Goals and Outcomes

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program is an integrative program that prepares students for dietetic internships and careers that influence the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities thorough the knowledge of food and nutrition.

Program Goals and Outcome Measures:

Goal 1: The program will recruit, advise, retain and graduate students for acceptance into and success in supervised practice programs resulting in successful completion of the R.D. exam.
1. Over 5 years, maintain an average enrollment of 50 junior, senior and special situation students in the DPD program.
2. Over 5 years, maintain an average GPA of 3.25 for all external and internal students transferring into the DPD program.
3. Over 5 years, 90% of graduating seniors of the DPD program will respond with either strongly agree or agree that the DPD Director provided support with the DPD program requirements and DI application process.
4. Over 5 years, 70% of students enrolled in the DPD program in the junior year will complete the program within 150% of the planned time. (3 years for students beginning the junior year; 3 years for graduate students entering the DPD program)
5. Over 5 years, 60% of DPD students will apply to a dietetic internship in the academic year they complete the program.
6. Over 5 years, 80% of DPD students applying will be matched to a dietetic internship within one year of completing the program.
7. Over 5 years, 80% of DPD graduates will achieve a pass rate of > 80% on the registration exam on the first attempt.
8. Over 5 years, 50% of graduates who do not apply for a dietetic internship or are not marched with a dietetic internship will be employed in a food and nutrition-related field or enrolled in further educational study within 3 months of graduation.

Goal 2: The program will educate students by providing opportunities within dietetics courses for students to develop the knowledge, problem solving and critical thinking skills necessary for success in a supervised practice programs.
- Over 5 years, > 80% of DPD graduates will respond that they are either very satisfied or satisfied with our DPD program in preparing them for dietetic internships.
- Over 5 years, > 80% of DI directors will respond that they are either very satisfied or satisfied with our DPD program graduates.

Admission

Requirements for admission to the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Illinois State University are available on the Admissions website for Freshman and for Transfer students in the Transfer Admission Guide under the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Food, Nutrition and Dietetics.

Internal transfers are considered by the department following the February 15 application deadline for admission the next fall. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is currently required to transfer to the Food, Nutrition and Dietetics sequence (DPD Program). Performance in prerequisite science courses and any FCS classes, an understanding of the profession of dietetics, and future career goals are important considerations for acceptance.

Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition and fee costs, and information about Financial Aid is available from the University Tuition and Fees website. Information about other expenses, e.g., books, laboratory fees, lab coat, etc. is located in the DPD Student Handbook.

Accreditation Status

Illinois State University's Undergraduate Dietetics Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy Nutrition and Dietetics,
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000,
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(312) 899-0040, Ext. 5400.
Http://www.eatright.org/ACEND.

ACEND

Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar of Illinois State is available from the Academic Calendar on the Office of the Provost website.