Dietetics and Nutrition

As a new program, the Coordinated Dietetics and Nutrition major was granted Candidacy for Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Until the time that full accreditation status is granted, graduates of the program will be eligible for all benefits granted by fully accredited programs (ie verification statements, eligibility to take the RDN certification exam). Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL  60606-6995, 1-800-877-1600, ext. 5400.

Nutrition is an interdisciplinary science that requires understanding of food production, consumption, and utilization. The mission of the Coordinated Dietetics and Nutrition Major is to prepare students to become entry level registered dietitian nutritionists through a curriculum that provides active and experiential learning and culminates with supervised practice. The CDNM provides the necessary knowledge and skills for the CDR credentialing exam. Our diverse approach emphasizes critical thinking, responsible citizenship, and integrating research into dietetics practice while encouraging a commitment to lifelong learning.

Program Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Upon completion of the Coordinated Dietetics and Nutrition Major, graduates will be prepared to become entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists, able to work competently in a variety of practice settings.

Objectives:  

• 70% of Utica College CDNM graduates will take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.

• 80% of Utica College CDNM graduates who take the CDR credentialing exam in a three-year period will pass the exam for dietitian nutritionists within one year following the first attempt.

• 70% of graduates seeking employment will find a job in Nutrition and Dietetics or a related field within 12 months of graduation from the CDNM.

• Employers who respond to a survey on graduates of the Utica College CDNM in their first year of employment will rate 70% of our graduates as average or above average in professional knowledge and problem solving.

Goal 2: Graduates will demonstrate lifelong learning and commitment to furthering the nutrition profession.

Objectives:

• 70% of program graduates who respond to a Utica College alumni survey within 3 years of graduation will indicate that they have furthered their education by activities such as enrolling in graduate school, attending a professional conference, or earning a specialty certification.

• 50% of program graduates who respond to a Utica College alumni survey no less than 3 years after graduation will indicate that they are furthering the nutrition profession by engaging in activities such as acting as a preceptor, becoming involved in a professional nutrition association, or participating in an educational program.

• 70% of graduates will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in entry level dietetics practice.

• 80% of students in the Utica College CDNM will complete the program within 7.5 years of entering the program.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes data are available upon request.

Utica College’s Dietetics and Nutrition major is a Coordinated Program. Students who successfully complete the didactic portion of the program and meet all academic requirements will be able to move directly into the supervised practice portion of the program in the fifth year. Students in the coordinated program are not required to apply to independent internships or participate in the matching process.

For more information on the steps to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

For information regarding estimated expenses for travel, housing, books, liability insurance, unfiroms, or program-specifics fees, as well as application, admission, and graduation requirements, and the availability of financial aid, loan deferments, scholarships, and other monetary support, please review the Coordinated Dietetic and Nutrition Major Student Handbook.

Coordinated Dietetic and Nutrition Major Student Handbook