Dietetics

Kansas State University's CPD and DPD programs are recognized among the dietetics profession as some of the top programs in the nation. The dietetics programs at K-State prepare students for careers as credentialed dietitians who will provide leadership in the delivery of foodservice management and nutrition services for the people of Kansas and around the world.

• Dietetics as a Profession
• Program Requirements
• Student Handbook (Adobe Acrobat)
  • CP Student Handbook (Adobe Acrobat)
  • CP Preceptor Handbook (Adobe Acrobat)
• Coordinated Program in Dietetics Newsletter - Fall 2011

Program Philosophy

Dietetics education at K-State is based on the belief that dietitians are uniquely qualified to provide the latest information and guidance relating to questions of normal and clinical nutrition and foodservice management. The dietetics curriculum combines courses in biological and physical sciences, the humanities, quantitative studies, business, and communications with in-depth courses in food science, nutrition and foodservice management to provide a strong base for professional success. Every effort is made to prepare students for professional practice in our service-oriented, information-based society. The importance of quality and service is emphasized because client needs and expectations must be the central focus of innovative dietetics practice. As a professional, the K-State dietetics graduate will practice on-going self-evaluation, lifelong learning, and adherence to both a personal and professional code of ethics.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Assessment of Student Learning in the College of Human Ecology, Undergraduate Programs - Dietetics (BS Degree)

Our Programs

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Kansas State University provides the necessary coursework to meet the academic requirements of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (hereafter known as “The Academy”). Upon completion of the DPD, the student earns a B.S. degree in dietetics and receives a “Verification Statement” attesting to the completion of the required coursework to apply for an accredited dietetic internship after graduation. Once the required internship is completed, the individual may sit for the national Registration Examination for Dietitians, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

The K-State DPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995.

Admission to the DPD

Students should apply for admission to the DPD three (3) semesters before they plan to graduate. Applications are due by February 15 for spring semester admission and by September 25 for fall semester admission.

In order to apply for admission to the DPD, the student must:

• Have no grade lower than a B in any of the following required science courses:
  • BIOL 198 Principles of Biology
  • BIOL 340 Human Body OR KIN 360 Anatomy & Physiology
  • BIOL 455 General Microbiology OR HMD 220 Environmental Issues
  • CHM 210 Chemistry I
  • CHM 230 Chemistry II
  • CHM 350 General Organic Chemistry AND BIOCH 521 General Biochemistry OR BIOCH 265 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
• Have no grade lower than a B in any required HMD course or HN courses.  See the listing of “Professional Studies” courses
• Submit an updated DARS report from the student’s iSIS account which shows all courses officially transferred to Kansas State University from other institutions as well as all completed K-State courses.
• Submit a current resume which shows evidence that the student has attempted to gain exposure to the breadth of dietetics practice through either paid or volunteer dietetics-related work experience, shadowing of RDs, attendance at professional meetings, etc.
• Submission of an active link to the student’s current online professional portfolio (typically created in the HMD 130 Careers in Nutrition & Dietetics course).

All materials should be submitted as one PDF file to the DPD director, Dr. Deb Canter, at canter@k-state.edu by February 15 if applying in spring semester or by September 25 if applying in fall semester. Students applying to the Kansas State University Distance Education Program’s DPD should submit application materials to Karla Girard, distance education coordinator, at kgirard@k-state.edu. For further info about the online program, contact Karla at (785) 532-5664.

Admission to the DPD does NOT guarantee acceptance into a post-baccalaureate dietetic internship. According to ACEND, over the last several years, only approximately 50% of those who apply to dietetic internships are accepted on their first try. Acceptance into a dietetic internship requires a high GPA, strong and varied work experience, and evidence of leadership as well as a well-designed application, a positive interview and strong recommendations from faculty or work supervisors.

For further information, see the DPD Student Handbook on the K-State Online Dietetics Advising Website or contact:

Deborah D. Canter, PhD, RD, LD
Professor and Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics
Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics
Kansas State University
113 Justin Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-1404
Phone: (785) 532-2216
Fax: (785) 532-5522
Email: canter@k-state.edu

Coordinated Program in Dietetics

The CP at K-State meets BOTH the academic and supervised practice experience requirements of the American Dietetic Association. The CP year provides a 1200-hour supervised practice experience. The program provides a management operators semester, clinical care semester and a community-based summer senior.

Upon completion of the CP, the graduate is immediately eligible to sit for the national Registration Examination for Dietitians of the Commission on Dietetic Registration. For further information about the CPD, contact:

Amber Howells, MS, RD, LD
Instructor and Director, Coordinated Program in Dietetics
148A Justin Hall
Kansas State University
Phone: (785) 532-5576
Email: geist78@k-state.edu

• Coordinated Program Mission Statement and Program Goals (Adobe Acrobat)

During the semester students are finishing the professional coursework, they will apply for admission to the Coordinated program. All work experience projects must be completed at the time of application.

Admission Requirements

• No grade lower than a C in a science course or a professional course (HMD or HN course) if admitted prior to Fall 2012
• If admitted Fall 2012 or after, no grade lower than a B in a science course or a professional course
• Professional reference
• Instructor references
• Committee interview

Coordinated Program Forms

• Application for the CP:
  • Application Packet Instructions (Adobe Acrobat)
  • Documentation of Coursework (Adobe Acrobat)
  • CP Applicant Information Form:
    • Microsoft Word
• Employer Recommendation Form (Microsoft Word)
• Instructor Recommendation Form (Microsoft Word)
• Scoring Guide for CP Application (Adobe Acrobat)