Didactic Program In Dietetics

dietitian with vegetables

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

Jacksonville State University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education and Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).  This program prepares graduates to enter ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs where they can apply the theories they learn as undergraduates in health care settings under the supervision of health professionals. Subsequently, upon successful completion of the DPD and Internship they are eligible to take the National Registration Examination. This is a computerized test that graduates must pass to receive the RD/RDN credential.  This site will provide you with general information and links on the DPD program and requirements. For additional information refer to the Dietetics Student Handbook.

Accreditation Status

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at Jacksonville State University has been granted continued accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education and Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) through June 20, 2024.  ACEND can be contacted by email (ACEND@eatright.org), phone (1-800-877-1600 x5400), or mail (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995). For additional information visit the ACEND website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

Program Description

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at Jacksonville State University is in the Department of Family Consumer Sciences, a unit of the College of Education and Professional Studies. In 1966, the dietetics program was initiated and approved by the Commission on Accreditation and Approval for Dietetics Education (CAADE). The program has a long history of preparing students for careers in areas of dietetics and nutrition. The sponsoring institution, Jacksonville State University, is a state supported, comprehensive, regional agency serving approximately 10,000 students in northeast Alabama and surrounding areas. The dietetics program strives to emulate the university's educational philosophy by providing a quality learning centered educational experience emphasizing global engagement, scholarship, and service.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics at Jacksonville State University is to provide a high-quality dietetics program that offers instruction for the entry level dietitian that is related to nutrition knowledge, critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and ethical awareness.   The program seeks to encourage diversity of the student population and to prepare graduates that are competent for entry into supervised practice leading to eligibility for CDR credentialing exam to be a registered dietitian nutritionist who are empowered to manage the challenges of a global complex society, by encouraging excellence in scholarly and service activities related to dietetics and nutrition.

 

Goals

  1. Goal #1– The Program will prepare graduates to be competent for entry into supervised practice or other post-graduate programs though high-quality educational offerings
  • “At least 50 percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation”. (RE 2.1.c.1.b.1)
  • “Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 60 percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation”. (RE 2.1.c.1.b.2)
  • “The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%”. (RE 2.1.c.1.c)
  • 80% of Supervised Practice Directors will rate graduates as 4 or better out of 5 as being prepared for supervised practice (ACEND-mandated objective)
  1. Goal #2 – Graduates will complete the DPD program in a timely manner and will participate in community service and scholarly endeavors.
  • “At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length)”.
  • “60% of students will participate in community service and scholarly endeavors” (program specific objective).

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes data are available to ACEND, current and prospective students, and the public upon request. For additional information refer to the Dietetics Student Handbook.

Requirements And Processes for Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

The requirements to become a become a Registered Dietitian (RD) / Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is established by ACEND.  Students must meet all requirements, they are:

  1. Completed a minimum of a Baccalaureate degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
  2. Completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program (dietetic internship) at a health care facility, state or community agency, foodservice establishment, or a university. Typically, a supervised practice program is about 9-24 months in length. Supervised practice also may be available through a university-based coordinated program, in which supervised practice is combined with undergraduate or graduate studies; or through an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) (available on a limited basis).
  3. Passed the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Eligibility to take this examination is established through the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Information regarding the examination may be obtained from www.cdrnet.org.
  4. Continued life-long learning by completing continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.  75 CEUS are required every 5-year cycle.

Note: "Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Jacksonville State University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.  Anyone who graduates after December 31, 2023 will also need to complete a graduate degree in order to be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

Advanced Practice Certifications

Some RDs hold additional advanced practice certifications in specialized areas of practice such as pediatric or renal nutrition, obesity management, nutrition support, sports nutrition, and diabetes education. These certifications are awarded through the Commission on Dietetic Registration and/or other medical and nutrition organizations. Such specialty certifications are recognized within the profession and may be required only for advanced-level positions.  Additional information on advanced practice certifications and requirements are available at https://www.cdrnet.org/certifications/board-certified-specialist

Program Requirements

Dietetics Plan of Study

Dietetics Program Catalog Description

https://catalog.jsu.edu/undergraduate/

Computer Matching for Dietetic Internships

Use of Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service (DICAS) is required to apply for most Dietetic internships. The fees to applicants for use of DICAS are $50 to submit the first application $25 for additional application. Participation and computer matching through DND digital is required in conjunction with DICAS. DND charges a flat fee of $55 regardless of the number of internship student applies.

State Licensure

In the state of Alabama, you must be licensed to practice. The Alabama State Board of Examiners for Dietetics (https://www.boed.alabama.gov/) requires that all dietitians practicing in the state meet the following qualifications in order to become licensed to practice.

  • Finish your college education (minimum BS degree in Dietetics)
  • Apply and complete a Supervised Practice.
  • Take and pass the CDR Examination.
  • Apply for Licensing as a RD/Nutritionist in Alabama.
  • Maintain your License (acquire a minimum of 30 CEUs every 2-to practice year period)

State laws/regulations are subject to change at any time. Enrolled and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their state’s licensing body for information and guidance on licensure requirements for the state where they are located or where they plan to practice.  See the CDR website for a list of states which require licensure.

Registration Examination for Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

After completing an ACEND accredited supervised practice (e.g., ISPP or dietetic internship), JSU DPD graduates are eligible to sit for the National Registration Examination. This is a computerized test that graduates must pass to receive the RD/RDN credential. Additional information about the Registration Exam can be found at www.cdrnet.org. Registration exam review materials can be purchased through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) http://www.eatright.org. Review courses are also available to assist with exam preparation.

Costs to students

Students are required to purchase required textbooks and materials listed in course syllabi for all courses on the dietetics checklist. Textbooks range from $250 to $500. Some textbooks may be used in more than one course during the program. Students are encouraged to keep all nutrition and dietetic related textbooks for future reference.  Other required materials include a lab coat for food production, biology, food safety and sanitation, and chemistry labs. The estimated cost is $15 to $30.  For additional information refer to the Dietetics Student Handbook.

Tuition and Fees

JSU tuition and fees are subject to change. 

Tuition and fees

For more information see the Dietetics Student Handbook

 Application and Admission

Jacksonville State University

JSU is committed to helping students achieve their goals in the classroom and beyond with over 101 academic programs, more than 120 student organizations, and a supportive community of fellow gamecocks. The Office of Admissions supports Future Gamecocks through the enrollment process and is devoted to helping you find your place at The Friendliest Campus in the South.

Application and Admission to JSU

Admission Forms

JSU’s DPD Program

The following are requirements for admission to JSU’s DPD program:

• Completed at least 60 hours of college credit at the time of admission to the DPD program.

• Completed/ passed with a B or above the following pre-professional courses or their equivalent:

  • CY-115: General Chemistry I
  • BY 263: Anatomy and Physiology I
  • FCS 122: Fundamentals of Food Preparation and Meal Management
  • FCS 322 or FCS 215 (advisor approval)

• An overall GPA of at least 3.0.

• Pre-professional GPA of at least 3.0

• Earned at least a “B” (B or B+) in all science-based courses.

• Earned at least a “B” (B or B+) in all other pre-professional/pre-requisite courses or their equivalents.

Graduates who successfully complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics are qualified to apply for a post-baccalaureate supervised-practice program, which is a requirement for eligibility to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians and earn the RD/RDN credential. Graduates of the DPD, upon receiving the Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition/Dietetics are issued a Verification Statement and are eligible to apply for a post-baccalaureate supervised practice program (e.g., a dietetic internship) after completing a master’s degree after January 1, 2024*. Successful completion of the JSU DPD and attainment of the Verification Statement does not guarantee admission into a supervised practice program. 

*Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited didactic program at Jacksonville State University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.

DPD Program Schedule

Students in the DPD program are encouraged to follow the Dietetics Plan of Study.  This plan ensures all prerequisites are taken in the correct order.  The plan was developed to build on knowledge and experiences throughout the program.  The KRDN Curriculum Map indicates the courses where KRDNs will be assessed for mastery (a grade of B or higher on specific assignments).  Assignments and expectations will be discussed in the courses identified.

Dietetics Plan of Study

KRDN Curriculum Map

The DPD program follows the JSU academic calendar for schedules, vacations, and holidays. The JSU academic calendar information can be found at the academic calendar website:

https://www.jsu.edu/registrar/academic-calendar/index.html

For additional information refer to the Dietetics Student Handbook.

Graduation and/or Program Completion Requirements

General requirements for obtaining a bachelor’s degree from JSU are available in the undergraduate catalog:

https://catalog.jsu.edu/undergraduate/academic-regulations/

DPD Program Completion Requirements

  • Attendance of all classes, seminars, and supervised practice as required for the didactic program in dietetics unless altered as per policy by the program director.
  • Meet university degree requirements
  • Minimum of a C letter grades is required in all departmental classes. Please remember that a minimum of a B letter grades is optimum for dietetic internship placement.
  • Minimum of a B letter grade is required for all science-based courses.
  • Minimum of a B letter grade is required for FCS 429 Advanced Nutrition Metabolism.
  • Minimum of a B on assignments used for assessment of KRDNs.
  • Must have at least a 3.0 GPA.

Completion of these requirements will result in the issuance of a DPD Verification Statement for admission into an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program following completion of a master’s degree (effective Jan. 1, 2024).

For more information see the Dietetics Student Handbook

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Information about financial aid at JSU, including federal and private loans, loan deferments and scholarships can be found at https://jsu.edu/finaid/index.html or by contacting the office of financial aid at 256-782-5006

ACEND also provides information on financial aid resources here:

https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/career-information/financial-aid

ACEND funded scholarships. Learn more at: 

https://www.eatrightfoundation.org/foundation/apply-for-funding/scholarships

For additional information refer to the Dietetics Student Handbook.

Distance Education

The majority of courses in the DPD program are face to face, however, there are times when courses may be offered online.  All courses will have online components that require students to use the learning management system.  Information on university technology requirements and helpful information can be found below. For more information see the Dietetics Student Handbook.

JSU Student Laptop Policy

https://www.jsu.edu/it/laptop/

Guide for Online Students

https://www.jsu.edu/online/current-students/guide_online_students.html

Prior Learning Assessment

The registrar's office at JSU review transcripts for transfer students and postbaccalaureate students to evaluate coursework taken prior to entering the JSU program. Once accepted into JSU the DPD program faculty review post baccalaureate students to evaluate coursework taken prior to entering the DPD program. Students must provide faculty with course syllabi for any DPD nutrition course that they would like to have evaluated for transfer credit. If student knowledge requirements/ learning objectives for the reacted course match a JSU DPD course and the student received a C or better in the course, then the student will be granted course credit and will not be required to repeat the course. Course credit is not offered for prior work or volunteer experience.  For additional information refer to the Dietetics Student Handbook.

For additional information on JSU's Dietetics Program please see the Dietetics Student Handbook.

For more information on Dietetics and Community Nutrition please contact Rhonda Knight, Program Director, at rrknight@jsu.edu 

Dietetics Student Handbook 

KRDN Curriculum Map