Coordinated Program in Dietetics
The Coordinated Program in Dietetics (C.P.) at UND has been producing outstanding dietetics professionals over more than 35 years.
As a registered dietitian you will be qualified to work in a variety of health care, industry, and community settings. C.P. grads have found fulfilling careers in a wide variety of organizations, including hospitals, public/community health, sports nutrition, schools, food service management, correctional facilities, wellness centers and private practice. The possibilities are endless!
Overview
- Provides a science-based food and nutrition education that combines classroom learning with experience in settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, community agencies and long-term care facilities.
- Single program of coordinated classroom experience and supervised practice that can be completed in four years plus one summer term (no additional internship required).
- Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and are eligible to take the registration exam.
- Fast-paced and intense program, requiring commitment of time and effort
C.P. Program Mission
The mission of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of North Dakota is to prepare entry‐level dietetic practitioners who are committed to lifelong learning. Faculty, students and graduates serve the public through scholarly and creative endeavors and service activities that advance the profession of dietetics and promote optimal nutrition in individuals and groups. Our mission includes service especially to those living in rural and/or underserved communities.
C.P. Program Goals
Outcome data available upon request. Contact Program Director, Doris Wang.
Outcome measures over a five-year period:
- 90% of students beginning the professional phase of the program (fall semester, junior year) will complete the CP within three years (150% of expected CP completion time).
- At least 80% of CP graduates will pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians on the first try.
- 70% or more of CP graduates who sought employment in dietetics will be employed within three months of graduation.
- 80% of CP graduates will be employed in dietetics‐related jobs or pursuing advanced education within six months of graduation.
- 90% of employed CP graduates responding to the one‐year post‐graduation survey will rate themselves as prepared or well prepared for their first position
- 90% of employers of CP graduates responding to the one year post‐graduation employer survey will rate the graduate as prepared or well prepared for their first position.
- 90% or more of graduates responding to the item on the one‐year post‐graduation survey will rate themselves as prepared or well prepared for practice in a rural environment
- 90% or more of employers of CP graduates responding to the item on the one‐year post‐graduation employer survey will rate the graduate as prepared or well prepared for practice in a rural environment.
Outcome measures over a five-year period:
- 80% of CP graduates responding to the one‐year post-graduation survey will report membership in at least one professional organization.
- At least 60% of CP graduates responding to the one‐year post graduation survey will report service in their community.
Outcome measures over a five-year period:
- 80% of graduating dietetic students will demonstrate advancement in cultural competence during the CP based on self‐evaluation (evaluated at the beginning of enrollment in N&D 335, at end of junior year in CP, and at completion of CP).
- 80% of CP students in N&D 400 will report at least one service learning experience with underserved or diverse populations.
- 90% of CP students will be evaluated by preceptors as being sensitive to the differences between themselves and others.
- 90% or more of employers responding to the one‐year post graduation employer survey will rate the CP graduate as able to work effectively with diverse populations (gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, etc.).
Application and Admission
The UND Coordinated Program is accredited to accept up to 12 students each year. Students apply to the program at the beginning of spring semester of the sophomore sequence of the program for admission the following fall. Applications are due on February 15 every year. An application form, two recommendations, and submission of a portfolio of accomplishments are required along with personal interviews. Students receive written verification of their acceptance status into the professional phase of the Coordinated Program before the end of spring semester.
To be eligible to apply for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics the following are required:
- A demonstrated interest in the field of dietetics.
- A minimum GPA of 2.6 on a 4-point scale; however the average GPA of accepted students is closer to 3.4.
- A minimum grade of "C" in all science, food and nutrition courses.
- All courses in the pre-professional phase of the major must be completed prior to entrance into the program.
- Documentation of at least 50 hours of service learning prior to entering the program.
Graduation and Program Completion
In order to graduate from the University of North Dakota and receive a verification statement signifying completion of the Coordinated Program, you must successfully complete all course and supervised practice requirements of the Coordinated Program and all requirements of the baccalaureate degree. Upon receipt of the verification statement, you are eligible to take the examination to become a registered dietitian.
Requirements to Complete the Baccalaureate Degree
- A minimum of 125 credits is required for a baccalaureate degree from UND. Transfer students must complete at least 60 credits at four-year institutions; the last 30 credits must be UND institutional credit.
- All students must fulfill UND Essential Studies Requirements
- Once admitted into the program students must complete required immunizations, provide insurance information and complete a criminal background check. Anyone whose criminal history check finds barriers to clinical placement or places restrictions on client contact may not be allowed to advance in the program.
- To remain in the program students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.6 and at least a "C" in all science, food and nutrition courses.
- A minimum of 1200 supervised practice hours is required to receive a verification statement. Refer to curriculum requirements for a list of required classes.
Accreditation
UND's Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
ACEND®
ACEND@eatright.org
800.877.1600, ext. 5400
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Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Credentialing Update
Registration exam eligibility requirements for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDs/RDNs) are changing. Current and incoming students who successfully complete the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at UND will be exam-eligible upon completion of their Bachelor of Science in Dietetics through 2023.
Effective January 1, 2024, a Master's degree will be required to be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national exam for dietitians. The Department of Nutrition & Dietetics is in the process of finalizing a plan to ensure a direct educational path for the credentialing of future dietitians with a Master's degree at UND beginning with students enrolling in August 2021, pending ACEND accreditation approval.