Preparation for the Registration Exam
Andrews University offers two programs to prepare the student for the registration examination given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
- The DPD program, which meets the academic requirements for registration eligibility.
- The Dietetic Internship, a post-baccalaureate program, designed to meet the supervised practice requirements for registration eligibility.
The Dietetic Internship at Andrews University is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 S Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-5400.
The Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DP)
Admission Requirements
Prospective dietetics students are accepted into the Wellness BHS (Non- Professional program). To transition into the professional program, students need to apply to the director of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DP) in their sophomore year for acceptance into BS Dietetics by July 15 for the following fall semester. Successful completion of the prerequisite courses listed below with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in the science and FDNT courses, is required for entry into BS Dietetics. Upon acceptance into the professional program, the student’s major will be changed to BS Dietetics.
Degree Requirements The DP has two phases:
Pre-Professional Program - BHS Wellness: Two years of introductory professional (e.g. Food Science and Nutrition), science prerequisites (such as Intro to Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Microbiology) and General Education courses which may be obtained at Andrews University or another accredited college or university, or equivalent institution for international students.
Professional Program - BS Nutrition and Dietetics: Two years of study in clinical dietetics,food-service management, and community nutrition obtained on the Andrews University campus. Students must complete requirements for the professional Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics degree. Students who complete the DP requirements will be issued a DP verification statement.
No grade below a C- is accepted for prerequisite and cognate courses (or below a C for dietetic courses). Students planning graduate study in nutrition or medical dietetics are recommended to take the following chemistry courses: CHEM 131 , CHEM 132 ; CHEM 231 , CHEM 232 , CHEM 241 , CHEM 242 ; BCHM 421 , BCHM 422 ,
At least 124 semester hours are recommended for graduation. For BS requirements other than those listed above, refer to the General Education requirements listed on p. 42.
Graduation is dependent upon the completion of all curriculum requirements with the maintenance of at least a minimal overall GPA of 2.85 and a minimal GPA of 2.25 in all dietetic and science courses.
Graduates are provided with a Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics Verification Statement, testifying to the fact that they have successfully completed the requirements for a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Students must successfully pass a comprehensive review exam in their senior year before they are eligible to receive a DP verification form. Dietetics graduates are eligible to apply for an accredited Internship Program in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Students are expected to complete a professional development portfolio during the DP program outlining their goals and accomplishments, including 200 hours of professional dietetic experience (125 hours for students transferring into Andrews University in the junior or senior year). A verification form for completion of the DP program will not be issued until the professional development portfolio has been satisfactorily completed by the student.
After completion of the BS course work for the DP, an eight month Dietetic Internship must be completed by a dietetic student for registration eligibility.
Internship Program
Students need to apply for the Internship Program in Nutrition and Dietetics. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and DP (Didactic program in Nutrition and Dietetics) GPA of 3.2 is recommended for admission into the program.
This supervised practice provides experiences in three main areas of dietetics—community nutrition, clinical nutrition, and food-service management. The Internship Program is available at several hospitals affiliated with Andrews University. Successful completion of this intensive eight-month supervised practice permits a student to write the national registration exam in dietetics. Students who successfully complete the internship will be issued a Internship Program verification statement.
Upon passing the registry exam, graduates receive formal recognition as Registered Dietitians (RD). This status is maintained by participating in continuing professional education activities approved by the AND. With advanced study or experience, the dietitian may qualify as a specialist in clinical dietetics, food service management, nutrition education, or research.
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