Program Mission
The mission of the CU – Mansfield Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is to provide graduates with the evidence-based knowledge and skills foundational to supervised practice leading to eligibility for the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). The program also prepares graduates to become Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR) and to pursue entry-level careers in foodservice management, community nutrition; and/or to attend graduate school in a complex and changing global society.
Vision
To provide a student-focused learning environment that allows nutrition students to develop their potential in becoming competent leaders who empower their patients, clients, employees, and communities.
Values
Scholarship: We enthusiastically embrace student learning. We believe students should be actively engaged learners in, as well as out, of the classroom. We believe faculty and students should be life-long learners.
Character: We provide an environment which encourages personal accountability, integrity, honesty, and courage. We create an atmosphere, which fosters respect for others students may encounter in their personal and professional lives.
Culture: We celebrate the uniqueness of individuals with whom nutrition professionals interact. We provide opportunities for students to learn about the unique needs of humans from a variety of backgrounds.
Service: We support our local community and embrace service learning. We encourage our students to participate in volunteer activities related to the major.
Program Goals and Objectives
Program Goal #1 – Program graduates will be adequately prepared to apply for acceptance into accredited supervised practice programs.
Objective 1.1: At least 80% of students complete program requirements within six years (150% of planned program length).
Objective 1.2: At least 40 percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
Objective 1.3: Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 60 percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
Objective 1.4: 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%.
Objective 1.5: Within 12 months of graduation, 75% of the graduates’ supervisors who complete a survey will agree or strongly agree that the graduates are prepared for their current position (e.g., Supervised Practice, Graduate Program, or Employment).
Objective 1.6: Within 12 months of graduation, 75% of the graduates who complete a survey will agree or strongly agree that they are prepared for their current position (e.g., Supervised Practice, Graduate Program, or Employment).
Program Goal #2 – Program graduates applying to graduate or pre-professional school will be accepted, and those seeking entry-level employment in nutrition or a related field will be employed.
Objective 2.1: Of those who do not apply to supervised practice programs, at least 75% of graduate or pre-professional school applicants will be accepted into graduate or pre-professional school within 12 months of graduating from the program.
Objective 2.2: Of those who do not apply to supervised practice programs or graduate programs, at least 75% of graduates seeking employment will be employed in a nutrition or health-related field within 12 months of graduating from the program.
Nutrition Student Learning Objectives
Our students will:
- Demonstrate the ability to use and interpret current research in developing knowledge of nutrition, sports nutrition, and dietetic practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to use oral and written communications effectively as individuals and in group settings requiring collaboration and teamwork.
- Demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills related to medical nutrition therapy.
- Demonstrate their ability to apply management principles using problem-solving and critical thinking skills in hypothetical practice situations.
- Exhibit understanding of public policy and its effects on health care systems.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop nutrition prescriptions for a variety of individuals and groups
Program outcomes data are available upon request.