Table of Contents
Introduction to the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
Welcome to the Dietetics program at Olivet. On campus, the major is referred to as "Dietetics". The official title of the program, according to The American Dietetic Association, is the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Olivet is one of 230 DPDs approved by the ADA.
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is currently granted approval status by the Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-4876. The program is reviewed and monitored by the American Dietetic Association for assurance of quality dietetics education. Olivet has had an ADA-approved program since 1975.
The Dietetics major at Olivet is one of five majors in the Department
of Family and Consumer Sciences, Division of Social Sciences. All
majors in the department share a common mission.
"The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Olivet Nazarene
University offers a diverse set of specialty programs that have the central
mission of enhancing human health and well-being, as well as impacting
the quality of goods and services in response to human needs across the
life cycle. Teaching strategies that integrate Christian principles
are targeted to all levels of environmental systems, including individuals,
families and communities alike. The programs offered in the Department
focus on professional preparation while emphasizing the importance of a
liberal education in the arts, humanities, and sciences."
Family and Consumer Sciences Theme: "All for One and One for All"
A theme statement exists to help students and faculty communicate the
department mission, especially the integrative nature of the multiple specializations
(majors) in the Family and Consumer Science Department. The theme
statement is as follows:
"As members of God's family, we may have different interest and
gifts, but we have the common goal of sharing our faith in Jesus Christ,
the Son of the Living God. Family and Consumer Sciences at Olivet
Nazarene University includes five majors that are joined together as one
department. Graduates of the department are prepared for Christ-centered
service to all types of individuals, families and communities."
This theme statement is based on the New Testament scripture,
I Corinthians 12:12-13. 27-31.
"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though
all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks,
slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink". "Now
you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets,
third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing,
those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those
speaking in different kinds of tongues….But eagerly desire the greater
gifts."
DPD Program Goals
.The DPD shall prepare students for various stages of career readiness
by providing a didactic program consistent with the Standards of Education
of the American Dietetic Association. These stages may include:
Successful completion of an ADA-based Supervised Practice Program by
matched students.
Success in passing the required RD exam by students who complete Supervised
Practice Programs.
Success in food, nutrition and related careers.
Success in graduate school or attainment of food and nutrition related
certifications.
.The DPD shall prepare students to use current technologies related to the profession of food and nutrition.
.DPD students will experience food and nutrition information in the context of selected liberal arts courses shared with a diverse student population.
.The DPD will provide a framework in which students can reflect a comprehensive understanding of the Dietetic profession, including ethical issues specific to the profession and means by which they can become contributing members of society.
.The DPD will provide opportunities for students to demonstrate integration of the Christian faith in food and nutrition systems, both on a personal and professional basis.
Credentialing Steps (Didactic Program in Dietetics to Registered Dietitian Status)
Becoming a Registered Dietitian is a three step process:
First, students must complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics and/or receive a "Verification Statement" from a DPD program. The Olivet graduation requirements for dietetics are the same for obtaining the Verification Statement from Olivet. Olivet offers the DPD with a Verification Statement.
Second, students must complete a "Supervised Practice Program" (AP4 or internship) after completion of the DPD requirements. Acceptance into this step is competitive. Grade point average, work experience and leadership qualities are considered. Olivet assists the student in applying for this step, but does not guarantee placement in a Supervised Practice Program.
Third, upon completion of the "Supervised Practice Program" the student
must take and pass the Registration Exam for Dietitians given by the Commission
on Dietetic Registration. At this step the "RD" credential is earned.
There is no other route to obtaining the RD credential.
DPD Graduation Requirements
(1998-2000 Catalog, p. 25)
.A minimum of 128 semester hours of credit.
.A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 ("C"). Also,
DPD students are required to achieve a grade of "C" or better in any course
listed in FACS, BIOL and CHEM. Policies regarding repeating courses
are listed in the catalog. Students facing hardship related to this
graduation requirement may petition to the Academic Standards Committee
that the requirement be waived. In either case, a Verification Statement
of DPD completion will be provided to the graduate if all other graduation
requirements are met.
.A minimum of 40 hours of credit in upper division courses (courses
numbered 300 or above).
.Completion of the General Education studies of 53-61 hours.
.Completion of a major program of study as specified by the division
or department in which the major is taken.
.Completion of supporting courses as specified by the major department.
.The student taking the Bachelor of Arts degree must offer foreign
language under the Group 4 general education requirement.
.Participation in the Senior Outcomes testing programs in General Education
and as may be specified by the major department.
.The student must file an application for the degree with the registrar
six months prior to the expected date of graduation.
Required Courses to
Complete the DPD
Internet: Link to the
Dietetic courses list in our website and link to the General Catalog:
Refer to catalog, p. 186 (Dietetics major), plus catalog,
pp. 18-22 for additional General Education requirements.
Double Majors and Minors
A student may consider a major or minor to compliment the DPD program
and his/her career goals. Examples of programs recent DPD students
have completed include foreign language, psychology and athletic training.
Neither a second major nor a minor are required for completion of the DPD
at Olivet.
The DPD is planned to be completed in eight semesters with a full course
load. The program may take longer than eight semesters for some transfer
students, students not following the DPD schedule, students taking less
than a full course load, or students choosing to complete a second major
or multiple minors.
The catalog states "the student has primary responsibility for meeting
requirements for graduation, licensing, certification, and graduate school
admission (p. 18)." The following suggestions will make the scheduling
process easier for the student:
.Complete an eight semester plan in FACS 101 Orientation to Family
and Consumer Sciences. (Transfer students and students changing majors
may have fewer semesters to plan. In this case a copy of courses
transferred or completed to date is required).
.Follow the recommended schedule provided by the DPD Director, keeping
in mind that some courses are only offered in alternate years.
.Have schedule approved by the DPD Director each semester before registration.
.Have a "grad check" early in the junior year and again in the fall
of the senior year.
To avoid major scheduling conflicts and to meet prerequisite course
work, you should adhere to the schedule provided by the DPD Director.
Certain exceptions may exist for transfer students and students with a
double major. You should verify all schedules with the DPD Director.
This sample schedule is subject to change without notice, but any changes
will be published by the Registrar's office prior to registration for each
semester. (Other departments may change course times or terms without
notification to any other department).
Sample Four Year Schedule
(F = Fall and S = Spring)
Freshman Year (31 hrs)
FACS 101 Orient to FCS-1 F
FACS 120 Nutrition in Health and Fitness-3 F or S
(Spring Nutrition will conflict with Spring Sociology)
SOCY 120 Intro Sociology-3 F or S
PSYC 102 General Psychology I-3 F or S
FACS 131 Foods I-1 S
FACS 132 Foods II-1 S
CHEM 103/104 General Chemistry I, II-8 F+S
General Education:
GNST 100 Introduction to College Studies-1 F
PHED 150 Life Fitness-1 F or S
Math per ACT (3) DPD students who are required to take
a math course should select MATH 117 Finite Math with Business Applications
ENGL 102 or 103 and ENGL 104 English Comp-6F+S
Sophomore Year (34 hrs)
FACS 232 Nutrition Assessment-2 F
SPCH 101 Fund. Public Speaking-3 F or S
FACS 230 Food Science-3 F
ACCT 110 Financial Accounting-4 F
BSNS 160 Principles of Mgmt-3 F or S
BSNS 253 Marketing-3 S
CHEM 311 Organic I-5 F
BIOL 246/247 Anatomy &Physiology-8 F and S
General Education: BLIT 100 Bible I-3 F or S
Junior Year (32-33 hrs)
FACS 330 Community Nutrition-3 F
FACS 338 or 339 Medical NutritionTher.-4 S
FACS 038/039 MNTExp-0 S
FACS 435 Nutrition Education and Counseling-3 F
(or FACS 455 Food Service Systems Management-3) F
FACS 337 Quantity Foods 3 S
(or FACS 334 Food Safety/Sanitation Management-3) S
PSYC 331 Research & Stats-4 or
BSNS 240 Business Statistics- 4 and
FACS 398 Research in Dietetics-1 S
BIOL 356 Microbiology-5 F
BIOL 310 Biochem-3 S
General Education:
BLIT 300 Bible II-3
THEO 201Christian Doc-3
Physical Activity Courses-1
Senior Year (30 hrs + Elec)
FACS 498 Professionalism, Issues and Actions-2 F
FACS 335 The World Food Problem-3 F
FACS 338 or 339 Medical NutritionTherapy-4 S
FACS 038/039 MNTExp-0 S
FACS 334 Food Safety and Sanitation Mgmt-3 S
(or FACS 337 Quantity Foods-3) S
FACS 455 Food Systems Management-3 F
(or FACS 435 Nutrition Education and Counseling-3) F
General Education:
THEO 401 Church/Christian Living-3
History Elective-3
FINA 101 Introduction to Fine Arts-3
International Culture Elective-3
Literature Elective-3
Any additional Electives to meet 128 hours required for graduation
"Verification of completion of dietetics programs is the method used by the ADA to ensure that stipulated qualifications for membership have been met and by the Commission on Dietetic Registration to determine eligibility for the Registration Examination for Dietitians or Dietetic Technicians. At various times…an individual will be asked to supply verification of both academic and supervised practice qualifications." (CAADE, 1996).
A Verification Statement is a form supplied and completed by the Program Director. Only forms with original signatures are valid. The DPD Director will provide these forms to the DPD graduate only after confirmation of program requirements by the Registrar at Olivet Nazarene University.
See current catalog for tuition, room, and board.
Books for courses: students are advised to keep all food, nutrition
and various supporting course texts for reference.
Materials for course projects: blank video tapes, cassettes,
computer disks, folders, portfolio binders, and all materials for projects
and presentations.
Lab fees, set by Academic Dean and indicated in Course Schedule Booklet.
Lab coat for FACS 337/338; the student may also need the lab
coat in Supervised Practice Programs.
Transportation to local facilities for required work experience
Health Insurance coverage; a copy must be on file with the DPD
Director before any required work experience. This is a requirement
stated in the affiliation agreements with the work experience sites.
It is the student's responsibility to acquire health insurance.
Optional student liability insurance; Olivet provides basic coverage
for liability during supervised work experience, but students may opt for
additional coverage. See DPD Director for current costs and contacts.
Computer access to word processing, Powerpoint, SPSS, e-mail and the
Internet. These programs are available at no cost on campus to students
enrolled at Olivet. Students may purchase off campus access to the
Internet and e-mail via Computer Services at Olivet. All off campus
phone charges are the responsibility of the student.
Voluntary membership in the South Suburban Dietetic Association, American
Dietetic Association, Student Section of The American Association of Family
and Consumer Sciences, or similar professional organizations.
Honor Society initiation fees (i.e., Kappa Omicron Nu or Phi Delta
Lambda). Application to honor societies is optional, but requires
an application process.
Competitive scholarship applications are available from local dietetic associations and Family and Consumer Science organizations. In addition, various groups provide applications on related scholarships on occasion. Scholarship information will be posted by e-mail. Also, see catalog for ONU based scholarships.
Letters of Recommendation for Scholarships or Applications
Read the requirements carefully as to who the letter should be from
(faculty vs. work experience supervisor). Submit a typewritten request
to that person at least two weeks in advance of when you plan to send the
letter. In the letter, include your name, ID#, and the date of the
request, name and address of the organization granting the scholarship,
scholarship criteria, date scholarship is due, and if the letter is to
be returned to you or sent directly to the organization. Olivet students
have been successful in receiving many scholarships!
Request this form in writing from the DPD Director. Allow at least
two days for processing.
Suggestions for getting involved:
Join the student organization, Student Section of the American Association
of Family and Consumer Sciences (SSFCS), a campus group, or a local professional
group
Network in FACS 101 Orientation to Family and Consumer Sciences
Communicate with faculty, even if you are not currently enrolled in
a FCS course.
Benner Library:
FACS related books in 400's and 600's; also check the nursing
and health science sections.
Internet Search Engines/CD Rom, including Medline and CINHAL
Multiple Medical and Health Related Journals
Government Documents
Videos
FCS Department:
Professional Resource File, including food, nutrition and health
catalogs
Diabetes Management
Nutrition Update
Videos
Nasco Food Models
Laminated Food Guide Pyramid Poster
Healthometer Scale
Skinfold Calipers
Futrex 1000
Child/Adult Stature Measuring Board
Nutritionist IV Software
Case Software
Required Work Experience vs. Supervised Practice
Required work experiences are opportunities provided to the DPD students during the undergraduate program. These experiences allow the student to enhance classroom learning through hands on activities with food and nutrition professionals. While several DPD courses require work experience activity as part of the course, students are encouraged to pursue additional work experience in summer jobs or volunteer experiences arranged during the school year. For volunteer work, students may submit a typewritten letter (or e-mail) to the DPD Director stating desired location and available schedule. Placement is not guaranteed, pending openings and successful completion of related course work. Many Supervised Practice Programs require that an applicant have food and nutrition work experience as part of the application criteria.
The ADA Supervised Practice Programs require a minimum of 900 hours of planned activity prior to taking the RD exam. DPD students apply to Supervised Practice Programs during the senior year, although the application process should start in the junior year. The DPD Director makes available a Supervised Practice Program manual and directory to assist the student in selecting programs. In addition, an Internship Workshop is presented once per year by the DPD Director. This workshop is open to all DPD students.
Students with work experience are welcomed into the DPD. All work
experience in food and nutrition, however, may not be consistent with current
DPD course requirements. In the student's best interest regarding
Supervised Practice Program success, course credit is not granted for prior
work experience. Students may submit documentation of work experience
to the DPD Director for consideration of adjustments in DPD field experience
requirements, such as placement in a more advanced setting. Submission
of documentation does not guarantee that any or all work experience hours
will be accepted.
Current Courses with a Work Experience Component
FACS 338/339 Medical Nutrition Therapy (required—clinical)
FACS 335 World Food Problems (optional—public health)
FACS 337 Quantity Foods (required—food systems)
FACS 435 Nutrition Education and Counseling (required—interviewing,
group education)
FACS 498 Professionalism, Issues and Actions (required—service
project)
Additional contacts can be made associated with other courses.
See the DPD Director for information.
Do I have to do a Supervised Practice Program (SPP)?
Yes, prior to taking the RD exam. A student may delay applying to a SPP in order to gain additional work experience, save money, etc. However, the SPP is the only route to the RD credential after completion of the DPD.
No, if RD status is not desired. Although the job market is more
limited, students may pursue certain food and nutrition jobs with a bachelor's
degree in Dietetics. It is the student's responsibility to check
with his/her state licensing laws or credentials required to work in the
field.
How do I increase my chances of acceptance into a SPP?
SPP placement is competitive, with DPD graduates from across the country applying. Each internship has it's own selection criteria. Each SPP provides this information either on-line, or via mail (see DPD Director for directory). In general, students need a GPA greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, related work experience, evidence of leadership, and positive recommendations from faculty and work experience supervisors. Some internships also evaluate a student's written goals and strengths/weaknesses. All of these criteria must be considered early in the DPD so that the student can acquire and build these skills.
How does Olivet Prepare me for the SPP Application Process?
The SPP application and all associated costs are the sole responsibility of the student.
Grade standards are in place. Students struggling with grades
should meet with the DPD Director early. Tutors are available
through the Academic Support Services on campus.
Work Experience is required in selected classes, but student should
obtain additional work experience. Students may consider seeking
lab or departmental assistantships.
Leadership opportunities are available through the Student Section
of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Kappa Omicron
Nu Honor Society, campus groups, local dietetic associations, and Resident
Assistantship, for example.
Letters of Recommendation—Be noticed! Volunteer in department
organizations, participate in projects, and communicate with faculty.
Do something related to your career goals.
Internship Workshop—offered yearly to address student's questions.
The DPD Director will review a student's completed application prior
to granting of a letter of recommendation.
Sequence of Events in the Application Process
Freshman/Sophomore Year:
Attend Internship Workshop to remind and motivate underclassmen
to achieve goals.
Junior Year:
Write for SPP packets to evaluate
Discuss program costs with family. Financial requirements are
often a deciding factor regarding where, when and how many SPPs a student
applies to.
Senior Year
Take the GRE in the fall semester if a GRE scores are an SPP requirement
Applications due for review by DPD Director in December
Collect all letters of recommendation by end of December
Applications are due in early February (some exceptions apply)
Selection notification in April
Graduates
Senior year process applies for fall SPP start dates
Applications are generally due in September for January start dates
Costs associated with the SPPs
Application:
application fee for each facility
application fee for each graduate program
processing fee to D&D Digital
printing, resume, folders, mailing
GRE fee, if GRE scores are required by the SPP
travel to visit or to interview
SPP:
Each SPP publishes individual fees, which may include books, tuition,
meals, housing, travel, health insurance, and malpractice insurance.
What if I don't get accepted into a SPP?
The student and DPD Director should meet to discuss options regarding the "No Match." Students may reapply immediately to sites with openings after the match, or reapply for winter start dates. Some students may wait until the following year, gaining work experience or improving grades in the meantime. If graduate school is a goal of the student, this may be an opportunity to initiate course work.