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.
