Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP)

The Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) Certificate has been discontinued by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The ISPP (both Local and Distance options) must close no later than 12/31/26. Applications to Dominican University's ISPP will no longer be accepted in order that adequate time be available for completion of the ISPP before it is closed. Those who are currently enrolled will work with their certificate program advisor to complete by 12/31/26.

Local ISPP Program

Our program’s philosophy is to promote the Sinsinawa Dominicans’ dedication to the values-centered intellectual development. Therefore, our program strives to recruit and serve a diversified community as well as promote an appreciation for service to the community and our profession. The Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) meets the same ACEND requirements as traditional pathways such as coordinated programs in dietetics and dietetic internships. To qualify for the ISPP, students must have a bachelor's degree, a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement from an ACEND-accredited DPD program, a completed graduate degree confirmed via official transcript that includes conferral date and type of degree, and must not have received a match through the formal internship matching process (DICAS/D&D Digital).

If you do not have a nutrition-related bachelor's degree:

  • For applicants who wish to pursue the Local ISPP program and do not have a nutrition-related bachelor’s degree, it is required that they enroll first in the Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics Program.
  • Applicants who have graduated with a nutrition-related bachelor’s degree, but have not earned a DPD verification statement, will need their transcripts evaluated to determine whether any further courses are required.

This ISPP certificate program enables students to complete all requirements necessary to become an entry-level Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) through a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice in a variety of nutrition practice settings including community, food service management, outpatient, clinical inpatient,  and specialty rotation sites. All supervised practice experiences are arranged by Dominican University's Coordinated and ISPP Programs in Dietetics and are typically located within a 50 mile radius of our campus. Rotations include training and review sessions both in person at our River Forest campus and virtually. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information about our local ISPP program, please review our Coordinated and Local ISPP Programs Handbook (pdf opens in a new window).

Distance ISPP Program

In addition to the local ISPP program content above, interns in the Distance ISPP program are required to identify their own rotation sites and preceptors. DU program staff assist and guide the intern in this process as well as ensure that all logistical and administrative requirements are met by the proposed practice sites. In order to do this successfully, the intern must be a proven self-starter and adept at self-directed learning. This pathway is designed for those who cannot attend our River Forest campus. To qualify for our remote ISPP program, the student must have a permanent residence more than 100 miles away from Dominican University. Learn more about the distance ISPP Program.

For program philosophy and outcomes, please refer to the local ISPP program. To learn more about the remote ISPP program and program cost, or for information about how to apply, please contact Carol Garcia at cgarcia@dom.edu .

Accreditation

All Dominican University Coordinated and ISPP Programs in Dietetics are accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) an agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy). Upon satisfactory completion of these program requirements, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Information about accreditation status can be obtained from:

Accreditation for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
1 (800) 877-1600 ext 5400
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend or Contact via email.

Requirements and Process to become a Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

In order to become a Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) the following criteria must be met:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree at a university or college accredited by ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics) and received a verification statement of completed requirements. Beginning January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be required to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
  • Complete an ACEND accredited dietetic coordinated program, internship or individualized supervised practice pathway (ISSP).
  • Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). 
  • Secure licensure in your practicing state (if applicable). The state of Illinois requires all Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to be licensed.
  • Maintain professional continuing education requirements.

For additional information on program test completion, pass rates, and progress on program goal outcomes, please visit Dominican University consumer information.

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