The Dietetics Concentration (1217) in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600, Ext. 5400, acend@eatright.org. The mission of the didactic program in dietetics is to prepare graduates for accredited dietetics master’s degree programs, which are required to be eligible to take the registration examination. Grounded in adult education theory, the science-based curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, team work, and authentic application of information. Graduates will acquire the skills necessary for both dietetics-related professional practice and lifelong learning. The philosophy of the program is that the graduates of the dietetic program should contribute to an improved quality of life for the people of their communities while functioning effectively as individuals, family members, citizens, family and consumer scientists and dietetic professionals. Major program goals and student goals are listed in the DPD Student Handbook that is distributed to all students admitted to the dietetics program.
Students who successfully complete the DPD will receive verification statements in addition to an undergraduate degree in family and consumer sciences. They are then qualified to complete an accredited graduate dietetics program that includes supervised practice. Upon successful completion of an accredited graduate program in dietetics, the individual is eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). RDNs primarily work in clinical settings such as hospitals or medical centers, providing medical nutrition therapy. Registered dietitian nutritionists may also work in community settings such as WIC, Extension, county health departments, administrative positions in state and federal government, as well as work as foodservice directors, sports dietitians, industry representatives, researchers, educators, and as private consultants. Detailed information is available from the dietetics program director about special costs and requirements of students in the program.
Admission to the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
Students seeking to be admitted to the didactic program in dietetics (DPD) must meet the following requirements before applying:
- be enrolled in the dietetics concentration
- cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- grade of C or better in each of the following courses: BIOL 140 ; CHEM 121 , CHEM 122 ; FSCI 200 ; FSMG 312 ; NUTR 100
- complete application packet which includes DPD admission application and current transcripts from University of Tennessee at Martin and/or any other relevant universities or colleges attended
- complete interview with dietetics faculty.
Disciplinary/Termination Procedures
Students falling below the 3.0 cumulative GPA once being admitted to the DPD will be sent a letter and individually advised that their GPA is below the minimum requirement for retention and will be placed on probation for one semester. Students on probation will be allowed that semester to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above. If, by the end of the semester, their GPA is not at 3.0 or above, they will be dismissed from the DPD program and be placed in another curriculum of study. Students may re-apply to the DPD program one time following a dismissal.
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