Program Description
The Nutrition & Dietetics program is based on the completion of two years of prerequisite coursework at any accredited college or university. The professional program includes theory, laboratory, research and clinical experiences. Students participate as active members of the nutrition-care team in multiple clinical settings. Administrative affiliation experience involve decision-making assignments in volume-feeding operations. Upon completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, the graduate is eligible to take the registration examination offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and become a registered dietitian.
PROGRAM GOALS
- Prepare graduates to be competent entry-level dietitians who are eligible to write the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
- Prepare graduates who are servant leaders in their chosen profession
- Provide professionally trained Registered Dietitians with either an emphasis in medical nutrition or public Health nutrition who may be employed by the healthcare and educational systems of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, or local, national, or international entities.
Pass rate of first-time test takers on the registration examination. Over a five-year period, the pass rate for CP graduates taking the registration examination for the first time will be at least 80%. Students enrolled in the professional courses in the third year of bachelor-level CP or first year of a graduate level CP that are expected to complete program/degree requirements within 150% of the time planned for completion. Over a five-year period, 70% or more of CP graduates who sought employment in dietetics will be employed within three months of program completion. Program graduates will become servant leaders in their profession roles.
Program Length
3 years (undergraduate coursework) plus 1 year (graduate coursework)*Important Changes in Application Dates and Process the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND)
For prospective applicants planning to apply for Summer 2025, please note that the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) is requiring all accredited programs to follow a specified timeline:
- Our program will be required to send a decision regarding acceptance by March 1.
- If you are accepted into the program, you will be required to confirm or decline the acceptance by March 15.
- The March 1 and 15 dates will be the same every year.
- 2024-2025 application cycle (for those applying for Summer 2025), the application deadline will be January 31, 2025.
- Beginning September 1, 2025, all application will submitted via DICAS.
- Additional details to follow in the future.
Possible Careers
Numerous opportunities are available for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) assess patient’s nutritional needs, develop personalized nutrition treatment programs, and evaluate and report results. Dietitians also work in public health clinics, home health agencies, major supermarkets, and food service facilities. Some dietitians oversee large-scale food production and service facilities in health care, col-lege and university cafeterias, correctional facilities, and school food service.Dietitians work under contract with extended health-care facilities or in their own private practice. Others work for wellness programs, sports teams, or other nutrition-related businesses. Some dietitians engage in research activities to enhance the profession. Increased interest in nutrition has led to opportunities in food manufacturing, advertising, and marketing, among others.
Application Deadlines
| Quarter | Application Open | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer of 2025 | Sep 1, 2024 | — | Jan 31, 2025 |
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the program is based upon a selective process. To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must:
- Complete program prerequisites
- Have a 3.0 G.P.A., or above, in both science and non-science prerequisite courses
- Complete an online application
- Provide recommendations
- Complete an interview
Prerequisites
- Arts & Humanities – 16 quarter units/11 semester units. Select from at least three (3) subject areas: Art/Music (performing arts limited to 4 qtr/2 sem units), Art/Music Appreciation, Civilization/History, Literature, Philosophy, Religion, Foreign Language/American Sign Language)
- College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus
- Human Anatomy with Lab & Human Physiology with Lab (complete sequence)
- General Chemistry with Lab (one full year)
- Microbiology with Lab
- A Psychology course
- A Sociology course
- Social Science Elective (Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, or an additional Psychology or Sociology)
- English Composition (complete sequence)
- Speech/Public Speaking
- Physical Education Activity (two courses) or military discharge papers (DD214)
- Human Nutrition
- Certificate of Completion or grade for a Medical Terminology course
Discipline Accrediting Agency
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040, ext. 5400. Website: www.eatright.com/ACEND, Email: acend@eatright.org
Expected Cost of Attendance
The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.
Required Program Costs
Academic Year 2024-2025
| Year of Program Months Enrolled |
Year 1 9 |
Year 2 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $30,226 | $35,301 |
|
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance (May or may not be purchased through the school) |
$5,473 | $3,200 |
Other Educational Costs
Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.
Notes
The cost of attendance varies from year to year. Please contact the office of Student Finance for up-to-date costs.- Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
- Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
- To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.