Didactic Program in Dietetics Track

Didactic Program in Dietetics Track

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) prepares students for careers in nutrition and dietetics through a science-based curriculum focused on food, nutrition, and health. Students develop expertise in nutrition, food science, management, and the biological and social sciences while building the academic foundation required to pursue supervised practice and become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). 

The DPD track follows a curriculum that meets the academic requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates are prepared to apply to ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs and continue their preparation for credentialing as an RDN. 

Mission  

The Didactic Program in Dietetics provides students with a broad general education foundation and specialized coursework in dietetics. Graduates develop a strong scientific background and the ability to apply scientific principles to real-world situations. The program prepares students to apply for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam and supports success in a variety of professional settings. 

Goals & Objectives 

Goal 1: To prepare graduates for successful entry into and completion of a dietetic internship 

We strive for: 

  • 60% of program graduates to apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation 
  • 90% of program graduates (assessed one year and three years after program completion) to rate, on average, our program at least “satisfactory” at adequately preparing them for an internship, graduate school, or their current position 
  • the Supervised Practice Program Director Satisfaction to rate 100% of graduates of their internship program at least “satisfactorily prepared” through UConn DPD coursework for their internship, based on the following scale: 1= needs improvement, 2= satisfactory, 3= above average, and 4= excellent.
  • 80% of program graduates to complete the Didactic Plan of Study within 3 years of declaring the didactic concentration 
  • 65% of program graduates to be admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation 
  • 90% of program graduates who began a supervised practice program to complete the program 

Goal 2: To prepare graduates for graduate education or employment in the dietetics field. 

We strive for: 

  • 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 90% 
  • 70% of DPD graduates to remain employed in a field related to nutrition and dietetics, when assessed 5 years after program completion 
  • at least 60% of DPD graduates who earn a verification statement but do not apply or are not placed in a supervised practice program to either take the DTR exam, re-take courses, attend a post-baccalaureate education program, or gain employment in the dietetics field within two years of completion of the didactic program in dietetics 
  • 60% of DPD graduates to either complete at least one independent study, field experience, and/or be involved in research with faculty members 

Areas of Study

Students in the DPD track explore topics such as: 

  • Human nutrition 
  • Medical nutrition therapy 
  • Food science 
  • Community nutrition 
  • Foodservice management 
  • Biochemistry 
  • Physiology 
  • Nutrition education 

Skills You’ll Develop

Students gain knowledge and skills that support success in dietetics and related health professions, including: 

  • Nutrition assessment and evaluation 
  • Evidence-based decision making 
  • Scientific reasoning 
  • Communication and nutrition education 
  • Food and nutrition management 
  • Application of nutrition science to health and wellness 
  • Professional and ethical practice 

Sample Course Sequence 

Program Handbook

Career Pathways 

UConn’s Didactic Program in Dietetics prepares graduates for fulfilling careers, while also supporting them towards graduate study and registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credentials. 

  • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (clinics, hospitals, pediatrics, athletics, schools) 
  • Community and public health nutritionist 
  • Food service and systems manager 
  • Wellness consultant or private practice (group or individually) 
  • Researcher or academic professional 
  • Communications 
  • Food companies 
  • Launchpad for advanced healthcare fields like Physical Therapy, Athletic Trainer, Physician Assistant, medical or dental school, public health 

Becoming a Registered Dietitian

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires at least a graduate degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). CDR also requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by ACEND.  

Graduates of UConn’s ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics will earn a Verification Statement and are eligible to apply to ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN, please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. 

Licensure 

Some states require additional licensure. Information about the RDN credential and licensure/certification of registered dietitians can be found on the commission on dietetics registration (CDR) website. 

Resources

Questions?

For more information about this track, contact Rhonda Puglisi.