Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Food and Nutrition Didactic Program in Dietetics

Dr. Zara Rowlands, Program Director

(330) 941-2021
zcshah@ysu.edu

This baccalaureate program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The Didactic Program in Dietetics at YSU is currently accredited, 01/2020 - 01/2027.

Email: ACEND@eatright.org

Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400

Mail:  ACEND, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995

Students may select the Didactic Program in Dietetics as a major as a Freshman or transfer student.  Majors must earn a C or better grade in the following courses within the first year of enrollment in the major (or transfer equivalent courses).

Upon satisfactory completion of the DPD, students are issued a DPD verification statement confirming eligibility to apply for an ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) or other pre-professional practice program such as an Individualized Supervised Practice Program (ISPP) or a Graduate-Dietetics Future Education program.

Completion of Supervised Pre-professional Practice and a graduate degree (master’s level or above) establish eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination for dietitians. Candidates who pass the exam, earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential, which makes one eligible for State Licensure to practice as a Licensed, Registered Dietitian in the State of Ohio. Licensure and Certification requirements differ from State to State.

Didactic program in dietetics (DPD) graduates may also take the registration examination for dietetic technicians and become Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTR).

Both credentials (RDN and NDTR) require completion of continuing education and maintenance of an electronic Portfolio covering 5 year periods, to document CEUs, on the Commission on Dietetic Registration credential management portal.

For more information, contact Dr. Zara Rowlands at zcshah@ysu.edu or call (330) 941-2021

Sophomore, Junior and Senior level Dietetics core courses are offered once per year.  Please attend an advising session with your program advisor so you can sequence your courses to complete the program efficiently.

YSU-DPD Program Goals & Objectives 2022-2024

Goal 1. The program will prepare graduates for supervised practice programs, advanced degrees or employment.

• O1: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
• O2: At least  35 percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation 
• O3: Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least  50 percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation 
• O4: 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%.
• O5: At least 70% of program graduates who do not complete supervised practice programs will report employment in a nutrition-related field. (Program Specific Goal)

Goal 2. The program will prepare graduates perform adequately in a supervised practice program.

• O1: At least 80% of graduates admitted to supervised practice will rate their preparation by the program to be satisfactory or better.
• O2: At least 80% of graduates will receive “satisfactory” ratings or better on their preparation and performance from their supervised practice program (DI) director and/or preceptors. 
• O3: At least 80% of program graduates will rate program quality as satisfactory or better in preparing them for advanced studies or employment. (Program Specific Goal)