The Didactic Program in Dietetics at UIW
| Program Description | Mission Statement |
| Program Goals and Objectives | Requirements to Receive the ADA Verification Statement |
Educational Resource Links from The American Dietetic Association
| Education Pathways to Become a Registered Dietitian | Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education |
| Standards for Dietetics Education | Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics |
Note: For more information about the Dietetic Internship please check Dietetic Internship on left side.
Program Description
For undergraduate students, the Didactic Program in Dietetics follows the Nutrition & Dietetics Track in the completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree (See “Requirements for Bachelor of Science Degree” under Undergraduate). Successful completion of the courses in this track meets the current standards of education requirements of the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education in preparation for placement in a supervised practice (dietetic internship) program (See “Requirements to Receive the ADA Verification Statement” section below).
Mission Statement
The Mission of the University of the Incarnate Word Nutrition Program is to prepare professionals committed to providing nutrition and dietetic services to improve the health and well-being of individuals and groups. The program emphasizes the importance of scientific and evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and understanding of social justice issues including regional through global ecological dimensions of food and nutrition.
The Undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics track (Didactic Program in Dietetics) prepares students for successful entry into dietetic internships and entry-level food and nutrition careers to meet the needs of the region. We are committed to providing an educational environment that promotes collaboration, teamwork, and development of leadership rooted in values of social justice.
Goals and Objectives of the Program
The Goals and Objectives of the University of the Incarnate Word Didactic Program in Dietetics are as follows:
1. To prepare dependable, competent individuals committed to the advancement of the profession of dietetics.
- Seventy percent of the students who enter the program will complete it over a 5 year period.
- DPD graduates will average a “satisfactory” rating in Professional Responsibility and Practice as evaluated by Preceptors in Nutrition Practicum.
- DPD graduates will average a “satisfactory” rating in Professional Responsibility and Practice as evaluated by dietetic internship directors.
- DPD graduates will average a “satisfactory” rating in Professional Responsibilities as evaluated by employers.
- Graduates will average a “satisfactory” rating in their “knowledge and skills” as evaluated by dietetic internship directors.
- Graduates will average a “satisfactory” rating in their “knowledge” as evaluated by employers.
- Over a five-year period, alumni will achieve a pass rate of at least 80% on the registration exam.
- Within 12 months of completing the program, at least 60% of graduates will have been accepted into a dietetic internship, obtained employment in an area related to dietetics, or enrolled in graduate school or other accredited continuing education program.
- 80% of Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) students will participate in professional organizations such as Student Dietetic Association or San Antonio Dietetic Association.
2. To improve the preparation of students in the application process for supervised practice programs.
- Over a 5-year period, 70% of students receiving a DPD verification statement will apply for a dietetic internship within 12 months of completing the program.
- Over a 5-year period, 60% of students who receive a DPD verification statement and apply to a dietetic internship will be accepted into a dietetic internship program.
3. To educate individuals to meet the nutritional needs of the community of Southwest Texas.
- 50% of students receiving DPD verification statements will be minority.
- 50% of DPD graduates accepted into dietetic internships and graduate school will be minority.
- Students in Practicum will receive an average “satisfactory” rating on preceptor evaluation of student’s knowledge of nutrition issues in southwest Texas and cultural competency.
- Students will receive an average “satisfactory” rating on employer evaluations of student’s knowledge of nutrition issues in southwest Texas and cultural competency.
Requirements to Receive the ADA Verification Statement
To be eligible to receive the ADA Verification Statement indicating completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics, undergraduate nutrition students must fulfill the following requirements: 1) Complete the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree, Nutrition and Dietetics track, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; 2) Obtain a minimum grade of “C” in all nutrition and supporting discipline courses listed in the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Nutrition and Dietetics degree plan; and 3) Present a professional portfolio demonstrating acquisition and progression of knowledge and skills related to nutrition and dietetics. This portfolio will be examined by the Nutrition faculty prior to completion of the student’s degree.
