Mission, Program Goals, and Accreditation Status

Mission

The Pennsylvania State University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) will prepare students for entry into supervised practice programs in dietetics by providing a diverse, comprehensive education experience with evidenced-based practical applications in nutrition and a strong science component, leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. 

Program Goals and Outcome Measures

Goal 1: To prepare graduates for acceptance into supervised practice programs, graduate school, or for employment.

1.1)      85% of DPD students identified in their 5th semester will complete the program requirements within 3 years. 

1.2)      60% of DPD students will apply to supervised practice programs within 12 months after graduation. 

1.3)      ≥ 65% of DPD students who apply to supervised practice programs will be accepted within 12 months of graduation. 

1.4)      The one-year pass rate for DPD graduates taking the CDR credentialing registration exam within one year of the first attempt will be ≥ 80%. 

1.5)      ≥ 70% of the students who applied to graduate school or pre-professional school will be accepted into graduate school or pre-professional school within 12 months of graduating from the program. 

1.6)      ≥ 70% of the students who sought employment are employed in a nutrition or health-related field within 12 months of graduating from the program.

Goal 2: To prepare graduates to have a strong foundation in science, foods, community nutrition, application of nutrition principles, and management areas for supervised practice through dietetics related coursework and field experiences in nutrition. 

2.1)      ≥ 80% of DPD seniors will rate their preparation for supervised practice programs as mostly satisfied (4) or better (using a 5-point scale) on a survey. 

2.2)      ≥ 80% of DPD alumni will rate their preparation for supervised practice programs as mostly satisfied (4) or better (using a 5-point scale) on a survey. 

2.3)      ≥ 80% of supervised practice program directors will rate DPD graduates as prepared (4) or better (using a 5-point scale) for supervised practice in all areas on a survey.

Accreditation Status

The Pennsylvania State University Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,120 Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 9-0040312-89, ext 5400. http://www.eatright.org/acend

Date of next site review: Fall 2019