Content Comparison

Director:
Nancy Rindfuss, M.A., R.D.N., C.D.N.
554 White Hall
(315) 443-2269
napaul@syr.edu Link

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Program

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Registered dietitians/nutritionists (R.D.N.s) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following four criteria to earn and maintain the R.D.N. credential.

1. Complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The curriculum is based upon the foundation knowledge for didactic content. The 2022 ACEND Standards for Didactic Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics are currently in effect.

2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. The supervised practice program is based upon the competencies for entry-level dietitians found in the 2022 ACEND Standards for Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics. Typically, a supervised practice program will run 10-12 months in length.

3. Beginning 1/1/24, a master's degree will be required in order to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian.

4. Pass a national examination administered by C.D.R. Some states require you to gain licensure. New York State currently does not. Information on the test Specifications 2022-2026 can be found on the C.D.R. website.

5. Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

   1. Complete 75 credits every 5 years

Nutritionist is a title used by nutrition professionals who typically work in the community for a government program, business, or health association (American Heart Association, National Dairy Council, Women, Infants and Children). It is important to note, however, that the title “nutritionist” can be used by anyone and does not require a person to have background or credentials in nutrition. Use of the job title “nutritionist” is no indication that the employer does or does not require applicants to be registered dietitians (R.D.s). Anyone using the title “dietitian” must be certified as an R.D.N. by C.D.R. In a community or business setting, the R.D.N. credential is not always a requirement, such as the W.I.C. Program.

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The Syracuse University Didactic Program in Dietetics (D.P.D.) is a nutrition program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) under the Standards of Education as meeting academic requirements leading to at least a bachelor's degree. Upon program completion, graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition. When verified by the program director, a D.P.D. graduate may apply to a supervised practice (dietetic internship) program. There are several hundred programs.  Some dietetic internships are combined with a graduate program/degree.  Policy for D.P.D. Verification Form.

D.P.D. Program Mission/Philosophy

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All of these knowledge requirements are taught throughout the D.P.D. curriculum. The classes these are taught in are determined by the faculty and staff through peer-reviewed faculty curriculum assessment.

Domain 1 - Scientific and Evidence Base of Practice: Integration of scientific information and translation of research into practice.

K.R.D.N. 1.1 Demonstrate how to locate, interpret, evaluate, and use professional literature to make ethical, evidence-based practice decisions.

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D.P.D. Program Goals & Outcome Measures

1. Graduates will successfully advance to supervised practice programs, graduate education and or careers in food and nutrition.  

2. Graduates will demonstrate knowledge, skills and professionalism necessary to succeed in nutrition and dietetics professions. 

Program outcome data is available upon request by contacting the program director.

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Graduates will successfully advance to supervised practice programs, graduate education and or careers in food and nutrition.

Outcome Measures

1. At least 50% of program graduates will apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation. (RE 2.1.c.1.b.1)  

2. Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 50% are admitted within 12 months of graduation. (RE 2.1.c.1.b.2)

3. At least 70% of program graduates will be assessed with "satisfactory" (greater than or equal to 3 on a scale of 1-5) performance in their supervised practice and/or graduate program. (RE 2.1.c.1.d) 

4. Of program graduates who apply to a graduate program during their senior year, at least 60% are admitted. (Program specific). 

5. Of program graduates who apply for employment during their senior year, 60% will gain job/employment placement. (Program specific) 

Program Goal Two:

Graduates will demonstrate knowledge, skills and professionalism necessary to succeed in nutrition and dietetics professions.  

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RE=Required Element by ACEND                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

N.S.D. Faculty, Adjuncts and Staff 

View an online listing of Faculty, Professional and Administrative Staff

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Costs are subject to change. Check with the Admissions and Housing Offices for updates. The student should be prepared to pay the necessary fees to complete the D.P.D. Program. Expenses for attending Syracuse University as an undergraduate and graduate student can be found at Cost of Attendance.

Financial Aid

Information about financial aid and loan deferment can be found at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs.

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Advisors are responsible for developing a thorough knowledge of the institution, including academic requirements, program options, and general University resources. Advisors are expected to involve students by encouraging them to ask questions, gather information, and explore options so that they may develop a meaningful academic plan. For more information on academic advising, see the Falk website. Degree Works found in MySlice is available for each student to monitor their degree progress.

Advisors will:

• assist in the planning of your schedule each semester,

• be available to students on a regular basis,

• monitor their advisees' progress, including faculty notifications via Orange Success,

• assist in considering career options,

• make appropriate referrals to other campus offices, and

• counsel students into career paths appropriate to their ability when necessary.

Academic Support and Falk Student Support Services

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The sequence of classes you take as an undergraduate D.P.D. student is included in this manual. (Please see the D.P.D. Nutrition Undergraduate Spring Study Abroad Course Sequence - Option II and Graduate Coursework Allowing for D.P.D. Verification at Syracuse University) Sequencing is based upon pre-requisites and some classes may be offered only in the Spring or only in the Fall.  Come to your advising meetings with a basic plan of what you would like to take based upon this schedule or the one prepared for you if you are a transfer student. Be warned that if you take matters into your own hands (e.g., dropping classes or taking alternative courses), that you might jeopardize when you can finish the D.P.D. program or if you will be verified. Typically, students complete their undergraduate degree in four (4) years. An alternative sequence can be designed with your faculty advisor to fit your study abroad, minor and/or double major plans. (Please see the section D.P.D. Nutrition Undergraduate Fall Study Abroad Course Sequence - Option I) The sequence for graduate students desiring D.P.D. verification is also included in this manual and is based upon an evaluation of your undergraduate transcripts. (Please see the section D.P.D. Nutrition Undergraduate Spring Study Abroad Course Sequence - Option II) 

International Students

Students with an international bachelor’s degree must have their transcripts evaluated by a foreign degree evaluation agency found on the ACEND website. The summary section of the evaluation report must state from a "regionally accredited institution." Have the evaluation sent to the D.P.D. Director, 554 White Hall, Syracuse NY 13244.

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Experiential learning is an important avenue for dietetic students to display civic responsibility, learn about the field, get practical experience, and build your resume. Volunteering can start with a simple informational interview or job shadowing. Many times, a successful volunteer experience can turn into a paid position. Volunteer opportunities can be a one-time, one-day event or they can be a standard part of your weekly schedule. Although one-day experiences are appropriate, it is the long-term sustained experiences that are truly valued by students themselves, internship directors, and future employers. Start engaging in volunteer experiences early in your college career. Do not wait until your junior or senior year when it is too late and obvious on your resume/application. Volunteer experience may help you get into a supervised practice program after you graduate. It is recommended (but not required) that you acquire at least 250 hours of nutrition-related volunteer experience through your college career from a variety of settings such as: clinical—inpatient or outpatient hospital settings and nursing homes (junior or senior year), community (soup kitchens, Shaw Programs, C.N.Y. Food Bank, Head Start, and W.I.C. are a few suggestions) and food service (S.U. Dining Services, school food service, restaurant, or catering). If you can get paid for your experience - great! This is all based on the honor system and there is no signature required of you from the person you volunteer or work for to collect these hours. Do come up with a good system to track your hours you work or volunteer as it will be required of you to document this in your dietetic internship application in your senior year — it will be hard to remember all of this without it being written down. See form in the Appendix that you may use to track your hours. A good question to ask yourself when deciding if a work or volunteer experience is appropriate to do is "will I be doing this potentially as a dietetic intern?" If the answer is yes, then go ahead with it because dietetic internship directors are looking to see if you are familiar with the nutrition field (clinical, food services and community areas) when they review your application to their internship.

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To make the job shadowing experience successful, the student will

• dress according to the standards of the particular site,

• call the site before the scheduled time if unable to attend on the appointed day,

• arrive at the site at the agreed upon time,

• follow all guidelines and policies of the site,

• complete all required paperwork (permission, medical authorizations, etc.).

The person you “shadow” is not required to sign any paperwork for you. You do not turn in any form that proves you completed the volunteer hours to our program. This is all done based on the honor system. You will however be asked to elaborate about your experience in an interview setting if it is listed in your portfolio, resume or Dietetic Internship application.

Benefits of Job Shadowing include

• learning about the job and whether this is something you would enjoy and/or be capable of doing,

• becoming familiar with the job setting,

• making professional contacts for mentoring and possible employment.

Informational Interview

An informational interview can be conducted alone or as part of a job shadowing experience. It is never too early to start these interviews. I suggest students conduct at least 2-3 informational interviews per academic year, so that you meet a variety of professionals, start to see how the field works, potentially secure volunteer experiences, and build your network.

Here are two other excellent resources to help you prepare to secure and conduct effective informational interviews.

• A very thorough tutorial for all aspects of informational interviews.

• Here are specific and varied informational interview questions which might be helpful.

In general, consider asking about

• Experiences and training required for position

• Previous professional experiences

• Opportunities for advancement

• A typical day

• Working conditions

• Starting salary range and benefits 

Tracking Your Experiences

Track your volunteer, shadowing, and informational interviews on your dietetics experience worksheet. For each volunteer, shadowing, or interview experience, record a few notes on the form provided in the appendix of this handbook. Record such information as: Description and location of the experience, Name of person shadowed/interviewed/supervising you and contact information, date(s) of experience, hours spent at the facility, etc. Make a note regarding what you learned and reactions to the experience. When it comes time to complete your internship application, you will appreciate having this record of your four years of volunteer experiences.

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A portfolio is a purposeful collection of student work that exhibits the student’s efforts, progress, and achievement in one or more areas. It is a crucial part of the internship or job selection process. It may not only get you an interview, but it also may clinch an internship spot or job offer. It is important for you to have an effective way to show your work. A portfolio should demonstrate self-awareness, understanding of the field, creative ability, technical proficiency, and an abundance of ideas. It should be a systematic package of your visual solutions to real or practice assignments. The overall appearance and content of your portfolio leaves a lasting impression about your unique style, talent, and expertise.

Why keep a portfolio?

• It is a method for tracking your accomplishments.

• It is a marketing tool representing you.

• Depending upon the quality of your experiences and documentation, some supervised practice programs might give you clock hour credit.

The Best Portfolio

• Is neat and carefully organized.

• Includes samples of high quality.

• Does not include everything you have ever done. Choose only your very best work and select pieces that are relevant to the internship/employment selection committee.

• Demonstrates consistency in style and skill.

• Includes a sample of work in different stages to show your progression of ideas/learning.

• Includes how you solved problems with alternate solutions to demonstrate creative versatility.

• Illustrates your skills and talents.

• Displays your accomplishments.

• Explains your resume.

• Markets who you are and what you have done.

• Is a communication tool during an interview.

• Helps you know and understand yourself better, to set goals and to be able to talk about who you are, what you’ve done and what you want to accomplish.

Developing Your Portfolio

• On the volunteer/experience form in the Appendix, track your experiences/assignments that you might want to include in your portfolio.

• Start a holding box to secure these examples until you are ready to assemble it.

• Research the potential internship or employer. Slant your portfolio's contents to solutions developed with these customers in mind.

• Review, assemble examples and develop a sequence for your work. Start with your strongest and most favorite work.

• Organize your portfolio to demonstrate how your skills will meet their needs and how they can profit from it.

• Choose pieces to represent your interests and philosophy.

• Decide on an orientation (portrait or landscape). Do not have pieces facing in different directions.

• Create an introduction and a list of contents.

• Evaluate. Get feedback from faculty/ career specialist on content & presentation.

What are you trying to convey through your portfolio?

Skills/attribute development and competence 

• Self-knowledge

• Continual self-evaluation and learning

• Responsible, motivation, and hard-working

• Written and oral communication skills

• Emotional intelligence

• Leadership skills

• Work alone or in a team

• Civic responsible

• Cross cultural competence

• Research skills

• Professional and ethical responsibilities

Engaged in...

• Inter-professional learning and experiences

• Mentoring relationships

• Volunteer work

• Cross learning (applying what you learned in one class to another or to a volunteer experience)

Outcomes

• Meeting ACEND Knowledge and Skills Competencies through class assignments, volunteer & work

• Accomplishments

Content for your portfolio - a few ideas….

• One page resume

• Followed by your philosophy

• A page or two from your N.S.D. 216 pre- or post-production report that illustrates what you were doing as manager

• Print "handout" in 6 slides per page format of a PowerPoint presentation you created

• The printout of the webpage you designed

• A menu from a restaurant where you were a cook for one or more of the menu items

• Your advocacy letter from N.S.D. 455

• A flyer or brochure you designed to promote an activity for your organization

• Protocol page from a research project you assisted

• Photo w/caption of a display you created to educate the public on a nutrition or wellness issue

• A Cut out of an article you wrote for the Daily Orange or local newspaper

• Certificate of an award you won or membership in an honor society

• Letter of thanks for volunteering at food or nutrition-related community service organization

• A nutrition education piece designed in N.S.D. 511

• Photos of a research poster session you helped to author

• Abstract from N.S.D. 457

• A copy of your client evaluation and or self-evaluation from N.S.D. 512

• ServSafe certification

• C.I.T.I training certificate

How should you create a professional portfolio - from Kimeldorf’s Portfolio Power

1. Develop a collection of data for the portfolio’s content

2. Analyze the data critically and prioritize each portfolio element

3. Plot your career goals and career changes

4. Assemble your portfolio to target your goals

5. Check your final portfolio for details

6. Professional appearance

7. Have it reviewed by others

8. Practice incorporating it into an interview.

Portfolio Format

Most experts agree that the portfolio should have between 10 - 20 diverse pieces. All pieces should be of excellent quality, not a returned graded (marked) assignment. The most common portfolio is simulated leather, multi-ring with pages that allow inclusion of loose samples. This has the advantage of keeping your work in sequence and well protected. Avoid large, "student" size books; stick with 8 or 11x14". This portfolio will contain the start of a collection of things you have created.

Type a short explanation caption to attach to each item if it isn't self-explanatory.

• Purpose

• Self-evaluation

• Skills acquired

• Goals

More and more students are turning to technology to showcase their work on C.D., laptops or through the W.W.W. As access to the W.W.W. becomes commonplace and designers are developing solid Web design skills, creating a site that showcases your work is yet another option. As with any portfolio, only include work on your site that you would want an employer to see. It is wise to check to see what an employer's preference and capabilities are in terms of viewing an interactive version of your portfolio. Weebly or Wix are sample formats.

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Courses that are taught online require access to technology so that students can reliably attend class and engage in course activities.   Visit our Online Success Toolkit and ITS New Student and Welcome web pages for more information.

Blackboard is the Supported Learning Management System at Syracuse University. Online testing is completed using Blackboard which includes Microsoft two-factor authentication. Digital identities at Syracuse University begin with the application process. The process includes the creation of a unique Syracuse University computing and network system identifier (NetID). The NetID and password enable a student to access our systems, such as the learning management system. Access to the University's computing network and online services are controlled through the NetID username and a password. Information about the Net ID and Password process can be found at: Net ID and Password.

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What to consider when applying to supervised practice programs

• Part time or full time

• Length of the program

• If grant a master’s degree, earn graduate credit, or offer no graduate credit at all

• Number of students accepted

• Emphasis: general, clinical, community/public health, or food management

• Location of country

• Setting of program: Health care institution, community agency, University or College setting

• Cost

Beginning the search process

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Completing the application process

• Pay attention to directions! There may be some D.I.s that request a paper application; most do not.

• Refer to this site to access the D.I.C.A.S. (Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System) Application. There are fees for each program you apply to.

• Make sure you complete each program’s requirements and application forms according to the directions (i.e., some programs require G.R.E.’s and you also have to apply to their graduate program).

• If you do not meet the minimum qualifications, i.e., grade point average, your chances of being accepted are greatly diminished.

• You will need three letters of recommendation. It is suggested that one be from your D.P.D. program director. Since most students apply at about the same time - ask your references early. Provide a resume and information about the programs you are applying to.

• The “Intent to Complete” is initiated by you and completed by the D.P.D. Program Director.

• Most supervised practice programs use a computerized matching system to select their class. You register with D & D Digital to complete this process. You rank order your preference for the programs to which you are applying. The cost for the computer matching process is ~$55.00. Be sure to follow the D & D Digital timeline for the annual match dates. The deadline for the Spring match is typically February 15th of each year. There is a fee for each program you apply to in D.I.C.A.S. and a separate fee that is paid directly to the dietetic internship.

• Remember, there are two opportunities to “match”, April and November. If you find the D.I. Program on the Academy website, it will tell which match process they participate with. The most popular is spring.

• Upon program completion, with the Falk College Recorder confirming your degree, a D.P.D. Verification is issued by the D.P.D. Director and mailed to you. This typically takes a few weeks after graduation. You should receive your Verification Statement by the end of July. You submit this to your D.I. director upon starting your program. You also will need to provide them with an official transcript that shows you were awarded a bachelor’s degree.

Interviewing

• Once you have applied, your application is reviewed and:

• If you meet the program’s requirements, an interview might be scheduled. If at all possible, visit the program in person. If this is not possible, ask if a telephone interview can be arranged.

• The interview provides the program the opportunity to meet you and judge how well you would “fit” into the program. It also provides you with an opportunity to see if the program “fits” your needs.

  • You might want to consider the following while reviewing the various programs:

  • How flexible is the program?

  • With what type of learning environment do you best learn? Do you need structure or do you learn better independently?

  • What are your long-term goals? How will the program help you achieve them?

  • What percentage of the students have successfully taken the registration exam?

  • Does the program help you with career placement?

  • The number of positions and the geographic location (i.e., some of the most competitive will be in the major metropolitan areas such as Boston, New York, Atlanta, and Baltimore). Consider your chances of successfully matching with a program that accepts a limited number of students and is located in a highly desirable metropolitan area.

• If you are granted an interview, be prepared by:

  • Finding out if you are being interviewed by one person, a panel, or rotating through a series of interviews.

  • Ask how long the interview lasts.

  • Are there sample questions to help you prepare?

  • Will you have the opportunity to tour the facility?

  • Will you have the opportunity to meet current students?

• On the day of the interview:

  • Arrive early.

  • Wear conservative professional attire.

  • Bring your portfolio.

• The actual interview provides you with the opportunity to “sell” yourself.

  • Be clear as to why you want this particular program.

  • Explain any low academic grades.

  • Describe work or volunteer experience and how the skills you learned will enhance your performance in the supervised practice.

  • Show your portfolio.

  • Some programs test the academic knowledge of the students before accepting the student.

Match Process

Find up-to-date information regarding the match policies and procedures at ACEND Dietetic Internship Match Students.

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Some resources you can find at the ACEND website include

• F.A.Q.: Top 10 Questions about Computer Matching for Dietetic Internships (D.I.s)

• Availability of Dietetic Internship Positions

• Suggestions to Improve Your Chances at Getting a Dietetic-Internship Position

• Computer Matching: Applicant Responsibilities

• How to Apply for a Dietetic Internship

• Computer Matching Timelines

• Video for D.I.C.A.S.

Registration Exam

Once you have successfully completed a Dietetic Internship and graduate degree (see below), you will be verified as eligible to take the Registration Exam for Dietitians. The exam is computerized. We highly encourage you to take your R.D. exam as soon as you are eligible because the longer you wait, the likelihood of obtaining a lower or failing score increases. The overall 3-year average pass rate in the country for test takers who passed within one year of their first attempt is 89%; The current 3-year average (2020-2022) R.D.N. pass rate for S.U. graduates taking the R.D. Exam for the first time= 93%.

The Registration Examination for Dietitians is designed to evaluate a dietitian's ability to perform at entry-level. The content domains and topics are based on R.D.N. practice audits. Keeping good notes during your four years that are well organized will be useful for studying for the exam. 

After January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (C.D.R.) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (R.D.N.). Learn more about this requirement.  Unless you were enrolled in a dietetic internship during the 2022-2023 year, you will be required to complete a master's degree (in any field) before you are eligible to take the RDN credentialing exam. 

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Free online with your A.N.D. membership or through the S.U. library.

1. Evidence-Based Practice: What Are Dietitians’ Perceptions, Attitudes, and Knowledge?, Laura D. Byham-Gray, Judith A. Gilbride, L. Beth Dixon, Frances King Sage J Am Diet Assoc October 2005;105 (10):1574-1581

2. 2016 Academy Member Benefits Update, Jim Weinland, Lilliane Smothers, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Vol. 116, Issue 4, p563–566, Published in issue: April 2016

3. Report on the American Dietetic Association/ADA Foundation/Commission on Dietetic Registration 2004 Dietetics Professionals Needs Assessment, Dick Rogers J Am Diet Assoc September 2005;105(9):1348-1355

4. Predictors for Research Involvement among Registered Dietitians, Laura D. Byham-Gray, Judith A. Gilbride, L. Beth Dixon, Frances King Stage J Am Diet Assoc December 2006;106(12):2008-2015

5. Academic Measures Available in Sophomore Year can Predict Application and Admission to Dietetic Supervised Practice Programs, Catherine English J Am Diet Assoc August 1995; 95(8):904-907

6. Criteria that predict dietetics success: How to prepare students for coordinated undergraduate programs, Kim L Dittus, Kevin J Wise, Dorothy Pond-Smith J Am Diet Assoc February 1994;94(2)150

7. Dietitian, Dietician, or Nutritionist? Wendy Marcason, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Vol. 115, Issue 3, p484, Published in issue: March 2015

8. Leadership Development: Preparing Dietetics Professionals for Success, Susan H. Laramee, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Vol. 114, Issue 5, S4, Published in issue: May 2014.

Professional Development Portfolio

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AppendixA AppendixA

Suggested D.P.D. Course Sequence by Year and Pre-Requisites

Freshmen

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

D.P.D./Nutrition Undergraduate Course Sequence - Fall 2023

Freshmen

Fall

Spring

Sophomore

Fall

Spring

Junior

Fall

Spring

Senior

Fall

Spring

Total Degree Credits to Equal 124

* N.S.D. 452  452 or other approved S.U.A. classes can count for required N.S.D. 555  555 Food Environment and Culture

Required Flexible Courses (22-24 credits)

(Also refer to S.U. 2023-2024 Course Catalog)

62 credits of liberal arts required

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AppendixC AppendixC

D.P.D. Nutrition Undergraduate Fall Study Abroad Course Sequence – Option I

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Same as above

Sophomore

Fall

Spring

Junior

Fall

Spring

Senior

Fall

Spring

* Complete N.S.D. 555  555 if a comparable Food and Culture class was not taken abroad

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Same as above

Sophomore

Fall

Spring

Junior

Fall

Spring

Senior

Fall

Spring

* Complete N.S.D. 555  555 if a comparable Food and Culture class was not taken abroad.

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Assumes 100% of the following five courses are complete:

Take at least 10 credit hours per semester.

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