Bachelor of Science with a Major in Nutrition with Didactic Program in Dietetics
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is a term used by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy) to describe a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which meets academic competencies. Currently, in the United States, the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is the only professional credential in nutrition recognized by all 50 states and with reciprocity in five countries. Verified completion of the DPD and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution enable a student to apply for a dietetic internship; to write the registration examination to become an RDN after completing the dietetic internship; and to become an RDN after successfully passing the registration examination.
The mission of the program is to graduate students who will promote nutrition and well-being through food that sustains the individual, the community and the earth.
SPECIAL NOTE: In 2013, changes were adopted by ACEND to transition into the requirement of a minimum of a master’s degree for all registered dietitian nutritionists. Therefore, the BSN/DPD program will not accept new admissions following acceptance of the final class, which will begin their program in September 2016.
Student Learning Outcomes
The BSN/DPD program curriculum is designed to meet all Core Knowledge Requirements for Dietitians (KRDs) as required by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), and prepares students for success in dietetic internships.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Application for admission to the BSN/DPD at Bastyr University is separate from application to the degree programs. BSN/DPD application packets can be requested from the Bastyr University Office of Admissions at the beginning of spring quarter between the student’s junior and senior year. Acceptance requires the following prerequisites in addition to those for the Bachelor of Science with a Major in Nutrition: public speaking (if general or speech communication, then must provide evidence of public speaking practice; this requirement is independent of any curriculum standards of the student’s prior institution) and current enrollment at Bastyr University. To be eligible for acceptance into the BSN/DPD, students must have completed their junior year and must meet all prerequisites for the BSN completion degree. To be competitive for priority admission into the BSN/DPD, the following GPAs are recommended (cumulative from all colleges and universities attended):
3.25 Cumulative overall GPA – total of all courses
3.25 Cumulative science GPA – biology, organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry courses only
3.00 Cumulative nutrition GPA – all nutrition courses
A minimum of 150 hours of volunteer and/or paid work experience is required prior to being admitted to the BSN/DPD. Documentation of hours with signature of sponsor is required. Specific information and forms for documenting these experiences is available from the admissions office.
The minimum hours and the categories of volunteer and/or paid work required for admission are listed below:
Minimum of 50 hours clinical nutrition (in-patient hospital and/or long-term care)
Minimum of 50 hours food service management
Minimum of 50 hours community nutrition
Graduation Requirements
In their final year, it is recommended that BSN/DPD students meet with the DPD director for academic advising each quarter, prior to the registration deadlines, to discuss academic progress and the dietetic internship application process. A total of 300 hours of volunteer and/or paid work experience is required to graduate from the BSN/DPD (inclusive of the 150 hours obtained prior to admission to the program). The minimum hours and the categories of volunteer and/or paid work required for graduation are listed below:
Total of 100 hours clinical nutrition (in-patient and/or long-term care direct patient contact)
Total of 100 hours food service management
Total of 100 hours community nutrition
Leadership by participation in the Bastyr University Student Nutrition Association (SNA) is strongly encouraged; becoming a student member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is required.
A signed verification statement is required to enable students to be eligible for entry into an accredited dietetic internship. In order to receive a signed verification statement, 300 nutrition-related volunteer and/or paid hours must first be completed, signed and verified by the DPD director. Second, students must pass the DPD exit exam with a passing grade of at least 70 percent. Third, students must complete all the required coursework with a graduating cumulative GPA of ≥3.0. Completion of the DPD program does not guarantee acceptance into a dietetic internship. All other policies and procedures related to the BSN/DPD program are located on MyBU under the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Bastyr University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400, acend@eatright.org, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Program outcomes data are available upon request.
The curriculum tables that follow list the tentative schedule of courses each quarter.
Junior Year (Year I)
Fall
| BC3123 | Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences Lecture/Lab | 6 |
| BC3161 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 Lecture/Lab | 3 |
| IS3111 | Interdisciplinary Experiences in Natural Health Arts and Sciences | 1 |
| TR4103 | Whole Foods Production | 3 |
| TR4118 | Cultural Perspectives on Foods | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Winter
| BC3162 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 Lecture/Lab | 3 |
| BC4117 | Biochemistry for Life Sciences 1 Lecture/Lab | 5 |
| TR3105 | Introduction to the Scientific Method | 1 |
| TR3111 | Nutrition Throughout Life | 3 |
| TR3115 | Introduction to Food Science | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
TR3105: also offered spring quarter, online course
Spring
| BC3163 | Anatomy and Physiology 3 Lecture/Lab | 4 |
| BC4140 | Biochemistry for Life Sciences 2 | 4 |
| EX3105 | Physical Activity and Wellness | 2 |
| TR3120 | Experimental Foods Lecture and Lab | 5 |
| TR4140 | Ecological Aspects of Nutrition | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Senior Year (Year II)
Fall
| BC4114 | Disease Processes | 4 |
| PS3127 | Foundations of Counseling for Dietitians | 3 |
| RD4105 | Introduction to Dietetics | 1 |
| RD4301 | Medical Nutrition Therapy 1: Assessment and Diagnosis | 5 |
| TR4107 | Advanced Nutrition Principles 1 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Winter
| RD4130 | Quantity Food Production | 3 |
| RD4302 | Medical Nutrition Therapy 2: Chronic Disease Management | 5 |
| TR4100 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 |
| TR4108 | Advanced Nutrition Principles 2 | 2 |
| TR4113 | Nutritional Supplements and Herbs | 3 |
| TR4207 | Nutritional Counseling | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Spring
| RD4120 | Perspectives in Leadership and Management | 3 |
| RD4303 | Medical Nutrition Therapy 3: Critical Care | 3 |
| RD4410 | Clinical Dietetic Practicum | 2 |
| TR4126 | Community Nutrition/Nutrition Education | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
BC4114, PS3127, RD4105, RD4301, RD4130, RD4302, TR4207, RD4120, RD4303, RD4410 are in addition to those currently required for Bachelor of Science with a Major in Nutrition degree.
Total Requirements
| Total Core Course Credits & Hours |
94 |
Curriculum and course changes in the 2015-2016 Bastyr University Catalog are applicable to students entering during the 2015-2016 academic year. Please refer to the appropriate catalog if interested in curriculum and courses required for any other entering year.