University of the Incarnate Word - Department of Nutrition

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at UIW

Program Description	Mission Statement
Program Goals and Outcomes	Requirements to Receive the ADA Verification Statement

Educational Resource Links from The American Dietetic Association

Education Pathways to Become a Registered Dietitian	Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
Standards for Dietetics Education	Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics

Note: For more information about the Dietetic Internship please check Dietetic Internship on left side. For additional assistance, please contact Beth Senne-Duff, Ph.D., R.D., (210) 829-3165, beths@uiwtx.edu.

Program Description

For undergraduate students, the Didactic Program in Dietetics follows the Nutrition & Dietetics Track in the completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree (See “Requirements for Bachelor of Science Degree” under Undergraduate). Successful completion of the courses in this track meets the current standards of education requirements of the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education in preparation for placement in a supervised practice (dietetic internship) program (See “Requirements to Receive the ADA Verification Statement” section below).

The University of the Incarnate Word Didactic Program in Dietetics is currently granted continued accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-0040 ext 5400.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the University of the Incarnate Word Nutrition Program is to prepare professionals committed to providing nutrition and dietetic services to improve the health and well-being of individuals and groups. The program emphasizes the importance of scientific and evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and understanding of social justice issues including regional through global ecological dimensions of food and nutrition.

The Undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics track (Didactic Program in Dietetics) prepares students for successful entry into dietetic internships and entry-level food and nutrition careers to meet the needs of the region. We are committed to providing an educational environment that promotes collaboration, teamwork, and development of leadership rooted in values of social justice.

Goals and Outcomes of the Program

The Goals and Objectives of the University of the Incarnate Word Didactic Program in Dietetics are as follows:

1. To prepare dependable, competent individuals committed to the advancement of the profession of dietetics.

Over a period of five years, 70 % of the full-time undergraduate DPD students admitted to the major will complete DPD requirements within 4 years and 70% of the full-time graduate DPD students who have completed prerequisites to the graduate program will complete DPD requirements within three years.
Over a period of five years, 70% of DPD students will receive a rating of “Satisfactory” or better in Professional Responsibility and Practice as evaluated by preceptors in Nutrition Practicum/Food Recovery and Gleaning.
Over a period of five years, 70% of DPD graduates will receive a rating of “Satisfactory” or better in Professional Responsibility and Practice as evaluated by dietetic internship directors.
Over a period of five years, 70% of DPD graduates will receive a rating of “Satisfactory” or better in Professional Responsibility and Practice as evaluated by employers.
Over a period of five years, 70% of DPD graduates will receive a rating of “Satisfactory” or better in their knowledge and skills as evaluated by dietetic internship directors.
Over a period of five years, 70% of DPD graduates will receive a rating of “Satisfactory” or better in their knowledge and skills as evaluated by employers.
Over a period of five years, the pass rate for DPD graduates taking the registration examination for the first time will be at least 80%.
Within 12 months of completing the program, at least 60% of DPD graduates will have been accepted into a dietetic internship, obtained employment in an area related to dietetics, or enrolled in graduate school or other accredited higher education program.
Over a period of five years, 60% of DPD graduates will apply to supervised practice programs the academic year they complete the program.
Over a period of five years, 80% of those applying to supervised practice programs the academic year they complete the program will be accepted.
Each year, 80% of the undergraduate DPD students enrolled in their third or fourth year courses and graduate DPD students enrolled in their first or second year courses will participate in professional organizations such as Student Dietetic Association or San Antonio Dietetic Association.

2. To educate individuals to meet the nutritional needs of the community of Southwest Texas.

Over a period of five years, 50% of students receiving DPD Verification Statements will be minority.
Over a period of five years, 50% of DPD graduates accepted into dietetic internships and graduate school will be minority.
Over a period of five years, 70% of DPD students will receive a rating of “Satisfactory” or better in knowledge of nutrition issues in southwest Texas and cultural competency as evaluated by preceptors in Nutrition Practicum/Food Recovery and Gleaning.
Over a period of five years, 80% of DPD graduates will receive a rating of “Satisfactory” or better in knowledge of nutrition issues in southwest Texas and cultural competency as evaluated by employers.

Requirements to Receive the ADA Verification Statement

To be eligible to receive the ADA Verification Statement indicating completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics, undergraduate nutrition students must fulfill the following requirements: 1) Complete the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree, Nutrition and Dietetics track, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; 2) Obtain a minimum grade of “C” in all nutrition and supporting discipline courses listed in the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Nutrition and Dietetics degree plan; and 3) Present a professional portfolio demonstrating acquisition and progression of knowledge and skills related to nutrition and dietetics. This portfolio will be examined by the Nutrition faculty prior to completion of the student’s degree.