Mission, Program Goals, and Accreditation Status
Mission
The Penn State Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) will prepare students for entry into supervised practice programs in dietetics by providing a diverse, in-depth education experience with practical applications in nutrition and a strong science component.
Program Goals and Outcome Measures
Goal #1: To prepare students to be eligible to apply to dietetic internship programs, graduate school, or employment.
Over a five-year period:
- At least 65% of DPD students who apply to supervised practice programs (dietetic internship programs) will be accepted within 12 months of graduation.
- At least 85% of DPD students will pass the registered dietitian (RD) exam the first time they take the exam or within the first year after taking the first exam.
Goal #2: To prepare graduates to have a strong foundation in science, foods, community nutrition, application of nutrition principles, and management areas for supervised practice through dietetics related coursework and field experiences in nutrition.
Over a five-year period:
- Greater than or equal to 80% of DP seniors will rate their preparation for dietetic internship programs as Prepared or Very Prepared.
- Greater than or equal to 80% of DP alumni will rate their preparation for dietetic internship programs as Prepared or Very Prepared.
Goal #3 – Graduates will complete diverse course offerings that will enhance their dietetics degree.
- Over a 5 year period, 75% of DP students will take at least one course from one of the four emphasis areas.
Accreditation Status
The Pennsylvania State University Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,120 Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 9-0040312-89, ext 5400. http://www.eatright.org/acend
Date of next site review: Spring 2013
