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Academic Program

As of fall 2020, the Nutrition and Dietetics major is no longer accepting new students.
Dietetics Program closure on May 9, 2023

The Didactic Program in Nutrition and  Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois, 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400, www.eatright.org/acend. Initial accreditation for the program at the baccalaureate level was granted October of 2005.

Program Philosophy and Mission

The mission of the College: “To provide a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy but who are without sufficient means to procure such training” (Rev. James Forsyth, founder of the school, in 1906).

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics at College of the Ozarks is to prepare graduates of Christ-like character for acceptance into accredited internship programs and for entry-level careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.  The program will equip graduates for their roles as active citizens, ethical decision makers and servant leaders committed to empowering their communities to live healthfully.

Program Goals and Outcome Measures

Program Outcome Data is Available Upon Request From the Program Director.

Goal 1

The nutrition major will prepare graduates for their roles as active citizens and lifelong learners. 

Outcome Measures

  1. Over a seven year period, 90% of graduates who respond on a survey will agree that they were adequately prepared to be active citizens.
  2. Over a seven year period, 90% of graduates who respond on a survey will agree they were adequately prepared to be lifelong learners.
  3. Over a seven year period, 70% of graduates who respond to a survey will state that they have participated in continuing education, training, or schooling their first year post-graduation.

Goal 2

The program will prepare graduates for entry into dietetic supervised practice, graduate programs or nutrition related employment. 

Outcome Measures

  1. 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%.
  2. Over a seven-year period, 80% of graduates accepted into DI will be working in nutrition related fields within one year of DI completion.
  3. Over a seven-year period, 70% of graduates not completing a DI will be employed in nutrition related fields within one year of program completion.
  4. Over a seven-year period, 60% of program graduates will apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  5. Over a seven-year period, 65% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months.
  6. Over a seven-year period, at least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length).
  7. Over a seven-year period, 80% of program graduates will have a least 1 years' experience in a food, nutrition or leadership position while attending college.
  8. Over a seven-year period, 60% of graduates applying to graduate or professional schools will be accepted.
  9. Over a seven-year period, 75% of supervised practice program directors who respond to a survey will state the graduates preparation for supervised practice was 'satisfactory' or 'more than satisfactory'.

Goal 3

The program will prepare graduates to be servant leaders who participate in community service and leadership activities and who are committed to ethical practice. 

Outcome Measure

  1. Over a seven-year period, 90% of graduates completing a survey will agree that they were prepared for and committed to ethical professional practice.
  2. Over a seven-year period, 75% of graduates responding to a survey will state they have participated in at least one community service or volunteer activity the first year after graduation.
  3. Over a seven-year period, 75% of employers who respond to a survey on program graduates in the first year of employment will rate them as 'satisfactory' or 'more than satisfactory' in leadership skills.

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Program Admission and Policies

Students interested in the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) should meet the admission criteria to the College. The founding charter commits the College to serving “especially those found worthy but who are without sufficient means to procure such training.” See the College Catalog.

Students interested in becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist or pursuing a career in nutrition and dietetics should contact the Registrar’s office to declare Nutrition and Dietetics as a major and the Program Director for advisement as soon as possible. The advisor will help plan an individual course schedule designed to meet program requirements. It is important to begin promptly on the dietetics schedule as sequencing of courses is required.

Success as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or nutrition professional depends on having or being able to acquire certain characteristics including:

  1. Concern for people,
  2. Assertiveness and confidence,
  3. Ability to communicate well in written and verbal forms,
  4. Scientific aptitude in chemistry, biology, and math,
  5. Organizational and time management skills. 

The Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics will follow all policies of the College and utilize all student support services available at the College.

The program will follow the College calendar with the possible exception of Independent Study courses and/or 48V Internship/Practicum courses.

Costs associated with the nutrition and dietetics program are the same for the College and can be located in the College Catalog.

Those earning a nutrition and dietetics degree will not make nutritional assessments, plans, perform specific diet instructions or personalized education without proper supervision or co-signature of a registered dietitian nutritionist who holds liability insurance or is employed by an organization that holds professional insurance.

Nutrition and Dietetics Handbook