Dietetics and Nutrition Accreditation

Dietetics and Nutrition Accreditation

DPD Mission Goals and Outcome Measures 

The mission of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program is to prepare a diverse community of students who will be prepared academically and professionally to achieve success in post-graduate studies such as dietetic internships, graduate school and/or dietetic related careers.

• Students will be able to analyze current academic and research literature, value lifelong learning, participate in community-based service learning activities, and demonstrate professional ethics. 

Read on to learn more about our program goals and outcome measures

Dietetics and Nutrition program goals and outcome measures 

Outcome data measuring achievement of program objectives is available to students, prospective students, and the public upon request. 

Program Goal 1 

Provide students with a high quality didactic learning environment and experience to ensure they are competent in knowledge, skills, and foundations to be successful in the dietetic profession. 

DPD Mission Reference 

Prepare a diverse community of students who will be prepared academically and professionally to achieve success in post-graduate studies such as dietetic internships, graduate school and/or dietetic related careers. 

Outcome measure 

1. 80% of students agree that MNT courses contributed to their dietetics education. 
2. 80% of students agree that Administrative Dietetics courses contributed to their dietetics education. 
3. 80% of students agree that Community Dietetic course contributed to their dietetics education. 

Program Goal 2 

Provide opportunities for students to develop and explore their personal and professional interests, and to value life-long learning. 

DPD Mission Reference 

Students will be able to analyze current academic and research literature, value lifelong learning, participate in community-based service learning activities, and demonstrate professional ethics. 

Outcome measure 

1. 80% of graduates have attended at least one continuing education workshop, meeting, seminar, or other educational event. 
2. 70% of dietetic interns agree that they were adequately prepared for their dietetic internship. (Intern Surveys) 

Program Goal 3 

Prepare graduates for professional service in dietetic internships, employment, or to pursue higher education opportunities. 

DPD Mission Reference 

Prepare a diverse community of students who will be prepared academically and professionally to achieve success in post-graduate studies such as dietetic internships, graduate school and/or dietetic related careers. 

Outcome measure 

1. 90% of graduates completed the DPD professional courses within 3 years. 
2. 80% of graduates apply to dietetic internships, post baccalaureate studies 
3. 60% of student who apply to dietetic internships are accepted 
4. 80% of DI directors agree that graduates who completed internships have demonstrated satisfactory or above performance for all entry-level learning outcomes 
5. The DPD maintain an 80% pass rate or higher on the registration examination administered by the CDR 

Licensure or Public Disclosures: B.S. in Dietetics & Nutrition, emphasis on Dietetics

 The Bachelor of Science in Dietetics & Nutrition with Dietetics Emphasis at The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Upon graduation, students are eligible for two career paths in dietetics:

1. Students may take the exam to become a Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered, administered by the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR).
2. Students may apply to an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship or Coordinated Program in order to complete the requirements to take the exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, administered by the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Individuals must meet state regulations, determined by occupational settings, for the state in which they wish to practice. Compliance with state regulatory requirements is mandatory, and the only avenue towards legal practice. 

Please note: There is no licensure for Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered in the State of Mississippi and therefore the program does not meet the educational requirements.

• We have not determined if the program curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the other US states, territories or the District of Columbia. 

College Program Contact, nhm@olemiss.edu 

More information, The National Accrediting Body (CDR) supplies information relative to individual state regulations.   https://www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure 

Date of Last Revision, February 25, 2020 

Career Options for Registered Dieteticians

The field of Dietetics is filled with opportunities for registered dieticians (RDs). Here are just a few of the possible jobs our graduates can look forward to excelling in:

• Clinical. The clinical term refers to employment in hospitals, HMO’s, long-term care facilities, or other health care facilities. In this setting, the RD educates patients about nutrition and administers medical nutrition therapy as part of the health care team. They work with doctors, nurses, and therapists to help speed patients’ recoveries and lay the groundwork for long-term health. There are many specialty areas including diabetes, kidney disease, eating disorders, cancer, pediatrics, nutrition support, and cardiac rehabilitation. 
• Community and Public Health. Community and public health settings allow RD’s to teach, monitor, and advise the public. Their efforts focus on helping to improve the quality of life through healthy eating habits. This health promotion may include working with families, children, the elderly and pregnant women. 
• Consulting—Private Practice. In a private practice setting, RD’s can either work under contract with health care or food companies, or in their own business. Nutrition screening and assessments are performed for their own clients and of those referred to by a physician. They offer advice on weight loss, cholesterol reduction, and a variety of diet-related concerns. They provide services to food service or restaurant managers, food vendors, athletes, nursing home residents, company employees, or individual counseling. 
• Food/Nutrition Business Industry. Many RD’s who pursue the food and nutrition-related business industry possess strengths in creativity, entrepreneurship, and business. They find this area to be rewarding. These positions involve work in communications, consumer affairs, public relations, marketing, or product development. 
• Foodservice. Foodservice operations can be managed by RD’s. This may be in schools, hospitals, day-care centers, or correctional facilities. Typically, they oversee everything from food purchasing and preparation to staff management. 
• Management. RD’s can work in management of healthcare institutions, foodservice, and business facilities. Frequently these positions include personnel responsibilities, menu planning and budgeting. As Americans recognize the importance of good nutrition, management dietitians play an increasingly key role wherever food is served. 
• Research and Education. Research RD’s work in universities, medical centers, governmental agencies, and food and pharmaceutical companies. They teach physicians, nurses, dietetic students, and others in the sophisticated science of foods and nutrition. In these positions, research is directed or conducted with experiments to answer critical nutrition recommendations for the public. 
• Sports or Wellness Nutrition. In a sports nutrition or wellness program, RD’s educate clients about the connection between food, fitness and health. The RD counsels and assesses the nutritional needs of competitive and recreational athletes and teams. 

Jobs For Those Without RD Certification

Although most of the nutritional health market requires the RD credential, there are opportunities for a student who has their B.S., but did not complete the RD requirements. 

These positions include: 

• Diet Technician 
• Foodservice Supervisor 
• Sales within the health or food industry 
• Catering Foodservice 
• Systems Management