The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University DPD program is accredited by ACEND and follows ACEND's Standards. As part of ACEND's standards, DPD students must achieve proficiency in all knowledge requirements of the dietitian nutritionist (KRDNs), as outlined below, by program completion to earn a verification statement. The curriculum is designed in such a way as to allow KRDNs to be covered in more than one course, when applicable, thus allowing students greater opportunity to achieve proficiency.
Any student that does not meet a target grade (on KRDN-associated activities, assignments, discussions, or assessments) associated with proficiency for each KRDN will be given one additional attempt to meet proficiency while earning up to an additional 50% of points remaining. After the additional attempt, students who do not achieve a target grade indicating proficiency will be required to meet with the program director. A DPD student will not receive a verification statement at the conclusion of the program if the student has not demonstrated proficiency of all KRDNs by program completion.
After completion of the Bachelor of Science degree, including all DPD course requirements, the graduate will be provided with six copies of the DPD verification statement, all with the original signature of the program coordinator. In addition, a copy with an original signature will be placed in the graduate’s electronic file. The graduate’s electronic file will be stored by the Department of Nutrition, Hospitality and Human Services indefinitely.
The graduate should treat the verification statement as an important document, as it will be needed for applying for supervised practice programs, state licensure/certification, membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, etc.
As part of the review process, all coursework will be reviewed by a DPD faculty committee before verification statements are issued to ensure that all DPD coursework has been completed and all KRDNs have been achieved.
Students who previously earned a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nutrition-dietetics and completed DPD course requirements will receive six copies of the DPD verification statement, all with the original signature of the program coordinator. In addition, a copy with an original signature will be placed in the graduate’s electronic file. The graduate’s electronic file will be stored by the Department of Nutrition, Hospitality and Human Services indefinitely.
The graduate should treat the verification statement as an important document, as it will be needed for applying for supervised practice programs, state licensure/certification, membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, etc.
As part of the review process, all coursework will be reviewed by a DPD faculty committee before verification statements are issued to ensure that all DP coursework has been completed and all KRDNs have been achieved.
Source: 2022 Standards for Didactic Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD)
Domain 1. Scientific and Evidence Base of Practice: Integration of scientific information and translation of research into practice.
KRDN 1.1 Demonstrate how to locate, interpret, evaluate and use professional literature to make ethical, evidence-based practice decisions.
KRDN 1.2 Select and use appropriate current information technologies to locate and apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols.
KRDN 1.3 Apply critical thinking skills.
Domain 2. Professional Practice Expectations: Beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors for the nutrition and dietetics practitioner level of practice.
KRDN 2.1 Demonstrate effective and professional oral and written communication and documentation.
KRDN 2.2 Describe the governance of nutrition and dietetics practice, such as the Scope of Practice for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Nutrition and Dietetics.
KRDN 2.3 Assess the impact of a public policy position on nutrition and dietetics practice.
KRDN 2.4 Discuss the impact of health care policy and different health care delivery systems on food and nutrition services.
KRDN 2.5 Identify and describe the work of interprofessional teams and the roles of others with whom the registered dietitian nutritionist collaborates.
KRDN 2.6 Demonstrate cultural humility, awareness of personal biases and an understanding of cultural differences as they contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion.
KRDN 2.7 Describe contributing factors to health inequity in nutrition and dietetics including structural bias, social inequities, health disparities and discrimination.
KRDN 2.8 Participate in a nutrition and dietetics professional organization and explain the significant role of the organization.
KRDN 2.9 Defend a position on issues impacting the nutrition and dietetics profession.
Domain 3. Clinical and Client Services: Development and delivery of information, products and services to individuals, groups and populations.
KRDN 3.1 Use the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements to assess nutritional parameters, diagnose nutrition related problems, determine appropriate nutrition interventions and develop plans to monitor the effectiveness of these interventions.
KRDN 3.2 Develop an educational session or program/educational strategy for a target population.
KRDN 3.3 Demonstrate counseling and education methods to facilitate behavior change and enhance wellness for diverse individuals and groups.
KRDN 3.4 Practice routine health screening assessments, including measuring blood pressure and conducting waived point-of-care laboratory testing (such as blood glucose or cholesterol).
KRDN 3.5 Describe concepts of nutritional genomics and how they relate to medical nutrition therapy, health and disease.
KRDN 3.6 Develop nutritionally sound meals, menus and meal plans that promote health and disease management and meet client’s/patient’s needs.
Domain 4. Practice Management and Use of Resources: Strategic application of principles of management and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations.
KRDN 4.1 Apply management theories to the development of programs or services.
KRDN 4.2 Evaluate a budget/financial management plan and interpret financial data.
KRDN 4.3 Demonstrate an understanding of the regulation system related to billing and coding, what services are reimbursable by third party payers, and how reimbursement may be obtained.
KRDN 4.4 Apply the principles of human resource management to different situations.
KRDN 4.5 Apply safety and sanitation principles related to food, personnel and consumers.
KRDN 4.6 Explain the processes involved in delivering quality food and nutrition services.
KRDN 4.7 Evaluate data to be used in decision-making for continuous quality improvement.
Domain 5. Leadership and Career Management: Skills, strengths, knowledge and experience relevant to leadership potential and professional growth for the nutrition and dietetics practitioner.
KRDN 5.1 Perform self-assessment that includes awareness in terms of learning and leadership styles and cultural orientation and develop goals for self-improvement.
KRDN 5.2 Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals.
KRDN 5.3 Practice how to self-advocate for opportunities in a variety of settings (such as asking for needed support, presenting an elevator pitch).
KRDN 5.4 Practice resolving differences or dealing with conflict.
KRDN 5.5 Promote team involvement and recognize the skills of each member.
KRDN 5.6 Demonstrate an understanding of the importance and expectations of a professional in mentoring and precepting others.
A Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition-dietetics will be awarded upon successful completing of 120-credit hours as outlined in the degree plan which includes DPD course requirements.
A verification statement is awarded upon successfully demonstrating proficiency of ACEND's knowledge requirements of the dietitian nutritionist (KRDNs).
The program adheres to the graduation requirements outlined in the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University Comprehensive Catalog: