BS Dietetics

Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

Students learn how dietitians teach healthy cooking classes

Dietetic students visit local dairy farm for hands-on learning about farm to table

Dietetic students giving community cooking demonstration, Benny Bengal stopped by to say hi

Our Mission

Educate individuals through didactic and practical experiences in food and nutrition
Develop visionary and competent graduates who will be prepared for supervised practice, leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist

Effective January 1, 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.

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 31, 2023.
For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree

In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DPD at ISU are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Find out more information about state licensure requirements
For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN

Program Overview

ISU’s BS in Dietetics is a didactic program in dietetics or DPD. The DPD program has been accredited by ACEND®to prepare students for a position as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). After completing this four-year degree, students must also complete a dietetic internship and take a national registration exam before becoming an RDN.

The ISU DPD is planned for completion in 8 semesters or 4 academic years with a minimum of 120 credit hours:

Years 1 and 2: You’ll take prerequisite courses along with classes to meet the ISU general education requirements
Years 3 and 4: You’ll focus on the professional courses of the dietetics program

Students must apply to the professional portion of the program

Applications for a “seat” in the professional section of the program are reviewed every spring
Seats are awarded for fall semester of the final academic year (i.e. senior year)

Transfer Students Welcome

Applications from transfer students from other colleges and universities are also considered for acceptance into the professional section of the DPD. Transfer students must have completed prerequisites and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) and no course with a grade of C- or lower.

Interested?

Schedule a meeting with DPD Director, Dr. Allisha Weeden, RDN, LD, to learn more about the profession, program requirements, and DPD course completion plan.

Goals and Objectives

ISU Preps Students to be Competitive Dietetic Internship Applicants

Goal 1
Prepare graduates to perform proficiently in a dietetic supervised practice program in preparation to be a competent entry-level dietitian nutritionist.

Goal 2
Provide experiential learning and leadership opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting to enrich the DPD graduates’ education and preparation for professional practice.

Objectives

At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length).
At least 70% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 60% are admitted within 12 months of 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%.
At least 70% of responding graduates will report an aggregate score of 4 or higher out of 5 indicating strong preparation that the DPD program prepared them for their supervised practice experience.
At least 70% of graduates from this program will receive an aggregate score of 4 or higher out of 5 indicating strong preparation on their knowledge and skill of dietetics from supervised practice program directors.

Objectives

100% of graduates will have participated in learning activities in each of the three experiential settings: clinical (Medical Nutrition Therapy), community and food service systems management,
At least 50% of graduates will have participated in student organizations, served in leadership roles, and/or been recognized with awards/nominations prior to graduation.
At least 50% of graduates will participate in professional organizations within 18 to 24 months following graduation.

Program outcomes data
are available upon request,
email allishaweeden@isu.edu

Degree Plan and Schedule

DPD Plan and Schedule

The DPD Degree Plan 2022-2023 is a helpful planning and tracking tool for dietetic majors
Students should meet with their advisor at least once every semester to ensure correct scheduling of course work
Students electing the dietetics major must fulfill the university general education requirements for a BS degree plus the required dietetic courses and additional electives to total 120 credits
Please pay very careful attention to the prerequisite courses required as well as other specific courses required to fulfill the university general requirements
NTD prefix courses must be taken in the sequence shown unless approved by your advisor

Financial Information

The figures quoted below are estimates of program expenses as of Fall Semester 2022:

Actual cost may be more or less than estimates
Housing and personal living expenses not included as these often vary considerably between individuals
Transportation to clinical facilities is the responsibility of the student (costs vary)

You may also want to check out information on financial aid and scholarships

Estimated Costs Associated with the DPD
ITEM	FEE
Application fee	$25
Health insurance	suggested
Lab coat (optional)	~$50 per coat
Books and supplies	$600-$900/year
Lab fees	$75/semester/lab course
Malpractice insurance	$5.00 per semester
Background check	~$50.00 one time
Academy student membership	$58 /year
Health screening and immunizations	Varies by health care provider
*ISU tuition and fees are subject to change by the Idaho State Board of Education.

DPD Calendar

The ISU DPD follows the ISU academic calendar for class dates and times, final schedules, course registration schedules, vacations and holidays.

Logo of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the accrediting organization for the dietetic programs

Idaho State University’s
Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Education and Dietetics of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext 5400
http://www.eatright.org