Information and Objectives

Program Philosophy

K-State’s DPD is based on the belief that dietitians are uniquely qualified to provide evidence-based nutrition services, as the training includes not only clinical nutrition but also health promotion, food system concepts, and management skills.

We strive to prepare students for employment in today’s fast-paced, information-hungry society. We emphasize the importance of quality and service, as the needs and expectations of clients must be the central focus of dietetics practice. Dietitians must engage in ongoing self-evaluation, embark on lifelong learning, and adhere to a personal and professional code of ethics.

Credentialing and Careers in Dietetics

The requirements to become credentialed as a registered dietitian (RD) involve the following steps:

Coursework: Students must complete a degree which meets the ACEND Knowledge Requirements (KRDNs).
**The Bachelor of Science in Dietetics offered by Kansas State includes coursework that meets these requirements.
Graduate Level Coursework: As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become an RD.
**The K-State Master of Science Dietetic Internship (MSDI) combines the graduate level academic requirements and the supervised practice requirements into one program.
Supervised Practice: Students are required to complete a supervised practice experience in an ACEND accredited program. The supervised practice occurs after the didactic coursework and must provide a minimum of 1,000 hours of learning experience.
**The K-State Master of Science Dietetic Internship (MSDI) combines the graduate level academic requirements and the supervised practice requirements into one program.
Credentialing Exam: Once coursework and supervised practice experiences are complete, graduates are eligible to sit for the national Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists. This national examination is administrated by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Successful completion of this exam allows the individual to use the initials RD or RDN after their name, indicating that they are credentialed as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Professional licensure for dietitians varies by state. You can find more information about state licensure requirements on the Commission on Dietetic Registration's website.

Registered Dietitians work in various settings including hospitals and other health-care facilities, community/public health programs, nonprofits, food and nutrition-related business and industries, and research.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has more information about credentialing and careers as well as educational pathways to become a RD.

Mission Statement

Program Goals and Objectives

Program Goal #1: Graduates will be prepared for successful application to accredited supervised practice programs, graduate school, or a career in food/nutrition.

Objectives:

At least 70% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation. [ACEND required wording, program identified target]
Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 70% are admitted within 12 months of graduation. [ACEND required wording, program identified target]
The acceptance rate of graduates applying to supervised practice programs is at least 85% in each annual application cycle. [program identified wording and target]

Program Goal #2: Graduates will be prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary for completion of an accredited supervised practice program and/or a career delivering food and nutrition services to the people of Kansas and beyond.

Objectives:

At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3 years for the campus track or 4.5 years for the online track (150% of program length). [ACEND required wording and target; program length begins semester after admission to DPD and ends at graduation]
The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. [ACEND required wording and target]
At least 95% of program graduates completing supervised practice will rate satisfaction with the program at 3.0 or higher on a five-point scale. [program identified wording and target]
At least 95% of supervised practice program directors will rate preparedness of K-State DPD graduates at 3.0 or above on a five-point scale. [ACEND required, program identified wording and target]

Note: Program outcomes data are available upon request. Please email the DPD Director, Heidi Oberrieder.