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:

1. 70% of graduates will demonstrate proficiency in using evidence-based guidelines in entry-level dietetics practice.
2. 70 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
3. 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%.
4. Of graduates who seek employment, 70 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
5. 70% of employers who respond to a survey on graduates of the Utica College CDNM in their first year of employment will rate them as average or above average in professional knowledge and problem solving, as compared to other entry level registered dietitian nutritionists.

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

Objectives:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. At least 80% of program students will complete program/degree requirements within 7.5 years (150% of the program length).

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.

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 order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. 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). Currently, graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Coordinated Program at Utica College are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. Future changes to the Coordinated Program, made to comply with the new educational requirements, will be reflected in the college catalog and website.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.

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