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Nutrition and Dietetics Programs

Didactic Program

The didactic program is a four-year baccalaureate degree leading to the completion of the academic requirements of the American Dietetic Association. The courses are designed to meet the knowledge competencies for entry level dietitians.

Completion of this degree qualifies a student to apply for a dietetic internship. After completing both the didactic program and the 900 hours experience provided by the internship, the student is then eligible to sit for the registration examination to become a registered dietitian.

The didactic program is also open to students with a baccalaureate degree in a major other than Nutrition. These students may take six credits as a non-degree student, but then must apply for admission as a second degree candidate in Dietetics and Nutrition.

As of April 2008 The Saint Joseph College Didactic Program was granted developmental accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation For Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606, phone: 312.899.0040, ext. 5400.

The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education is ADA's accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitians or dietetic technicians, registered.

CADE exists to serve the public by establishing and enforcing eligibility requirements and accreditation standards that ensure the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. Programs meeting those standards are accredited by CADE.

Admission and continuation requirements

Students in the didactic program must earn a minimum of a "C" in all Nutrition major courses and in the following natural science courses or their equivalents: general Biology, Microbiology, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry (CHEM170), Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology (both semesters). A course may be repeated only once to raise the grade.

Application Procedure

• Students must meet Saint Joseph College admission requirements as described in the College catalog.
• Students who already possess a bachelor's degree in Nutrition may enroll in classes to update their education to meet requirements of the American Dietetic Association. They must meet with a department faculty member, submit official transcripts and maintain a department file as a non-matriculated student.

Saint Joseph College Nutrition Department Didactic Program

Mission Statement of SJC Didactic Program

The mission of the SJC didactic program is to provide excellence in education in nutrition and dietetics in the context of a liberal arts education and that meets the requirements of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE).

Goals and Outcome Measures of the SJC Didactic Program:

1. Saint Joseph College didactic students will successfully complete the didactic requirements.
   
   Outcomes Measures:
   
   • Over a 5-year period 75% of entering seniors will complete the program within 5 years.
   • 100% of didactic program students or graduates will earn at least a C in all major courses and the required sciences.
2. Saint Joseph College didactic graduates will be successful in furthering their professional education or obtaining employment.
   
   Outcomes Measures:
   
   • Of the students who receive didactic verification, 75% over a 5-year period will apply to an internship.
   • Over a 5-year period, of those who apply 2/3 or 66% will be accepted.
   • Of those who are accepted into a DI, over a 5-year period, 90% will successfully complete the internship.
   • Students who complete a DI, of those who take the exam, 80% will pass the first time over a 5-year period.
   • 75% of graduates will obtain employment in nutrition, a nutrition-related field or a position of responsibility within 2 years of graduation.
3. Saint Joseph College didactic graduates will demonstrate life long learning and involvement in the dietetics profession.
   
   Outcomes Measures:
   
   • 75% will participate in at least two of the following activities:
     • join ADA or another professional organization and/or a dietetic practice group.
     • attend professional meetings including webinars
     • read professional journals.
     • become preceptors to didactic students.
     • present posters or talks to the public or professional groups.
     • undertake post graduate work including continuing education credits and/or certificates.
4. Saint Joseph College didactic graduates will be competent professionals.
   
   Outcomes Measures:
   
   • Students will be evaluated in NUTR 499 Coordination, in their DI and in their entry level positions by preceptors, directors and employers. 80% of the students need to receive an average of 3 or better on the following characteristics:
   • Work methods, adaptability, decision making, interpersonal skills, communication, leadership characteristics and work habits.

Mission of Saint Joseph College and the SJC Didactic Program

The mission of the SJC Didactic program is compatible with the SJC mission as both emphasize a liberal arts and professional education.

Student learning outcomes and corresponding measures:

1. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to write and speak effectively.
   1. 100% of students must achieve a 3 or better on their portfolio submission to the CAE.
   2. All students will earn at least a C in NUTR 310 Nutrition Education and Counseling
   3. All students must earn at least a C in NUTR 499 Coordination that includes a final paper and an oral presentation.
2. Graduates will have successfully acquired knowledge of biology and chemistry.
   1. Graduates must earn a minimum of C in all required science courses.
   2. Students must earn a minimum of C in NUTR 418 Advanced Nutrition that incorporates nutrition related biochemistry and NUTR 316 Medical Nutrition Therapy I that relies on nutrition related physiology and biochemistry.
3. Graduates will have a broad understanding of food and nutrition for healthy populations.
   1. Graduates will earn at least a C in NUTR 130, 220, 315, 325, 330, 418
4. Graduates will demonstrate a broad understanding of food and nutrition for individuals in need of medical nutrition therapy.
   1. Students will earn at least a C in NUTR 316, 416 Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II
   2. Students will earn at least a C in the pediatric case study within NUTR 416
5. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of management in a food and nutrition-related setting.
   1. Graduates will successfully complete the creation of a food service company in NUTR 411.
   2. Graduates will earn at least a C in both NUTR 311 and 411 Food Service Management courses.

COST TO STUDENTS

The cost of the program for the 2010-11 academic year is $595.00/per credit. Twelve credits are considered full time and the tuition is $26502.00 for the academic year. (Nine to 11.5 credits costs $9933.00 per semester). This includes use of the athletic center and health services. There are also student fees that change yearly. The cost is subject to change yearly when the Board of Trustees votes on a new budget.

Students will need to purchase a white lab coat or jacket (estimated cost: $30.00 plus tax) to be worn in the foods lab courses and in some of the science courses.

As discussed in Section II. E., students are encouraged to attend professional meetings. Many are at no cost to the students, but some may cost up to forty dollars. The students usually have a choice as to which meetings they wish to attend unless the subject of a meeting is highly relevant and class time is allotted to attend that particular meeting.

The faculty encourages students to join the American Dietetic Association as an associate member. As of 2010 the application fee for associate members is waived and the yearly membership dues are $50.00. This membership includes a subscription to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. ADA membership dues for active registered dietitians are $200.00 per year. (A form for membership is available in the department or online at www.eatright.org)

The application fee to sit for the registration examination is $125.00. (This may change in the future.) The Registration examination is computerized and is offered year round at over two hundred approved Sylvan Learning Corporation sites nationwide. Some sites are open Saturdays and Sundays in addition to Monday -Friday. Eligible candidates need to call ACT Testing centers to schedule an examination appointment. Students are responsible for all application deadlines.

To maintain one's registered status, an annual registration fee must be paid to ADA. (This is separate from membership dues.) Additionally 75 credit hours of continuing education must be completed every 5 years after submitting a Professional Development Portfolio.

For more information about the ADA visit their website: www.eatright.org.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTANCE

Students must meet Saint Joseph College Admission requirements as described in the College catalog.

Students must receive at least a C in all nutrition courses and required sciences in order to receive credit toward their didactic course requirements. A course may only be repeated once.

GUIDELINES FOR DIDACTIC CERTIFICATION FOR SECOND DEGREE STUDENTS

SECOND DEGREE STUDENTS are those who already have completed a bachelor's degree. Formal application for a second Bachelor's degree in dietetics is made to the College admissions department. The application is reviewed by an admissions counselor and then reviewed by the Nutrition department. Six credits can be taken before matriculation is required.

The following documents will need to be supplied by the student who requests acceptance into the Didactic Program:

1. OFFICIAL transcripts from all colleges attended.
2. Proof of a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college.
3. A written plan of study reviewed by the Didactic program director.

All students will be given a 'mailbox' (folder) in the department for communication with faculty and other students.

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

Saint Joseph College requires a minimum of 120 credits for graduation. The Didactic program in the Department of Nutrition requires about 40 credits to complete the major.

Second Degree students must complete their individual plan of study as outlined by the Didactic Program Director and complete requirements for the second degree as determined by the admissions department and in the Saint Joseph College catalog. The minimum number of credits for a second degree is 30 credits.

Students not seeking a second degree must complete the course requirements as listed by the Didactic Program Director. These are determined on an individual basis at the beginning of their program.

In the Fall prior to the spring semester of completion of the didactic program, the student will meet with the Didactic Program Director to review the process of applying for an internship. Students must make the request to the various programs for applications. Most are accessible via the Internet.

At this time, in the fall, the computer matching process is explained and the information booklets distributed. It will be made clear that the student must go to the D and D website to list their choices of internships.

The student will meet with the Didactic Program Director to review program choices, the student essay, GPA calculation and the process of computer matching, and monitor progress.

Declaration of Intent to Complete forms will be issued in January. Intent to complete forms list the courses the student still needs to complete before verification is complete and are part of the application to a Dietetic Internship. These are needed if one is applying before all their coursework is complete.

(The deadline for internship applications is mid-February for a September start date and October for a January start date.)

Verification: This means the student has successfully met the requirements of the SJC Didactic program. Specifically the student has received a bachelor's from Saint Joseph College, received at least a C in all required nutrition and science courses and passed the comprehensive examination (completed at the end of NUTR 499 Coordination).

This form must be part of the DI application if you have finished your requirements or must be forwarded to the internship director when you are accepted.

This ADA verification form is given to the student after the college graduation in Mid May or late December. It is signed by the Didactic Program Director.

Completion of the Didactic Program, followed by completion of a dietetic internship means the student is then able to apply to take the registered dietitian examination.

Please Note: There is a shortage of internship placements. Successful completion of a didactic program does NOT guarantee acceptance into an internship. (Fall 2010)

For more detailed information about the SJC Didactic Program please see the SJC Didactic Program Handbook. (PDF: 16pp., 81K)

Dietetic Internship

General Nutrition Major

The Major is designed to provide the student with the flexibility to design her own major along with a faculty advisor. Students might prepare for a position in community nutrition, food service management, or for admission to a graduate program.

This Nutrition Major requires a minimum of 32 credits of Nutrition coursework including:

The students may select their remaining nine credits from any of the Nutrition electives.

In order to properly study Nutrition, the following courses are required (as a minimum) in the supportive fields of the Sciences and Math:
BIOL 110, BIOL 223 or BIOL 241 and BIOL 242
CHEM 170, 240 MATH 110 Statistics

Depending on their interest, students are encouraged to explore the disciplines of Psychology, Sociology and Human Development and Family Studies. Other areas to draw courses from include: Management, Political Science, Ethics and International Studies.

MINORS: Nutrition minor, Sports Nutrition minor, Food Service minor

Nutrition Minor
The minor comprises 18 credits, which must include NUTR 130 Foods and NUTR 220 Fundamentals of Nutrition. The additional credits must be chosen in consultation with a department faculty member PRIOR to enrolling in the courses.

The Sports Nutrition minor is completed in conjunction with the physical education department.

Sports Nutrition Minor                            18 credits open to any interested student

Rationale: Nutrition is a respected and required aspect of sports and athletic training. Students frequently ask for courses in this area. The public has many questions about what is myth and what is valid information. Between the existing courses currently offered in the separate areas of sports studies and nutrition, we propose a minor that will enable students to study across disciplines and thereby gain the background to properly educate and motivate individuals and groups about sports nutrition and athletic performance.

REQUIRED

*Must be chosen with the permission of the Nutrition and Sports Studies departments

Food Service Minor
Students from any major may undertake a minor in Food Service:

The Food Service minor is completed with the Business department.

These programs educate students to be eligible to sit for the Registered Dietitian examination.

*A Registered Dietitian (www.eatright.org is the ADA website with more information about RDs) is someone who has met the course content requirements of the ADA and who has completed more than 900 hours in a supervised practice program before taking and passing the RD examination.

The RD is prepared to work in a hospital environment, the community, food service, extended care facilities, industry, wellness settings, corporations, to name a few.

The RD credential is recognized in all 50 states, in Canada and many other countries.

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