Bachelor of Science - Didactic Program in Dietetics

Program Summary - BSNDPD

The Didactic Program in Dietetics

The Bastyr Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The Bastyr DPD allows students to complete a didactic program in dietetics while pursuing a BS with major in nutrition. Specific course work beyond the BS requirements is necessary for DPD completion.

The program's mission is to graduate students who will promote nutrition and well-being through food that sustains the individual, the community and the Earth.

Program Goals and Outcome Measures

The primary goal of the Bastyr University BSN/DPD program is to prepare graduates to become successful dietetic interns. The outcome measures of this goal are as follows:

• At least 85 percent of students entering the program will successfully complete the Bastyr University Didactic Program of Dietetics graduation requirements within 1.5 years, including completion of degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a score of 70 percent or higher on the DPD exit exam, and verified completion of 300 nutrition-related volunteer/paid hours.
• At least 70 percent of BSN students completing the program will apply for a dietetic internship within two years post graduation.
• At least 90 percent of graduates who seek an internship will obtain one within two years post graduation.
• Respondents from internship director surveys conducted annually will reflect that DPD graduates are at least satisfactorily prepared in at least 90 percent of their professional competencies.
• Five year summary reports will consistently reflect that at least 95 percent of all first-time exam-takers will have passed the Registration Examination for dietitians.

The second goal of the Bastyr University BSN/DPD program is to prepare qualified graduates with the tools and knowledge to incorporate whole foods, environmental nutrition and integrative medicine into nutrition practice. The outcome measures of this goal are as follows:

• At least 70 percent of respondents from BSN/DPD alumni surveys conducted every three years will rate their preparation in the areas of environmental awareness,  whole food knowledge and integrative medicine practices as '3' or higher on a scale of 1-5.
• At least 70 percent of internship director respondents from the "dietetic internship director survey," conducted annually, will rate DPD graduates as '3' or higher on a scale of 1-5 in competencies related to environmental awareness, whole food knowledge and integrative medicine.

Expected Competencies

Verification of graduation from the DPD enables a student to apply for dietetic internships (DI). Although the department of nutrition will assist all graduates in supervised practice placement, completion of the DPD does not guarantee acceptance into a dietetic internship. The DPD and a BS in nutrition also prepares students for graduate work in related health science fields.

Graduates are able to critically evaluate the scientific literature and incorporate current research and innovative advances in nutrition into the fundamentals of nutritional science and dietary planning. Graduates are also able to support the ecological well-being of the planet through promotion of improved eating habits.

Successful completion of the Bastyr DPD requires maintenance of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, 300 hours of paid and/or volunteer work in the nutrition field, and achievement of a passing score (70 percent or higher) on the DPD exit examination.

Accreditation Status

The Bachelors of Science Didactic Program in Dietetics at Bastyr University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600 x 5400. Bastyr University is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

Admission Requirements - BSNDPD

Students must be currently enrolled in the Bastyr Bachelor of Science with a Major in Nutrition program to apply for the DPD program. The application deadline is at the end of the first year of studies at Bastyr University. Using a 4.0 scale, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher with a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses is mandatory for acceptance into the undergraduate program. Cumulative science and nutrition GPA must be at least 3.00 in all nutrition and science courses. In addition, a minimum of 150 hours paid and/or volunteer work is required in order to be admitted to the BSDPD program. Please contact Admissions for details.

Registered Dietitian Requirements

In addition to successful completion of a DPD, to become a registered dietitian (RD) a student must accomplish the following:

• Obtain a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited program and U.S. regionally accredited college or university.
• Complete a ACEND-accredited supervised experience in dietetic practice (DI).
• Successfully pass the registration examination for dietitians.

For more information regarding careers in the field of dietetics, visit www.eatright.org and click on "Courses and Students."