Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics

This program offers a certificate to those already holding a baccalaureate degree and needing only to complete the requirements for DPD Didactic Program in Dietetics Verification statement. This certificate program is a non-degree program and offers the ACEND accredited core coursework requirements. The program is designed to assist students in developing breadth and depth of knowledge, skills, values, and competencies in clinical dietetics, community dietetics, and food service management that are necessary for application to dietetic internships (DI) to become a Registered Dietitian or graduate work, and eventual professional practice at the entry level.

The length of time of completion of this program varies depending on previous coursework transferred in, but on average it takes about four semesters. Certificate students must complete a minimum of 34 credit hours from Dominican University. After completion of all courses and receipt of a verification statement or certificate, students are eligible to apply for any ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship where they will complete their supervised practice. This consists of 1000 hours of supervised practice (internship) and is required by the Commission on Dietetic Registration in order to take the registered dietitian examination and attain the RDN credential. Interested students can apply to the Dominican University's ACEND-accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics that provides 1200 hours of supervised practice with RDN preceptors. The supervised practice typically takes an additional two semesters to complete

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics program is as follows: In keeping with the goals of Dominican University and the Sinsinawa Dominican’s dedication to values-centered intellectual development, the program will provide foundational knowledge in dietetics, science and liberal arts. We strive to provide a stimulating learning environment that will enrich diversity and prepare students for post-graduate experiences, advanced degree programs, and entry-level employment in dietetics related fields.

Program Goals

Goal #1: Program graduates will develop the breadth and depth of knowledge, skills, values and competencies in clinical dietetics, community dietetics and food service management that are necessary for dietetic internships (DI) or graduate work, and eventual professional practice at the entry level.

  • Objective 1.1: Program Completion: At least 80% of Nutrition and Dietetics Certificate students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of program length)
  • Objective 1.2: Graduate Application and Acceptance into Supervised Practice: At least 80% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 1.3:  Graduate Application and Acceptance into Supervised Practice: Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 70% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 1.4: Graduate Performance on Registration Exam: 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%.
  • Objective 1.5: Satisfaction with Graduate Performance: At least 80% of dietetic internship program directors will rate the overall preparation of Dominican University DPD graduates as prepared for the dietetic internship.
  • Objective 1.6: Program Graduate’ Satisfaction: At least 80% of program graduates will agree that the program prepared them to enter supervised practice or graduate school.

Goal #2: Program graduates will develop cultural competence and be prepared to work in diverse communities.

  • Objective 2.1: At least 80% of program graduates will agree that they gained an appreciation for cultural diversity through their Dominican experience.

For more information about program curriculum, policies and procedures, please refer to our Student Handbook (pdf). Program outcomes are available at Consumer Information or by request to the Program Director.

The Nutrition and Dietetics Certificate curriculum at Dominican is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 S. Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(800) 877-1600
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

Learn more about educational pathways to become an RDN.