Dietetics
General InformationThe Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) located at: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. 312/899—0040 ext. 5400. www.eatright.org. Dietetics is a major in the Food and Nutrition degree program. This major prepares students to apply the principles of food and nutrition science to caring for the health of people. Students learn about the Nutrition Care Process, the metabolism of nutrients in health and disease, food science, foodservice, community nutrition, food quality and safety, and food service management. Mission: The mission of the Nutrition, Food & Exercise Sciences (NFES) Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is to prepare competent individuals for entry-level positions in a variety of food and nutrition settings and for entry into post-baccalaureate dietetic internships and/or graduate school. The program will provide a curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree upon completion. The DPD graduate will have the requisite knowledge requirements as part of a rigorous science-based curriculum to successfully pursue and complete a Dietetic Internship and ultimately dietetic registration, pursue advanced education opportunities or work in food and nutrition settings. The learning environment is structured to promote service, effective problem solving and teamwork. Program Costs: Detailed information regarding the cost of obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University (FSU) may be found in the FSU Undergraduate Catalog. No additional costs are associated for students enrolled in the DPD, with the exception of the following: ADA Student Membership fee: $50.00; Lab Coat: $30.00. Students doing a Nutrition Practicum (HUN 4941) may have up to $100 associated with background checks, professional liability and/or medical tests. Assessment of Prior Learning: The DPD does not grant credit for any prior on-the-job learning or experience. Courses, if accepted for transfer, related to Organic Chemistry, nutrition and life cycle, the clinical area and foodservice management must be recent, within the last 3-5 years. By completing the graduation requirements for the dietetics major, having a 3.0 GPA upon finishing the program, and making a B or better in several core courses, a graduate will receive a written verification statement that the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements were met. After graduation and upon acceptance and completion of a post-graduate dietetic internship (usually 1200 hours or more in length), the graduate of the DPD Program is eligible to sit for the national registration examination for dietitians in order to become credentialed as a Registered Dietitian (RD). Field ExperiencesStudents are able to apply their coursework knowledge and gain valuable hands-on experience in dietetics, nutrition education and food service management by volunteering with local schools, health and social service agencies, and/or food service operations. To do this, students should meet with program director the semester before this is desired, and once approved register for HUN 4941. Student OrganizationsStudents have many opportunities to develop leadership skills in professional settings, through participation in student organizations such as the Student Dietetic Association.For a full list of College of Human Sciences Student Organizations please click here. Jobs in the Profession
* Position generally requires a dietitian to be a Registered Dietitian (RD) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). # Position, as of June 2009, requires a graduate of the program to pass a registration exam specifically approved for Diet Technicians. This is not the same exam to be an RD. Preparation for Post-Baccalaureate Internships and Graduate School AdmissionStudents are required to attend a workshop as part of the Introduction to Dietetics class and also required to attend an Exit Interview with the Program Director prior to graduation to make sure they understand the process for applying to dietetic internships. Students, however, should begin early in their major to enhance their chances of being accepted into a post-baccalaureate dietetic internship by making good grades (maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher), demonstrating leadership, gaining volunteer or work experience and getting acquainted with faculty. These same strategies are important for students considering graduate school, either in combination with the internship or separately. Admission to an internship and/or graduate school is highly competitive. Students should also consider taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) at the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year. Master’s Nutrition Options
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