Mission, Goals and Objectives - Dietetics

Mission Statement

The mission of the Dietetics Combined Pathway (BS and MS) is to prepare graduates for competent entry level practice as registered dietitian nutritionists within the context of academic excellence, experiential learning and community service that provides the foundation for an ongoing commitment to professional and leadership growth, community service, and a passion for life-long learning

Goals

Graduates will attain the knowledge, skills, and professional characteristics needed for success as entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.

Objectives

Program completion
At least 80% of program graduates will complete program/degree requirements within 150% of program length.

Graduate Employment
Of graduates who seek employment, 75 percent will be employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.

Employer Satisfaction
Ninety percent of first-year graduates will meet or exceed employer expectations for entry-level RDNs or 90 percent of graduates will report that they are meeting or exceeding employer expectations for entry-level RDNs.

Registration Exam

  • Ninety percent of program graduates will take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • 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%.

Graduate satisfaction
Ninety percent of graduates will report one-year after program completion that the Dietetics Combined Pathway (BS and MS) prepared them well for competent dietetics practice.

Graduates will demonstrate commitment to life-long learning, professional development, service, and leadership in diverse professional and community endeavors.

Objectives

  • Fifty percent of graduates will report pursuing practice certification when surveyed five years after graduation.
  • Twenty percent of graduates will report active membership (committee member or leadership position) in a dietetics-related professional or volunteer organization when surveyed five years after graduation.
  • Program outcomes data are available upon request.

Statement from ACEND

While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure