Mission, Goals, and Verification Statement - Nutrition and Dietetics
Mission Statement
The program is dedicated to providing quality education that prepares the graduate for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. The program is committed to facilitating the critical thinking, personal and professional growth and lifelong learning to prepare students for the challenges of an evolving diverse community and workplace.
Goals
Graduates will attain the knowledge, skills and professional characteristics needed for successful completion of supervised practice experience or for graduate school admission.
Target Measures
- At least 80% of full-time program students complete program/degree requirements with 3 years or 6 academic semesters (150% of program length) (ACEND).
- -At least 80% of part-time program students complete program/degree requirements with 6 years or 12 academic semesters (150% of program length) (ACEND).
- 50% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation (ACEND).
- 50% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation (ACEND).
- 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% (ACEND).
- DI directors will rate graduates on “academic preparation”, “skills”, “personal traits” “overall preparation” at least 3 (average) on a scale of 1 to 5 on a survey sent six months post-graduation (ACEND).
Graduates will demonstrate commitment to life-long learning, professional development, service and leadership in diverse pre-professional and community endeavors.
Target Measures
- 100% of Junior and Senior students will attend at least one professional presentation in the field of dietetics or participate in a NAD professional development activity. This will be documented in the student portfolio and reviewed annually.
- Based on the final portfolio review by the DPND director 100% of DPND graduates will complete a professional development portfolio that incorporates development of professional skills and fosters critical thinking and creative-problem solving.
- 80% of program graduates will participate in volunteer learning nutrition community service activity as evidenced by annual review of student portfolio.
Verification Statement
The Nutrition and Dietetics verification statement verifies completion of educational requirements and is required for application to: accredited dietetic internship (DI) programs, active membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and state licensure/certification.
For students earning their baccalaureate degree, verification statements will be issued when the student has completed ACEND®-accredited Didactic Program requirements and the registrar has cleared the student for graduation, which indicates that all degree requirements also have been completed. A verification statement will be completed on behalf of the student but will not be issued to the student until the Didactic Director receives an official transcript with graduation date.
For students who have previously completed a baccalaureate degree at a US regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent, a verification statement will be given upon completion of Didactic Program requirements. A verification statement will be completed on behalf of the student but will not be issued to the student until the Didactic Director receives an official transcript with graduation date.
About the Program
This program is not intended to lead to New York State certification.
Program information on costs, availability of financial aid and loan deferments (federal or private), scholarships, academic calendar, length of program and other program policies are available in the Nutrition and Dietetics Handbook.
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
Program Outcome Data
The program outcome data is reported in the self-study. The submission of a self-study followed by a site team visit occurs every seven years. Program outcome data may be obtained from the DPND director and the chairperson of the department upon request.
Contact
Katie Manis, MS, RD-AP, CDN CNSC
Director of Nutrition & Dietetics
Caudell Hall 337
Phone: (716) 878-5634
Email: maniskb@buffalostate.edu