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Nutrition, B.S.Nutr./M.S. - Coordinated Program in Dietetics (5-Year)

Program Description

The Nutrition 5 year B.S./M.S. Coordinated Program in Dietetics is an accelerated Bachelor's to Master's program with a unique focus on urban health. The master's degree includes a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management during the final two years of the program. Upon successful completion of both degrees including the supervised practice, graduates are eligible to sit for the national Registration Examination for Dietitians (RD Exam). Graduates who successfully pass the RD Exam become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), also known as Registered Dietitians (RDs).

As of January 1, 2024 a master's degree will be required for all graduates wishing to become RDNs. To obtain the RDN credential, graduates must pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. After becoming an RDN, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure in the State of Pennsylvania and other states where the practice of dietetics is regulated through licensure. RDNs are employed in health-care settings as medical team members and as managers of nutrition programs for hospitals, long term care facilities, school foodservice programs, and community health organizations. They are also employed in fitness settings, supermarkets, food and beverage industries, service management companies, the pharmaceutical industry, higher education, private practice, and other businesses.

Details can be found in the Coordinated Program Handbook.

Program Mission

Consistent with Lasallian values, the mission of the Master’s Coordinated Program is to educate and empower students to engage in evidence-based practice in Nutrition and Dietetics with a commitment to excellence in practice, advocacy, life-long learning, and scholarship. The program combines a liberal arts education with scientific, theoretical, and practical coursework for preparation of entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), preparing graduates to promote health and wellness in individuals, serve diverse and disadvantaged populations, and to assume leadership roles in their field.

Accreditation

La Salle University’s Didactic Program in Nutrition and Coordinated Program in Dietetics are accredited by:

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800.877.1600, x5400

Why Take This Major?

The 5-year Bachelor's to Master's Coordinated Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and culminates in a B.S. in Nutrition and M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics Practice. It includes 1000-hours of supervised practice designed to meet competencies needed for entry-level practice in the field of Dietetics. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians after successful program completion. 

Program Requirements

Students must have successfully completed or be enrolled in all of the required courses for the 5-year program up through and including the Spring Semester of Junior Year. Students must have a GPA >/= 3.2 including courses transferred in for the major, earned a B or above in NUTR 310 Management in Nutrition and Dietetics, NUTR 320 Quantity Food Preparation and Management, NUTR 341 Medical Nutrition Therapy I, NUTR 342 Medical Nutrition Therapy II, and any 400 level NUTR courses, and have a C or better in all science and nutrition courses. Students who have met minimum requirements for admission to the Coordinated Program as of Spring, 2022 will be able to apply for the first cohort of the Master's Coordinated Program. High-achieving students offered direct admission to the 5-year program as freshmen must meet these standards in order to remain in the program. Students not meeting the required GPA and course grade requirements will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition if all requirements are met, but will not progress to the Master’s Program.