Didactic Program in Dietetics

Effective January 1st, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor's degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31st, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website (https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree).

Mission

The mission of the DPD program at CSUN is to prepare competent dietetic students for acceptance into a supervised practice, an accredited dietetic internship program leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and for entry-level positions in clinical, food service or community nutrition and research. The DPD program mission is also to prepare dedicated dietetic students who demonstrate a life-long learning and have the ability to effectively communicate, analyze, problem-solve, and perform high quality teamwork, and also have an understanding and appreciation of a diverse and multicultural society.

DPD Program Goal 1:

Graduates will be well prepared as dietetic interns for accredited dietetics internship programs and supervised practices and dietetic-related careers as entry level dietitians in different areas such as clinical, food service, community nutrition, and research.

Program Objectives for Goal 1:

1. 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%.
2. DPD Student Satisfaction: 80% of the DPD graduates will report “satisfactory” ratings or higher regarding their perceived ability to perform successfully in a supervised practice, entry-level nutrition-related position, graduate program, or a pre-professional program with the DPD program at CSUN
3. Program Completion: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 6 years (150% of the program length)
4. Applying for DI, CP or ISPP programs: 60% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice programs prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
5. Acceptance rate to DI, CP or ISPP programs: 50% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
6. Satisfaction of DI, CP or ISPP Director: 80% of DI, CP or ISPP directors who respond to the survey rate (on a 5 point scale) the overall performance of dietetic interns from CSUN’s DPD as not less than 3 where 3 = meets expectations; 5 = greatly exceeds expectations

DPD Program Goal 2:

Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of practice settings and diverse and multicultural environment and be able to effectively communicate, analyze, problem solve, think critically, perform high quality ream-work, and continue life-long learning.

Program Objectives for Goal 2:

1. Graduate School acceptance and completion: 30% of graduates (verified), neither entered nor applied for DI, who respond to the alumni survey indicate they have enrolled in graduate school or earned a graduate degree.
2. Satisfaction of DI, CP or ISPP Director: 75% of DI, CP or ISPP Director who respond to the survey rate the preparation of program graduates as good to excellent in teamwork, problem solving and effective communication skills
3. Satisfaction of DI, CP or ISPP Director: 80% of DI, CP or ISPP Director who respond to the survey rate the preparation of program graduates as excellent for working in a very diverse and multicultural environment who have an excellent understanding and appreciation of individual, community and society.

ACEND Accreditation

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) here at CSUN is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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