Dietetics

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Dietetics is designed for the student who wants to work with in the field of nutrition and health.

Dietetics is the science of applying food and nutrition principles to health. A dietitian does much more than plan and supervise food and nutrition programs. Dietitians are also involved in helping to prevent and treat illnesses and diseases by promoting healthy eating habits.

Students who study dietetics complete 90 hours of field experience within two medical nutrition therapy courses; spend 10 hours working with the public health department and have the opportunity to work in community health fairs; complete 25 practicum hours in a quantity food service environment; network with professionals in foods and nutrition; and join the Student Dietetic Association. Olivet students enhance classroom learning through practicums with hands-on activities involving food and nutrition professionals.


Accreditation

Olivet Nazarene University’s Dietetic Program is reviewed and monitored by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for assurance of quality dietetics education. The current accreditation cycle will end June 30, 2027. According to ACEND standards, all ACEND accredited programs leading to the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential must provide the following information.

"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.

Future Education Model Program in Nutrition & Dietetics

Olivet Nazarene University has been granted Candidacy for Accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) to open a new and innovative program to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) for credentialing following a successful self-study and site visit completed in 2021. The new Future Graduate (FG) program is approved for 16 students. This innovative program integrates 1000 hours of internship into the Master’s classes. All preceptors are selected for the students as a part of the program. This is an on ground 45 hours Master’s program that will prepare graduates to sit for the RDN credentialing exam. The program is currently accepting applications for Fall of 2022. Please contact Dr. Cathy Anstrom/Program Director for application instructions.

Cathy Anstrom, Ph.D., RD, LD, FAND
Professor/Dietetic Program Director
Department of Family & Consumer Science
Olivet Nazarene University
One University Ave.
Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914
815-939-5398
canstrom@olivet.edu 

*The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model in Accreditation Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics (www.eatrightpro.org/FutureModel). These accreditation standards integrate didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice.

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 [program type] program at [Institution name] are eligible to [apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program/apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN]. In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice."
 
For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

For more information about program specific licensure click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here

View ACEND

ACEND 120 South Riverside Plaza Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995.
Program outcomes data is available upon request.
 

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Learn more about our Dietetics program by watching this short video.

Instruction Provided

To learn about Olivet’s Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), including information about internships, practicums, curriculum, program costs, degree completion and accreditation, download the student dietetics manual below. For prospective student information, download the prospective student brochure below:

Student Dietetics Manual

Prospective Student Brochure

Masters of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics

Olivet is offering a future graduate program where the Supervised Experiential Learning hours are integrated into courses. Applications are being accepted now through August 15, 2022, for fall of 2022 program admissions.

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STUDENT DIETETIC ASSOCIATION (SDA)

The Student Dietetic Association (SDA) exists to join dietetic majors together as a community for making a positive impact on the nutritional status of our local and global communities. 

Possible Careers After Graduation

  • Dietitian
  • Health educator
  • Nutritional counselor
  • Health & wellness writer
  • Professor
  • Dietetics researcher
  • Private consulting practicioner
  • Diabetes educator
  • Eating disorders educator
  • Cardiac care educator
  • Catering
  • Strength & conditioning coach
  • Pediatric dietetics specialist 

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Dietetic Internship Matching Process

Dietetic students complete a required internship after completing their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Dietetics. The Dietetic program supports students during their application process until students are successfully enrolled in a dietetic internship.

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Career Opportunities

Dietetic majors prepare to enter a competitive professional environment. In addition to their rigorous academic studies, they also complete research projects. Students often have the opportunity to present their work at the annual Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE).

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

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