Program Overview
Director: A. Porto
Dietetics is a profession concerned with the science and art of human nutrition care. Messiah is one of the few Christian universities offering students a nutrition major which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The Messiah University Nutrition and Dietetics major provides excellent preparation for careers in nutrition science, public health, dietetics, and food service. Students study a wide variety of subjects, including anatomy and physiology, chemistry and biochemistry, food science and technology, nutrition science, business, education and counseling, and medical nutrition. Hands-on learning is emphasized throughout the curriculum. In addition to course work, students are strongly encouraged to obtain work or volunteer experience in nutrition and dietetics.
Many jobs in nutrition care require that an individual be credentialed as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). To earn the RDN credential an individual must complete a multi-step process:
- Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a college or university approved by the US Department of Education and course work that provides the core knowledge for the RDN through an ACEND-accredited Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program (DPD).
- Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program in dietetics and beginning January 1, 2024, at least a master’s degree will also be required. Supervised practice programs provide a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice in professional settings designed to result in the competencies for the RDN in each of the three main areas of practice: Food Service, Community Health, and Clinical Nutrition. This typically takes 1 – 2 years on a full-time basis and involves tuition and fees. There are currently five options at this step:
- Dietetic Internship (DI) – This option provides the supervised practice competencies for the RDN for those who have already earned a master’s degree. Completion of a Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program is required to apply.
- Combined Master’s Degree and Dietetic Internship Program (MS/DI) – This option provides the supervised practice competencies for the RDN and a master’s degree. Completion of a Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program is required to apply.
- Coordinated program (CP) – This option provides both the core knowledge and the supervised practice competencies for the RDN and may result in a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. Requirements for starting these programs vary.
- Individual Supervised Practice Program (ISPP) - This option is offered by some ACEND-accredited programs and includes individually planned experiences to meet the ACEND supervised practice competencies. Completion of a Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program is required to apply.
- Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GP) – Formerly called Future Education Model or FEM, these programs provide both RDN knowledge and competencies at a graduate (master’s or doctorate) level. Requirements for application vary but about half of the programs nationwide require completion of a DPD to apply.
- Pass the national Registered Dietitian examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Beginning January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration will require a master’s degree to be eligible to take the exam.
The Messiah University Nutrition and Dietetics major curriculum is accredited by ACEND as a Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program (DPD) and enables students to complete the first step towards becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Graduates of the Messiah University Nutrition and Dietetics program who wish to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists apply to ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs/graduate programs (Step 2). After successful completion of a supervised practice program and at least a master’s degree they are eligible to take the national RDN registration exam (Step 3).
Seniors in the Messiah University Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic program are eligible to apply early to the Messiah University Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship. This ACEND-accredited program allows students to complete their supervised practice hours and a master’s degree in one year or two years. Students who successfully complete the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship are eligible to take the national RDN exam.
For additional information on dietetics education contact ACEND at: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400 https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Many states require a license to practice medical nutrition therapy. In the State of Pennsylvania, individuals who have earned the RDN or Clinical Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential may apply to be licensed as dietitian-nutritionists (LDN). Although the LDN license is not required to provide nutrition care in Pennsylvania, many employers require a state license. For a list of the licensure requirements for each US state please see https://www.cdrnet.org/licensure.
In addition to the RDN credential, Nutrition and Dietetics majors can also pursue graduate education in public health, nutrition science, or nutrition education. With additional math and science courses, the major can also provide preparation for applying to medical or dental school or physician assistant programs. Graduates who do not continue their education are employable as dietetic technicians in health care institutions and businesses, nutrition counselors in community nutrition programs, and food service managers in health care institutions, schools, and industry.
The Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science also offers a verification program for individuals who already have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution but have not taken all of the course work required by ACEND. Individuals seeking to obtain verification of the ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics academic requirements complete an individualized plan of study based on evaluation of their academic transcripts, including at least 18 credits in Food and Nutrition courses at Messiah University. Individuals who complete the verification program requirements are eligible to apply for ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs.
ACEND Verification Statement Policy: In addition to meeting graduation requirements or academic verification in dietetics requirements (for students who already have a bachelor’s degree), students who wish to apply to ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs or graduate programs or to take the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered Examination will also need to demonstrate that they are proficient in each aspect of the ACEND core knowledge for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (KRDN) in order to earn a Verification Statement.
A Verification Statement is an official document that signifies that an individual has completed the requirements of a nutrition and dietetics program accredited by the Accreditation Council in Education for Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Verification Statements are required for dietetic internships and eligibility for the Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered exam and may be needed for graduate programs, state licensure, and potential employers.
To receive a Verification Statement, students must earn a 75% or higher on assignments tied to the ACEND core knowledge requirements (KRDNs) in major courses at the Mastery level. Assignments that address each ACEND KRDN are embedded in the nutrition and dietetics major courses.
The ACEND KRDNs are:
Domain 1. Scientific and Evidence Base of Practice: Integration of scientific information and translation of research into practice.
KRDN 1.1: Demonstrate how to locate, interpret, evaluate and use professional literature to make ethical, evidence-based practice decisions.
KRDN 1.2: Select and use appropriate current information technologies to locate and apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols.
KRDN 1.3: Apply critical thinking skills.
Domain 2. Professional Practice Expectations: Beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors for the nutrition and dietetics practitioner level of practice.
KRDN 2.1: Demonstrate effective and professional oral and written communication and documentation.
KRDN 2.2: Describe the governance of nutrition and dietetics practice, such as the Scope of Practice for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Nutrition and Dietetics.
KRDN 2.3: Assess the impact of a public policy position on nutrition and dietetics practice.
KRDN 2.4: Discuss the impact of health care policy and different health care delivery systems on food and nutrition services.
KRDN 2.5: Identify and describe the work of interprofessional teams and the roles of others with whom the registered dietitian nutritionist collaborates.
KRDN 2.6: Demonstrate cultural humility, awareness of personal biases and an understanding of cultural differences as they contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion.
KRDN 2.7: Describe contributing factors to health inequity in nutrition and dietetics including structural bias, social inequities, health disparities and discrimination.
KRDN 2.8: Participate in a nutrition and dietetics professional organization and explain the significant role of the organization.
KRDN 2.9: Defend a position on issues impacting the nutrition and dietetics profession.
Domain 3. Clinical and Client Services: Development and delivery of information, products and services to individuals, groups and populations.
KRDN 3.1: Use the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements to assess nutritional parameters, diagnose nutrition related problems, determine appropriate nutrition interventions and develop plans to monitor the effectiveness of these interventions.
KRDN 3.2: Develop an educational session or program/educational strategy for a target population.
KRDN 3.3: Demonstrate counseling and education methods to facilitate behavior change and enhance wellness for diverse individuals and groups.
KRDN 3.4: Practice routine health screening assessments, including measuring blood pressure and conducting waived point-of-care laboratory testing (such as blood glucose or cholesterol).
KRDN 3.5: Describe concepts of nutritional genomics and how they relate to medical nutrition therapy, health and disease.
KRDN 3.6: Develop nutritionally sound meals, menus and meal plans that promote health and disease management and meet client’s/patient’s needs.
Domain 4. Practice Management and Use of Resources: Strategic application of principles of management and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations.
KRDN 4.1: Apply management theories to the development of programs or services.
KRDN 4.2: Evaluate a budget/financial management plan and interpret financial data.
KRDN 4.3: Demonstrate an understanding of the regulation system related to billing and coding, what services are reimbursable by third party payers, and how reimbursement may be obtained.
KRDN 4.4: Apply the principles of human resource management to different situations.
KRDN 4.5: Apply safety and sanitation principles related to food, personnel and consumers.
KRDN 4.6: Explain the processes involved in delivering quality food and nutrition services.
KRDN 4.7: Evaluate data to be used in decision-making for continuous quality improvement.
Domain 5. Leadership and Career Management: Skills, strengths, knowledge and experience relevant to leadership potential and professional growth for the nutrition and dietetics practitioner.
KRDN 5.1: Perform self-assessment that includes awareness in terms of learning and leadership styles and cultural orientation and develop goals for self-improvement.
KRDN 5.2: Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals.
KRDN 5.3: Practice how to self-advocate for opportunities in a variety of settings (such as asking for needed support, presenting an elevator pitch).
KRDN 5.4: Practice resolving differences or dealing with conflict.
KRDN 5.5: Promote team involvement and recognize the skills of each member.
KRDN 5.6: Demonstrate an understanding of the importance and expectations of a professional in mentoring and precepting others.
Nutrition and Dietetics course syllabi list the ACEND core knowledge requirements (KRDNs) that are being assessed at an introductory, developmental, or mastery level. Students who do not meet a KRDN being assessed at the introductory or developmental level will be notified by their course instructor who will provide strategies for improved performance in the future. When a KRDN is being assessed at a mastery level within a course, students are expected to demonstrate proficient or advanced performance. In the event a student does not achieve proficient or advanced performance the student must remediate the assignment until they have achieved at least proficient performance. Remediation plans are at the discretion of the professor teaching the course. Remediating a KRDN will not change the grade for the assignment. The maximum amount of time allowed for completing program requirements after starting NUTR courses at the 300 level is 6 years.
Progression requirements: To progress into NUTR 410, NUTR 411, and NUTR 425 students must have completed the following courses with no grades lower than a C- in each and with an average GPA of at least 2.50 in them (at least 2.75 if more than one of these courses is transferred to Messiah):
CHEM 105
CHEM 106,
CHEM 204 or CHEM 309 and CHEM 310
BIOL 185 or BIOL 170,
NUTR 121
NUTR 222.
Students who do not achieve the required minimum GPA will not be able to complete the Nutrition and Dietetics major, but will be eligible to complete the Food and Nutrition minor.
Repeat Policy: One course from the list of courses used to determine the progression GPA may be repeated one time. An attempt at a course will include all letter grades as well as W. When extenuating circumstances arise (i.e. significant illness or death in the family), students may appeal this policy by submitting a written letter explaining the rationale for the exception to the DPD Director. If the appeal is denied, the decision may be appealed to the dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Health.