Nutrition & Dietetics: Didactic Program Mission, Goals & Outcomes

All Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited programs must meet certain basic requirements. One such requirement is that the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) clearly states its mission, goals, and expected program outcomes. This outcome data collected is used to maintain or improve the program effectiveness.

Mission

The mission for Marywood University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is to provide a broad based educational curriculum that includes preparation in the liberal arts as well as nutrition/dietetic theory, which is based on the Foundation Knowledge Requirements and Learning Outcomes of ACEND. This educational framework provides the knowledge needed not only for successful entry into dietetic internships and graduate school, but also for the flexibility which permits changing roles and the development of skills needed for future specializations that the students wish to pursue.

Goals & Outcomes

Goal

#1 To provide quality didactic learning experiences that prepare graduates to move toward an accredited dietetic internship program, attend graduate school, or pursue other career options.

Outcomes

1. At least 80% of students enrolled in the professional courses in the third year of the bachelor-level DPD are expected to complete program/degree requirements within 150% of the time planned for completion.
2. Over a five-year period, 60% of DPD graduates will apply to supervised practice programs the academic year they complete the program.
3. Over a five-year period, 80% of those applying to supervised practice programs the academic year they complete the program will be accepted.
4. On senior program evaluation responses, 80% of the knowledge and skill statements will be selected as competent or highly competent with a mean for each competency of 2 (competent) or better.
5. On graduate evaluation responses, 80% of the knowledge and skill statements will each have mean of 2 (competent) or better.
6. On employer evaluation responses of students who have pursued a career in nutrition and dietetics, 80% of the knowledge and skill statements will have a mean of 2 (competent) or better.
7. Of the DPD graduates who did not apply to or were not accepted into a dietetic internship 80% will attend graduate school or pursue other career options.

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Goal

#2 To provide quality didactic learning experiences that prepare graduates who are accepted and who complete an accredited internship program to become competent entry-level dietitians.

Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of an accredited dietetic internship program the average score for first-time candidates on the National Dietetics Registration Exam will be at least 80%.
2. On graduate evaluation responses, 80% of the respondents will rate the program good to excellent.   
3. On employer evaluation responses, 80% of the respondents will indicate that they would employ a Marywood University graduate.