Nutrition Option Curriculum/Model Degree Plan | Nutrition Minor | Mandatory Background Check Instructions
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This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is a U.S. Department of Education (USDE)-recognized accrediting agency.

Registered Dietitians are health professionals recognized as experts on food and nutrition. They work in clinical or administrative positions in health care facilities, schools, business food service operations, athletic organizations, private consulting businesses, and many other places. Career opportunities for dietitians and nutritionists are also available through federal, state, county agencies, product development, sales, marketing, pharmaceutical companies and other food and nutrition related businesses. Dietitians plan food and nutrition programs, and supervise the preparation and serving of meals. They help prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits through education and research.

The purpose of the Didactic Program in Health Sciences is to prepare students to meet the foundation knowledge and skills for dietetics as defined by the ACEND through the following goals:

• Provide rigorous & complete education not only based on scientific knowledge essential to practice dietetics, but provide interpretive expertise, problem solving abilities and excellent communication skills
• Provide opportunities to gain practical work experience within their chosen field or specialization by providing community service to various agencies & organizations within the Colorado Springs metropolitan area
• Prepare graduates for entry into & completion of a dietetic internship or other selected pathways appropriate for careers in food/nutrition mgmt., sales, production or marketing without completion of the RD credential
• Identify/prepare students pursing entry into graduate or post-baccalaureate program of study

Upon completion of the DPD Program, students will receive a Verification Statement signed by the DPD director.

To receive a Verification Statement for completion of requirements through the Didactic Program in Dietetics, a student must take a minimum of 16 credits at the 300 level or above to include:

• BIOL 4300 Advanced Nutrition
• HSCI 4020 Food Systems Management
• HSCI 4920 Nutritional Assessment
• HSCI 4930 Medical Nutrition Therapy
• HSCI 4940 Nutrition Practicum

All courses must be taken through the Department of Health Sciences at University of Colorado  Colorado Springs and the student must have earned academic credit for the remaining coursework listed on the Verification of Completion Checklist.

International Students must take a minimum of the following courses from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs:

• BIOL 4300 Advanced Nutrition
• HSCI 4020 Food Systems Management
• HSCI 4920 Nutritional Assessment
• HSCI 4930 Medical Nutrition Therapy
• HSCI 4940 Nutrition Practicum

If courses are not taken at the University of Colorado  Colorado Springs, the equivalent course to HSCI 3920 Nutrition and Comunity must have been completed through an approved/accredited U.S. or Canadian academic program.

Individuals with foreign degrees are encouraged to view the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics's Fact Sheet for additional information about becoming a Registered Dietitian credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

The Nutrition Option is an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).  ACEND is the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formally the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics).

In order to become fully qualified as a Nutrition Practitioner, status as a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) is highly desirable. Becoming an RD involves three steps:

1. Completion of Didactic Program in Dietetics, i.e. Bachelors Degree with specific course requirements
2. Completion of an internship (accredited/supervised work experience)
3. Pass a National Registration Exam

Step 1 Didactic Program in Dietetics -DPD are bachelor’s degree with specific courses that meet the didactic guidelines set by ADA. Upon completion, students receive a verification statement signed by the DPD Director. The DPD Director is Kim Schenck, MS, RD, kschenck@uccs.edu or 719. 255.4478. Academic Advisor is Linda Goodwin, lgoodwin@uccs.edu or 719.255.3867. All classes must be completed with a “C” or above in order to meet the DPD standards. Students from other programs complete a minimum of 30 hours of upper division nutrition courses at UCCS including twelve credits from the following;

• BIOL 4300 Advanced Nutrition (3)
• HSCI 4940 Nutrition Practicum (4)
• HSCI 4930 Medical Nutrition Therapy (3)
• HSCI 3920 Nutrition & Community (3)

Step 2 Internship/Accredited Supervised Work Experience: Is the completion of a professional internship program. This is independent of the undergraduate degree program. Students completing this step apply to internships during their last semester of DPD coursework. More information is available from the DPD Director. Check the ADA web page to see the list of all available internship programs.

Step 3 National Registration Exam: The final step is passing a National Registration Exam. Students are not eligible to sit for the exam until steps 1 & 2 are completed.

(Completion of accredited academic program plus completion of an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship Program (DI) plus passage of National Registered Dietitian Exam required to list credentials as a Registered Dietitian)

NUTRITION OPTION MISSION STATEMENT

To provide students with comprehensive, rigorous academic core of knowledge and professional skills to ensure future success in their chosen endeavors. Graduates of the Nutrition Option within the department of Health Care Sciences are proficient in the use of food and nutrition in health and disease and have the opportunity to become Registered Dietitians

For additional information regarding Registered Dietitians visit http://www.eatright.org/Public/

Any questions related to the Nutrition Option can be answered by Linda Goodwin, lgoodwin@uccs.edu or 719.255.3867.

How to Apply:

• Complete the online Freshman or Transfer Student Application form
• Follow the instructions for completing the form and ensure that all required documents are delivered by the deadline dates published in the Schedule of Courses.

Notification:

As soon as possible after the Office of Admissions and Records receives all required credentials, students will be notified of their admission status. If eligible, the student will receive notification of eligibility for admission. Admission eligibility to the University of Colorado does not constitute a guarantee of enrollment in any specific course or program.

All correspondence:

Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: 719-255-4422
Admissions Phone: 719-255-3084 or 1-800-990-8227 extension 3084
Admissions E-mail: go@uccs.edu

Copyright 2002-2012 Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Last Updated: August 10, 2012
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