Bachelor of Science, Didactic Program in Dietetics

The Didactic Program in Dietetics

The Bastyr Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Dietetic Education (CADE), a specialized body of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). 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% 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% or higher on the DPD exit exam, and verified completion of 300 nutrition-related volunteer/paid hours.
At least 70% of BSN students completing the program will apply for a dietetic internship within two years post graduation.
At least 90% 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% of their professional competencies.
Five year summary reports will consistently reflect that at least 95% 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% 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% 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.

Curriculum Description

The DPD curriculum integrates the student's knowledge and skills related to physical, behavioral, cultural, ecological, legislative, community and clinical aspects of human nutrition. The course work focuses on four main areas: nutrition, foods, basic sciences and counseling skills. Basic and advanced nutrition classes build the didactic knowledge of the community and clinical nutrition; and core food courses build competencies in knowledge of whole foods, food composition, handling, preparation and distribution. Clinical practicum develops experiences, attitudes and values important to the competent dietetic intern.

Expected Competencies

Verified 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% or higher) on the DPD exit examination.

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 a CADE accredited program and U.S. regionally accredited college or university.
Complete a CADE-accredited supervised experience in dietetic practice (DI).
Successfully pass the registration examination for dietitians.

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

Admission Requirements

Students must be currently enrolled in the Bastyr BS nutrition program to apply for the DPD program. 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 BS/DPD program. Please contact Admissions for details.

Expenses

Tuition for the DPD, based on the BS degree program, averages $16,800 for the 2008-09 academic year. (Financial aid is available for those who qualify.) A non-refundable application fee of $25 must be included with the DPD application. Books for the program average approximately $1,100 per year. Food, housing and transportation expenses for the greater Seattle area are estimated at $14,017 for the nine-month academic year. Additional fees, not included above, for lab costs are estimated at $285.

Accreditation Status

The Bachelors of Science didactic program in dietetics at Bastyr University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association, 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.

Application Information

All students seeking admission into the program must submit a separate DPD application. For an application packet, please contact the department of admissions at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at (425) 602-3330.

For additional information, contact:
Admissions
Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Drive NE
Kenmore, WA 98028
(425) 602-3330
Fax: (425) 602-3090
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Prerequisites required for the program must include general degree requirement courses and backbone knowledge in the natural and social sciences. For prerequisites to the program please see below.

Contact Information
Admissions Office
Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Drive NE
Kenmore, WA 98028
(425) 602-3330
Admission advising