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Curriculum
Program Requirements
A student majoring in Dietetics, who is also a candidate for a baccalaureate degree must have completed all the course requirements for that particular degree and must earn 123 semester hours of college work with an overall grade point average (G.P.A.) of not less than 2.0. The grade point average in the Dietetics major field must be at least 2.25 (although a G.P.A. of 3.0 or greater is recommended). Students whose semester G.P.A. falls below 2.0 but whose cumulative G.P.A. is above 2.0 will receive a letter of concern from their Academic Advising unit inviting them to review their academic performance and outlining available support services.
Institutional Core Requirements
| Course Number and Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| COM 101 Human Communication | 3 |
| ENG 101 Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 Composition II | 3 |
| Math 208 Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| Religion Course | 3 |
| Aesthetics -Any two approved courses | 6 |
| Humanities -Any two approved courses | 6 |
| Natural Sciences -Any two approved courses (BIO 201 Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life) (CHEM 103 General Chemistry) |
8 |
| Social Sciences-Any two approved courses (PSYC 101 Intro to Psychology) |
6 |
| Historical Reasoning -Any approved course | 3 |
| Cultural Requirements | 3 |
| Total Institutional Core Requirements | 47 hr. |
Dietetics Course Requirements 2021
| Course Number and Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| DIET 130 Principles of Food and Meal Preparation | 3 |
| DIET 210 Introduction to Dietetics | 2 |
| DIET 213 Society’s Influence on Body Image and Eating | 3 |
| DIET 230 Food Science & Applications | 3 |
| DIET 320 Human Nutrition | 3 |
| DIET 330 Nutrition Counseling Skills | 3 |
| DIET 360 Lifecycle Nutrition | 3 |
| DIET 370 Community Nutrition | 3 |
| DIET 385 Advanced Nutrition | 3 |
| DIET 395 Vitamins and Minerals | 3 |
| DIET 400 Nutrition & Disease I | 3 |
| DIET 425 Nutrition & Disease II | 3 |
| BIO 201 Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life | (4)** |
| BIO 222 H.S. Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO 223 H.S. Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 340 Microbiology | 4 |
| CHEM 103 General Chemistry | (4)** |
| CHEM 104 General Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 307 Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 307L Organic Chemistry | 1 |
| CHEM 429 Biochemistry | 3 |
| EXS 309 Exercise Physiology or EXS 474 Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| HS 360 Research in Health Sciences | 3 |
| HSM 250 Food and Beverage Operation Management | 3 |
| HSM 335 Environmental Management | 3 |
| HSM 336 Food Production I | 3 |
| MATH 208 Elementary Statistics | (3)** |
| MGT 240 Introduction to Management | 3 |
| PSYC 101 Intro to Psychology | (3)** |
| Total Dietetics Course Requirements | 76 (87) hrs. |
| Institutional Core Requirements | 47 hrs. |
| Total Credits for a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree | 123 hrs. |
**Credits hours in parentheses indicate courses that meet both institutional requirements for all students, as well as requirements of the Dietetics major
If GPA graduation requirements are met a student will receive a verification statement from the Ashland University Dietetics program.
Completing Your Degree
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RD credential:
- Completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, such as the Ashland University Dietetics Program.
- Completed an ACEND®-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to 12 months in length.
- Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR's website at www.cdrnet.org.
- Completed continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
Some RDs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice. These are awarded through CDR, the credentialing agency for the Academy, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but are not required. Some of the certifications include pediatric or renal nutrition, sports dietetics, nutrition support and diabetes education.
Per ACEND and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics the Dietetic Internship Match is a computer-based method which provides an orderly and fair way to match the preferences of applicants for Dietetic Internships (DIs) with the preferences of DI program directors. The Academy contracts with a company called D&D Digital to operate the DI Match and help applicants obtain an Internship (supervised practice position). The information on the DI match process may be found on the ACEND website and is available at https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/dietetic-internship-match-students. Information about different supervised practice programs is updated regularly by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and can be accessed from the Academy web site. The information on Supervised Practice Programs is listed under Accredited Education Programs and is available at http://www.eatright.org/. This information is consistent with what is stated in the AU Dietetic Student handbook.
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at Ashland University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements.
Learn more about exams to further your career:
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN.
Goals & Objectives
The Ashland University Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics’ (AU DPD) mission is to provide the foundational knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to encourage the development of ethical behavior, intellectual growth, critical thought, communication and problem solving skills, in preparations for entry into post-baccalaureate supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, professional employment, and/or graduate school, as well as developing students to become contributing members of the scientific/professional community.
Program Goal 1: The AU DPD will prepare, assist, and encourage program graduates to seek admittance into an ACEND accredited supervised practice program, professional employment, or graduate school.
Objective 1.1: Sixty percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
Objective 1.2: Fifty percent of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
Objective 1.3: Fifty percent or more of AU DPD graduates not going into a supervised practice program, employed or seeking employment, will report pursuing an advanced degree.
Program Goal 2: The AU DPD will prepare graduates to become competent entry-level dietitians through completion of the dietetics program which further leads to completion of a supervised practice program, passing of the RDN exam, and employment in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
Objective 2.1: The AU DPD 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 2.2: At least 80% of AU DPD graduates will receive satisfactory or higher ratings regarding preparation for supervised practice on the supervised practice program director’s satisfaction survey.
Objective 2.3: Seventy-five percent or more of AU DPD graduates who complete a supervised practice program will be employed in dietetics within 12 months.
Objective 2.4: At least 80% of AU DPD students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
Blog
Summertime Foods for Kids
Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/food-preparation/seasonal-foods/summer-is-time-for-kids-to-try-new-foods
...Read more
Washing Leafy Greens
There is one golden rule that applies to leafy greens, from purchasing to plating washing them properly is always key! Leafy greens should be handled in the kitchen like any other food, as some foodborne illnesses have been related to fresh leafy greens. To remove some of the dirt and germs that may be present within leafy greens, rinsing is the first place you should start. Rinsing and cooking are considered safer alternatives for vegetables that pose a higher risk of foodborne illnesses. The next step in reducing the risk of foodborne illness is to have proper refrigeration.
When washing leafy green vegetables everyone should start with clean hands and cut away any damaged areas on leaves or stems before preparing or eating the greens. Avoid cross-contamination by using a clean knife to chop. After washing leafy greens, pat them dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to help remove excess liquid.
Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/home-food-safety/wash-and-separate-foods/washing-leafy-greens...Read more
Top Snacks for Runners
Pre-run snacks help boost glucose levels in the blood and top off muscle carbohydrate stores- this means that the runner will have more fuel for longer and harder runs. If eating a snack two hours before the run, try a carbohydrate such as a bowl of cereal or a smoothie.
If short on time, such as only having an hour before the run, lighter snacks would be optimal as they take less time to digest. A slice of toast with some jelly or jam would be a good and easy snack to consider. Try to aim for 15-30 grams of carbohydrates in that hour window before the run. Another quick option would be to take a carbohydrate gel or half of an energy bar.
After the Run
Post-run snacks are important because they give your muscles back the fuel they lost, as well as getting your body to be full of fluid and electrolytes. The most ideal option is to eat a snack with protein and carbohydrates within the first 15 minutes to an hour after the workout is complete. Sometimes you may not have much of an appetite after the run, so a savory snack might be the snack of choice.
Some post-run snacks include:
Trail...Read more
TIPS TO PUT THE SPRING BACK IN YOUR STEP
Source: https://www.eatright.org/fitness/sports-and-athletic-performance/beginner-and-intermediate/go-tips-to-put-the-spring-back-in-your-step...Read more
