Dietetic Internship Program Mission and Goals

Program Mission:

The mission of the Lamar University Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) is to prepare graduates for careers in nutrition, dietetics, and related fields to address issues of critical concern in the local, national, and international communities, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of human well-being. Students gain an appreciation of lifelong learning, ethical standards, and diversity. Upon completion of program course work, along with the Bachelor’s Degree, graduates are prepared for an accredited supervised practice program, leading to eligibility for the CDR (Council on Dietetic Registration) credentialing exam. After passing the exam, the graduate is credentialed as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), may apply for licensure, if applicable, and is eligible for active membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

Program Goals & Objectives:

Program Goal #1

Graduates will successfully complete ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs.

  • Objective 1
    • At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements, within 6 years (150% of the program length).
  • Objective 2
    • 50% of graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 3
    • 40% percent of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program with 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 4
    • The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. 
  • Objective 5
    • 80% of graduates admitted to a supervised practice program will be rated by the program’s director at least “satisfactory” in overall preparedness for supervised practice.
  • Objective 6
    • 80% of graduates admitted to a supervised practice program will rate themselves at least “average” in knowledge and skills for supervised practice.

Program Goal #2

Graduates will engage in lifelong learning, understand and appreciate ethical standards, and recognize the value of diversity.

  • Objective 1
    • 90% of graduates admitted to a supervised practice program will begin a post baccalaureate degree program in nutrition/dietetics or related field within one year after graduation.
  • Objective 2
    • 30% of graduates not admitted to a supervised practice program will begin a post baccalaureate degree program in nutrition/dietetics or related field within one year after graduation.
  • Objective 3
    • 90% of graduates will report a strong understanding and appreciation of ethical standards as a result of instruction and experiences in the DPD.
  • Objective 4
    • 90% of graduates will report a strong appreciation of diversity as a result of instruction and experiences in the DPD.

Program outcome data are available to the public and prospective students upon request. Please contact Krissie May, Program Coordinator at kmay4@lamar.edu.

* Next review of the program is planned for 2023.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 312/899-0040, ext. 5400
Website: www.EatRight.org/ACEND