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). It is the first step in pursuing a career as a registered dietitian. The program requirements are over and above the degree requirements outlined by the University. Verified graduation from the DPD program provides students with the technical and academic knowledge to compete for a dietetic internship (DI), the second step to becoming a RD with the third step being the successful pass on the RD Exam.

Master of Science, Didactic Program in Dietetics

The master's didactic program in dietetics (MSN/DPD) is designed to fulfill the academic and competency requirements for registered dietitian eligibility. The Bastyr MSN/DPD allows students to complete a didactic program while pursuing an MS in nutrition. The mission of the program is to graduate students that will be agents of change in bringing the perspective of whole foods, environmental awareness of food choices and complementary medicine into their dietetic related practices.

Program Goals and Outcome Measures

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

At least 95% of students entering the program will successfully complete the DPD program graduation requirements within 3 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 90% of MSN students completing the DPD program will apply for a dietetic internship within 2 years of graduation.
At least 90% of graduates who seek an internship will obtain one within 2 years of graduation.
Respondents from internship director surveys conducted every year will reflect that MSN/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 master's didactic program in dietetics is that the Bastyr University DPD program will prepare qualified graduates who will practice in specialty or advanced areas incorporating their expertise in whole foods, environmental nutrition, and integrative medicine. The outcome measures of this goal are as follows:

At least 70% of respondents from MSN/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 '4' or higher on a scale of 1-5 in competencies related to whole foods, environmental awareness, and integrative medicine.
At least 50% of respondents from MSN/DPD alumni surveys conducted every three years will report incorporating whole food nutrition, environmental awareness and integrative medicine into their dietetic practice and/or dietetic internships.

Curriculum Description

The MSN/DPD curriculum integrates the student's knowledge and skills related to the 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. Core food courses build competencies in knowledge of whole foods and 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 MSN/DPD enables a student to apply for dietetic internships (DI). Although the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science will assist all graduates in supervised practice placement, completion of the DPD does not guarantee acceptance into a dietetic internship.

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 MSN/DPD requires maintenance of a 3.00 GPA on a 4.0 scale, completion of 300 hours of volunteer/work experience* and achievement of a passing score on the exit examination.
* For more information, contact the admissions office.

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 dietetic internship (DI).
Successfully pass the registration examination for dietitians.

For more information: www.eatright.org and click on "Courses & Students."

Admission Requirements

To be competitive for admissions into the MSN/DPD option the following GPAs are strongly recommended:
3.25 in prerequisite coursework (classes listed as specific prerequisites)
3.0 cumulative in science coursework
3.0 cumulative undergraduate coursework

All applications are reviewed on an individual basis and decisions regarding admissibility will be made by the Admissions Committee.

Intermediate algebra ..............................1 course
Introductory psychology.........................1 course
Human physiology.................................5 qter or 3 sem credits
Chemistry (science level w/ lab).............3 courses (including at least 1 organic chemistry course)
Biochemistry..........................................1 course (upper-division, must cover intermediary metabolism)
Nutrition................................................5 qter or 3 sem credits

Graduation Requirements

MSN/DPD students must complete a minimum of 78 credits for those students in 2009/2010. All MSN/DPD students must have a minimum 3.00 grade point average with a minimum of 50 credits in residence. In addition, 300 hours of paid work and/or volunteer experience in clinical nutrition, food service management and community nutrition are required to graduate. Finally, students must pass the DPD exit exam (minimum score of 70%) administered during the final quarter of their program. MSN/DPD students must complete their degree within five years following matriculation into the program. A student will not receive his/her verification statement until all requirements for the MSN/DPD are met.

Expenses

Tuition for the MSN/DPD is approximately $16,050 for the 2008-09 academic year. (Financial aid is available for those who qualify.) Books for the program cost approximately $1,125 per year. Food, housing and transportation expenses for the greater Seattle area are estimated at $14,017 for the nine-month academic year. Bastyr University malpractice insurance is in effect for MSN/DPD students (at no cost to students) during the course of their program. Additional fees, not included above, for lab costs are estimated at $175.

Accreditation Status

*The MSN/DPD 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, (312) 899-5400. Bastyr University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Application Information

Application materials must be received by March 15 for consideration for the program commencing the following September. Late registrations may be accepted until September 15 on a case by case basis. 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 more 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