{"id":1025,"date":"2009-09-24T12:34:50","date_gmt":"2009-09-24T16:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sargent\/?page_id=1025"},"modified":"2025-08-30T12:58:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T16:58:17","slug":"dietetics-option","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sargent\/academics\/departments-programs\/health-sciences\/bachelor-of-science-in-nutrition\/dietetics-option\/","title":{"rendered":"About the Dietetics Track"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dietetics track is designed for students interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)<\/strong><\/span>. RDNs apply the science of food and nutrition across diverse settings to promote health, prevent disease, and support the management of nutrition-related conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are several <\/span>pathways available to become an RDN<\/a>.\u00a0All pathways begin with foundational knowledge requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND<\/a>). At Boston University, students in the Dietetics Track<\/strong> meet these requirements by completing the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Explore the curriculum<\/a> and prior learning policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Boston University\u2019s DPD is ACEND-accredited<\/h2>
<\/p>\n

📍 ACEND: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995<\/span>
\n📞 800-877-1600 ext. 5400<\/span>
\n🔗 <\/span>Visit the ACEND website<\/span><\/a>
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View the Curriculum<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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DPD Verification Statement<\/h2>\n

Upon successful completion of the dietetics track and all graduation requirements, students receive a DPD Verification Statement \u2013 the first step on your path to become an RDN. <\/span>For those interested in the <\/span>NDTR credential<\/a><\/strong>, your DPD Verification Statement qualifies you to sit for the national NDTR registration exam.<\/span><\/p>\n

DPD Missions, Goals and Objectives<\/h2>\n

Boston University DPD outcomes data are available upon request.<\/strong><\/p>\n

DPD Mission<\/h2>
<\/p>\n

Aligned with the mission of the Boston University Programs in Nutrition<\/strong><\/a>, the mission of the Boston University DPD is to prepare students with the foundational knowledge and skills for dietetics practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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DPD Goals and Objectives<\/h2>
<\/p>\n

Goal 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

BU DPD graduates will enter supervised practice, a graduate program or employment in a food or health-related field.<\/span><\/p>\n

Objectives<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. At least 80% of full-time students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of planned full-time program length). At least 80% of part-time students complete program requirements within 4.5 years (150% of planned part-time program length).<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. At least 40% percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation. <\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 50% percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation.<\/li>\n
  4. Of program graduates who apply to a graduate program, at least 20% percent are admitted within 12 months of graduation. <\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  5. <\/span>Of program graduates who apply for a food or health-related position, at least 20% percent will begin employment within 12 months of graduation.<\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Goal 2<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    BU DPD graduates will be competent dietetic interns, graduate students, or entry-level food or health-related professionals.<\/p>\n

    Objectives <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. <\/strong>The program\u2019s 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%. <\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
    2. <\/strong>At least 80% of graduates entering supervised practice programs upon completion of the BU DPD will receive a score of \u2018average\u2019 or above preparation on a survey of supervised practice directors sent one year after graduation (out of the total number of surveys received).<\/li>\n
    3. \u2018At least 80% of graduates responding to a one-year graduation survey regarding adequacy of academic preparation for supervised practice, a graduate degree program, or employment in a food or health-related field will report \u2018average\u2019 or above preparation (out of the total number of surveys received.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      Next Steps on Your Path to Become an RDN<\/h2>\n

      1. After earning your DPD Verification Statement<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n