The coordinated program in nutrition and dietetics prepares graduates to sit for the registration examination for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). Upon successful completion of all coursework and supervised practice requirements, students receive a B.S. in Dietetics, an M.A. in Health Advancement and Promotion, and a verification statement, which makes them eligible to sit for the registration examination for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs).
The coordinated program in nutrition and dietetics (CP) admits up to 15 first-year* students each calendar year. Entrance into the CP is through a selective process. Students complete two years of prerequisite courses and apply for admission prior to entering their junior year. They then spend 2.5 years (including summer semesters) in the CP.
CP students may also be admitted through an alternate admission process, if they hold a baccalaureate degree and a DPD verification statement from an accredited nutrition and dietetics education program. Admission through this pathway is also selective and is only available if the CP has second year openings that are not filled through current Fontbonne students.
*a first-year student is defined as one who still has two years of undergraduate coursework remaining. Depending upon where they fall in the curriculum at the time of application, some students may be classified to enter as second-year CP students.
The mission of the Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at Fontbonne University is to prepare graduates as competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists. Graduates use their knowledge and skills in food, nutrition, health promotion, and communication to enrich quality of life and advance the health of individuals, families, and communities.
Objectives:
a. At least 90 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
b. 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 percent.
c. Of the employers who respond to the survey, at least 80 percent will report that program graduates are at least adequately prepared for their position.
Objectives:
a. At least 80 percent of program interns will complete program/degree requirements within 3.75 years (150% of the program length).
a.i. At least 80 percent of program interns who enter the program with a bachelor degree and DPD verification statement will complete program/degree requirements within 26 months (150% of the program length).
b. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
c. At least 50 percent of graduates who indicate that they are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields will report being employed in their desired area of practice (i.e. clinical, community, food and nutrition management, consulting and business, or education and research) within 12 months.
d. Of the graduates who respond to the 12 month follow up survey, at least 80% will respond with a “4” or “5” to the question that asks how adequately the supervised practice portion of the program prepared them for their current position.
*outcomes data are available upon request
