Human Sciences

Dietetics Program Requirements

 

To remain in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), students must:

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better with no less than a C in all Nutrition and Dietetics courses
  • Participate in experiential learning
  • Adhere to DPD policies and procedures of the Program
  • Conduct themselves in a professional manner
According to University regulations, a student who earns a D or an F in a course must repeat the course. If a student repeats a course, the University uses the highest grade earned in the course when computing the student’s average. A student may repeat for credit to improve his grade point average any course in which the final grade is D or less.
 
Meeting all the completion requirements will entitle students to receive the DPD Verification Statement.
 

Experiential Learning

To successfully complete the DPD, students must participate in diverse experiential learning in the final three Program semesters. Students may shadow dietetic professionals in clinical, foodservice and community settings in a variety of healthcare and educational facilities that include hospitals, long term care units, dialysis clinics, local health unit and local school districts.
 
Students can also learn about the roles of practitioners in related disciplines such as social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech pathology. Additionally, the Program periodically invites guest speakers from healthcare practice and public health and research.
 
DPD Verification Statement
Verification of completion of dietetics programs is the method CDR of the Academy uses to ensure that students have qualified for beginning a DI or taking the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR). A Verification Statement will be issued to those students who have met all the Program completion requirements. For more information, visit http://www.eatright.org/ACEND/content.aspx?id=66.    
 
Students with a degree from another institution who request a Verification Statement from UAPB are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The students must provide official transcripts and course syllabi to the Program Director for review. Once the evaluation is completed, the Program Director will provide the students with written guidelines that must be met for the Verification Statement to be issued. Guidelines may include additional coursework, individualized study and repetition of major courses based upon recency of completion.
 
Completion Requirements for Receiving the DPD Verification Statement
  • Participate in experiential learning
  • Earn a C or better in all the courses in the curriculum and the Senior Undergraduate Comprehensive Exam
  • Achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better
Graduates of the DPD meet the foundation knowledge and requirements for entry-level dietitian education programs as set out by the ACEND of the Academy. Completion of all the graduation requirements will entitle students to receive the DPD Verification Statement that will make them eligible to apply for a DI nationwide. Admission to DI programs is competitive. Each program strives to select candidates who have the potential to be successful in the DI experience and pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians. Students must successfully complete the exam to receive credentialing as a RD (Registered Dietician).
Home