Dietetics – the application of food and nutrition knowledge to promote health, prevent disease and minimize disability – is a rapidly growing profession in allied health. Dietitians are dedicated to helping the public attain better health and longevity through the use of sound nutrition practices. Saint Louis University's nutrition and dietetics program is one of the few in the nation that allows you to become both a registered dietitian nutritionist and a certified chef. Graduates are prepared with foundation knowledge and skills to enter the field of nutrition.
Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who are dedicated to improving lives through nutrition. RDNs use their nutrition expertise to help individuals and groups make lifestyle changes to both prevent and treat nutrition-related illnesses. Translating the science of nutrition into solutions for healthy living, RDNs are equipped with the knowledge to impact lives.
To become a registered dietitian, students must:
- Complete a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics
- Complete a supervised practice program
- Pass a national examination
- Complete continuing professional educational requirements
The Saint Louis University Dietetics Association is the on-campus organization established by students to promote nutrition and dietetics and to provide student opportunities for leadership and service. Departmental welcome picnics, open houses, holiday parties and research presentations allow students to socialize with faculty and peers.
Spend time in the Salus Center Kitchen or Fresh Gatherings Caf© – a modern culinary food lab and student-run dining facility – to gain experience planning, preparing and serving meals.
*Effective Jan. 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 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). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited program at Saint Louis University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program/apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN, please click here.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate effective professional communication in the transmission of food and nutrition information.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to develop patient-centered care plans that reflect a value for the inherent worth of others.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate nutrition education methods to facilitate diet changes in diverse populations.
- Graduates will be able to articulate the value of nutrition and dietetics professionals in an interprofessional care context.
- Graduates will be able to evidence the proper use of professional literature to make evidence-based nutrition care decisions.
Program Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: To prepare a generalist, internship-eligible graduate who has achieved basic competencies as identified by the Core Knowledge Requirements and Expected Learning Outcomes
- 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%.
- At least 70% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
- At least 50% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
- A minimum of 80% of students completing dietetic internships and/or post-baccalaureate programs will indicated that they "strongly agree" or "agree" that their undergraduate education adequately prepared them for their post BS education.
- At least 80% of students completing dietetic internships and/or post-baccalaureate programs will indicate that they strongly agree or agree that their undergraduate education made them competitive with colleagues from other programs.
- At least 80% of program students* complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length). Program completion rate is calculated by tracking students from the beginning of the junior year. *ACEND specific Objectives
Goal 2: To prepare a graduate who is knowledgeable about nutritional care in multiple settings and demonstrates specific personal and professional competencies.
- A minimum of 80% of dietetic internship directors will indicate that graduates were more than satisfactorily prepared for success in their dietetic internship program.
- A minimum of 80% of students will indicate that they strongly agree or agree that they felt adequately prepared for the dietetic internship program.
Goal 3: To provide a basis for further development and life-long learning that will assure continued competence.
- A minimum of 85% of graduates will answer that they agree or strongly agree that the DPD program instilled a desire for continued development as a self-learner.
Goal 4: To prepare a graduate who will contribute to society based on development of a sense of community and social/civic responsibility.
- A minimum of 75% of graduating seniors will have participated in a total of at least 20 hours of service learning by the end of the DPD program.
- A minimum of 85% of graduates will indicate that they agree or strongly agree that the DPD program supported development of judgments respectful of the inherent dignity and worth of individuals.
