Nutrition and Dietetics
Dietetics, B.S.DegreeB.S.
Dietetic Internship, M.S.DegreeM.S.
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Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

The mission of the Idaho State University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)  is to educate individuals through didactic and practical experiences in food and nutrition and to develop visionary and competent graduates who will be prepared for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

Prospective and current students should schedule an advising appointment with the program director or dietetic faculty member to ensure understanding of the requirements of the program, curriculum, supervised practice experience, and the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

Completion of the required course work and attainment of a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics makes one eligible to apply for admission into a Supervised Practice Program. The graduate must complete a Supervised Practice Program (e.g., Master of Science Dietetic Internship Program) prior to becoming eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. As of January 1, 2024, a master's degree is required in order to take the credentialing exam. 

For information about the Master of Science in Nutrition with Dietetic Internship Program, please go to the Nutrition and Dietetics section of the Graduate Catalog. 

NOTE: Enrollment in the Idaho State University DPD and/or fulfillment of specific requirements does NOT ensure admission into the ISU Master of Science Dietetic Internship Program.

The DPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600, ext 5400.  https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

Program Goals and Outcome Measures

The following goals and objectives were identified in the 2017 Program Self Study and Site Visit for continued accreditation and were revised to meet the 2022 Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) standards. These goals and objectives reflect the mission of the Idaho State University DPD and are the basis for program evaluation and effectiveness.

Program Goal One: Prepare graduates to perform proficiently in a dietetic supervised practice program in preparation to be a competent entry-level dietitian nutritionist.

Objectives

  1. At least 80% percent of program students complete the program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length).
  2. At least 70% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  3. Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 60% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
  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%.
  5. At least 70% of responding graduates will report an aggregate score of 4 or higher out of 5, indicating the strong preparation that the DPD program provided them for their supervised practice experience.
  6. At least 70% of graduates from this program will receive an aggregate score of 4 or higher out of 5 indicating strong preparation on their knowledge and skill of dietetics from supervised practice program directors.

Program Goal Two: Program graduates will promote leadership and service to enrich the graduate’s professional career.

Objective

At least 50% of graduates will be active members of professional organizations, hold a leadership position and/or participate in service opportunities related to the field within 24 months of graduation.

DPD Application Process

The DPD consists of prerequisites, professional courses, and a final set of "seat" courses that must be taken in the senior year. All prerequisites, professional courses, and "seat" courses must be completed with a C- or better to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and obtain the Verification Statement required for applying for supervised practice programs. Students submit an application for the "seat" courses, which are NTD 4401 Medical Nutrition Therapy I, NTD 4402 Medical Nutrition Therapy II, and NTD 4402L Medical Nutrition Therapy II Lab, taken in the senior year. Students can apply a year in advance once admission requirements are met. Those applications will be considered for pre-award for the final year in the program. Other professional courses can be taken once the course prerequisites are met. Applications will only be considered if the above-mentioned admission requirements are met.
DUE DATE: February 15th

Applicants must complete the following:

  1. DPD application form is available on the program website. https://www.isu.edu/bs-dietetics/bs---how-to-apply/ 
  2. A written letter of application stating reasons for choosing dietetics as a career and professional goals.
  3. Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended (other than ISU) must be submitted unless required classes taken at other colleges or universities are already listed on the student’s ISU transcript. Current ISU students do not need to submit transcripts. Mail transcripts to the DPD Director at: STOP 8117, 921 S. 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83209-8117.
  4. $25 non-refundable application fee (use the link on the program website https://www.isu.edu/bs-dietetics/bs---how-to-apply. This can also be found in the same section as the DPD application.)

Application Review:

  1. Applications are reviewed by a committee of Nutrition and Dietetics Faculty. All materials must be submitted for the application to be reviewed and must be post-marked by the DUE DATE of February 15th.
  2. The following criteria are considered in the application review by the DPD Selection Committee:
    1. DPD GPA (a minimum 3.0 GPA is required for applications to be reviewed)
    2. Honors/Activities                                                                                                          
    3. Volunteer/Work Experience                                                                                               
    4. Written letter of application               
  3.  Due to the limited number of seats, achievement of minimum standards does not ensure admission into the DPD.

Notification and Acceptance Requirements

  1. Applicants are notified in writing of acceptance status by the Friday before Spring Break. Acceptance status can be 1) accepted to a seat for the upcoming academic year; 2) accepted to a seat for the following academic year; 3) alternate for a seat for the upcoming academic year, or 4) not accepted. Students must accept their seat in writing (email) by the communicated due date to the DPD Director.
  2. Students enrolled in Quantity Foods Lab and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) will have some required experiences at schools and medical facilities within the local community. In order to be in alignment with facility policies, all Quantity Foods Lab and MNT students must have updated vaccination records. 
    1. Before attending off-campus experiences in schools and medical facilities, students must show proof of the following screenings and vaccinations:
      1. Negative PPD (TB test) in the past 12 months
      2. Proof of 2 MMR vaccinations or titer proving immunity
      3. Proof of 3 Hep B vaccinations or titer proving immunity
      4. Proof of 2 varicella vaccinations or titer proving immunity
      5. Proof of current influenza vaccination.
      6. Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) card
  3. Students enrolled in Quantity Foods Lab &/or MNT must complete a background check at their own expense,  provide proof of a negative 10 panel drug screen, complete  HIPAA training, and students may be required by the rotation facility to submit proof of health insurance prior to obtaining required course experiences in local health care facilities. 
  4. Student membership to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is required for students enrolled in MNT. 

Graduation Requirements

  1. Students must apply for graduation at least one semester before all requirements are completed.
  2. Students must complete 120 credit hours.
  3. Students must complete all courses required for the DPD with a GPA above 3.0
  4. Students must complete ISU's General Education Requirements.

Master of Science in Nutrition/ Dietetic Internship 

Applications are not being taken for the undergraduate DI program. The dietetic internship is available through the combined Master of Science in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship degree offered through the Graduate School. 

NTD Faculty

NTD Courses