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Dietetics is a rapidly growing field with many diverse career
opportunities for the professional interested in food and nutrition.
An individual wanting to become a Registered Dietitian (RD) must
complete an approved/accredited four year academic program and
supervised practice experience before taking the national
registration examination. The Coordinated Program in Dietetics
includes both the academic (didactic) and supervised practice
(clinical) experiences within a four year period. With a Coordinated
Program, there is no worry about completing course work and then not
being accepted for an internship. It all comes as one package!
What
is a Registered Dietitian?
The Registered Dietitian (RD) is a
nationally recognized expert in the field of food and nutrition. In
order to become an RD one must meet eligibility requirements through
study at an accredited academic institution and pass a national
registration examination.
Why Indiana State University?
Indiana State University, located in Terre Haute, Indiana, has the only fully
accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics within an 85 mile
radius, and is one of only two in the state of Indiana. The
Coordinated Program allows students to learn in the classroom and
immediately apply knowledge as they work with clients and patients
in clinical sites, an excellent example of Indiana State
University’s slogan, "More from Day One".
Undergraduate students are
admitted to the Coordinated Program to begin the junior year, and
900 clock hours of clinical experiences are sequenced through the
following four semesters. Since the program includes experiences in
a wide range of food service, health care, and community facilities,
it gives students an opportunity to decide, based on first-hand
experience, which areas of dietetics interest them most. In addition
to providing undergraduate opportunities, we are one of only nine
Coordinated Programs in the United States that offer the opportunity
to complete the master's degree simultaneously with the dietetics
program and its clinical requirements, all within a two year period
after admission to the program. Graduate and Undergraduate students
have an opportunity to learn from each other as they participate in
the program together.
We are a medium sized
institution with a small, high quality dietetics program which
admits only 12 students per class. This allows for individualized
attention and interaction between students and faculty. It also
gives students opportunities to individualize their studies based on
personal experience and interests and provides many opportunities
for leadership and recognition. Dietetics employment of ISU
Coordinated Program alums is near 100%. Whether you want full time
employment or part time to
coordinate with
family responsibilities, dietetics can be the career for you.
The mission of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics is to provide an
integrated academic/supervised practice curriculum which equips
undergraduate and graduate students with a professional knowledge
base and critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary for
entry-level dietetics practice while concurrently encouraging
development as well-rounded individuals and informed members of a
global society.
The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is based upon the Foundation
Skills and Competency statements that are set forth through the
Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. The program
includes 900+ clock hours of clinical experiences as part of the
last two years of a four-year curriculum or as a two year option of
the master’s degree.
The standards of Dietetic Practice, the Standards for Accreditation
of Dietetic Education Programs, the Code of Professional Ethics, and
dietetic registration eligibility requirements serve as guidelines
in defining goals and objectives of the program.
Program Goals and Measurable Outcomes for
Undergraduate and Graduate Students
1. The CPD will
prepare students for dietetics positions or advanced study which
will utilize their knowledge, skills, and competencies in dietetics,
as well as their critical thinking and problem solving skills.
a.
At least 80% of students who enter the coordinated phase of the CP
program will successfully complete the program and receive a
verification statement within two calendar years from starting the
CP program.
b.
Over a 5 year period, at least 80% of all graduates who take the RD
exam will pass the first time.
c.
Based on annual graduate surveys, 90% of responses evaluating
competencies achieved from the program will meet or exceed a rating
of 3 on a 1 – 5 scale.
d.
Based on annual graduate surveys, 90% of ratings of professional
preparation from the graduate’s perception will meet or exceed a
rating of 3 on a 1 – 5 scale.
e.
Based on annual graduate surveys, 90% of ratings of professional
knowledge from the employer’s perception will meet or exceed a
rating of 3 on a 1 – 5 scale.
f.
Based on annual graduate surveys, 80% of graduates will be employed
in dietetics within 12 months or be pursuing an advanced degree.
2. The program will
prepare graduates who demonstrate a commitment to improving the
quality of life for individuals and families through improved health
and wellness.
a.
Five years after graduation, graduate employment data will show that 80% of all
respondents who are employed will be employed in a health related position
utilizing food and/or nutrition expertise.
3. The program will
graduate individuals prepared to meet challenges in the dietetics
profession.
a.
Based on annual graduate surveys, 80% of graduates who are employed in a
dietetics position will report evidence of job and career success.
For more information, please contact:
Ms Carol Reed, RD
Director, Coordinated Program in Dietetics
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana 47809
Tel: 812-237-3295
Email:creed4@isugw.indstate.edu
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