The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is a required initial step in the education and training of dietetics professionals. Dietitians are the health professionals who translate the science and art of nutrition and food in the service of people. They can do this best if they are confidently grounded in their foundational knowledge and skill development. The DPD is intended to provide this firm foundation and to prepare the student for entry into the second educational requirement - that of the supervised practice experience.
- The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ DPD has a current (2021-2023) three-year rolling average DI match rate of 100%. (This is well above the national match rate of ~70-75% during the same period.)
- The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ DPD has a current three-year rolling average RDN exam pass rate of 94.3%.
The primary goal of this 16 month program is to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) for employment in public health or community agencies. Supervised practice is concurrent with coursework utilizing local agencies for translation of theory and science into practice. The program includes a twelve week experience in an out of state public health or community agency that has a strong nutrition program. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam and, after passing the RDN exam, apply for licensure in states with dietetics licensure laws.