SDSU Didactic Program in Dietetics Mission
The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) of San Diego State University is to prepare graduates to go into supervised practice in order to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). The DPD promotes the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences’ (ENS) philosophy and emphasis on training students for careers in fields related to improvement, maintenance or rehabilitation of physical health through sound exercise and/or nutritional practices.
SDSU Didactic Program in Dietetic Program Goals
Program Goal 1 – The program will prepare graduates with a strong educational foundation in nutrition/dietetics to perform proficiently in a dietetic supervised practice program in preparation to be a competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist.
Objectives
- Eighty percent (80%) of program graduates who respond to the alumni survey 12 months after program completion will rate their preparation for a dietetic internship/supervised practice program (compared to fellow interns) as above average (4) or excellent (5) on a 5-point scale.
- SDSU graduates who enter supervised practice programs will earn a rating of their knowledge and skills of at least a 3 (Satisfactory) or higher on a 5-point scale by supervised practice program directors who respond to a survey.
- 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 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within three years (150% of the program length).
- Seventy percent (70%) of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
- Sixty percent (60%) of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
Program Goal 2 – Program graduates will be well-prepared for careers in fields related to improvement, maintenance, or rehabilitation of physical health through exercise and/or nutritional practices.
Objectives
- Within four months of graduation, 80% of graduates who respond to the exit survey are working in fields related to nutrition and fitness or are in a supervised practice program or have applied to or are in graduate school.
- Eighty percent (80%) of program graduates who respond to the alumni survey 12 months after program completion will indicate a score of 3 (Prepared) or higher on a 5-point scale about their perception of preparation for professional work in the fields related to nutrition and fitness.