Nutrition Management


The Issue…

Experts now realize that nutrition is crucial to human lives from the moment of conception well into old ate. Thus, dietetics and nutrition have expanded out of the traditional environments – hospitals, schoolrooms, and nursing homes – and into the fast-food restaurant, the gym, even the executive boardroom.

In the 21st century, the American population will:

• Become increasingly diverse
• Contain a greater percentage of older persons as the “baby boomers” age
• Become more and more concerned with lifetime health maintenance
• Demand greater variety and convenience in food and meals

The Need…

Health care and food are two of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. and the world. This presents opportunities for qualified professionals who understand issues such as:

• Selecting healthy foods that fit in with busy lifestyles and appeal to diverse cultures
• Eating properly for special health needs
• Choosing foods to produce optimum athletic or mental performance

Tomorrow’s Americans will need registered dietitians as professional consultants for dealing with specific issues of diet and nutrition, managers with expertise in developing and marketing new nutritional products and menus, and professionals to educate groups and individuals on nutritional matters important to them.

Biology and Chemistry courses teach you how food is used by the human body and expand your scientific knowledge. You will study food, nutrition, business, information technology, statistics, and liberal arts as well. A certificate in Exercise Science is available as an option.

Mission Statement of the RIT Nutrition Management Program

The mission of the Nutrition Management Program at the Rochester Institute of Technology is based on the philosophy that a college graduate should have a broad-based education. This encompasses meeting the current and future needs of students including preparation for registration eligibility and successful supervised practice as well as careers in the changing food and nutrition environment.

Nutrition Management Program Goals

1. Prepare students for successful application to approved/accredited supervised practice experiences and/or graduate school.
2. Foster in students a desire for life-long learning.
3. Enhance the student's sense of importance of leadership skills in the nutrition/dietetics profession by encouraging practical experience in management and encouraging involvement in professional organizations on and off campus.
4. Prepare graduates to be competent entry-level dietitians.

Nutrition Management Program Outcomes

• 90% of students will achieve successful acceptance to an accredited supervised practice experience and/or graduate school.
• 75% of entering students will complete the DPD program to be eligible for supervised practice and/or graduate school application.
• Feedback from supervised practice directors will verify that students will be adequately prepared for supervised practice.
• Feedback from alumni who complete supervised practice will verify that they were adequatedly prepared.
• 100% of all graduates who becom RD's will participate in professional development activities required for maintenance of RD status.
• 100% of all graduates who do not pursue/maintain RD status will engage in professional development/continuing education activities.
• 100% of students will successfully complete "Leadership in Service Culture" course.
• 100% of students will successfully complete three co-operative work experiences in food and nutrition.
• Over a five year period, graduates achieve a pass rate of at least 80% on RD exam.
• Within 12 months of completing the program, graduates will have obtained employment related to their major and/or enrolled in a continuing education program.

Educational Requirements

Registered Dietitians (RD's) are Food and Nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RD credential:

• Complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Commission on Accrediation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA)
• Complete a CADE-accredited or approved supervised practice program via a Dietetic Internship (DI) or a Coordinated Program (CP)
• Pass a national exam administered by Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
• Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration

In order to practice as a registered dietitian, a student will need to have a minimum of a bachelors degree, complete a required didactic program in dietetics course work, complete a dietetic internship, and pass the registered dietitian exam.

All students enrolled in RIT's Nutrition Management Program enter what the ADA refers to as the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). This program provides the Foundation Knowledge and Skills that meet the academic requirements leading to at least a bachelor's degree. (In some circumstances when a student has a related degree or already holds a degree in Nutrition a Master's Degree option might be recommended; this can only be ascertained after evaluation and discussion with Program Directors.)

The Supervised Practice Application

Students apply to a supervised practice during their senior year. A GPA of 3.0 or above by graduation is recommended in order to have a competitive advantage for a supervised practice. Relevant work and volunteer experience along with letters of reference are also required. See www.eatright.org/CADE for further information.

Program Costs

Costs to students in the program in addition to tuition and housing include:

• Travel expenses to some off campus sites. Students will be responsible for arranging their own means of transportation while enrolled in the program, and are also encouraged to share rides when possible. Students are responsible for their own insurance and liability. Most parking is free although some exceptions apply.
• Books - standard costs.
• Professional liability insurance - provided by RIT at no cost to the student.
• Medical exams - standard as required by RIT for admission.
• Uniforms and supplies:
  • Knife kit - approx $115
  • Lab coat and pants for labs - approx $50
• Memberships:
• ADA student membership fee - approx $47 (annually)
• GDA student membership fee - approx $10 (annually)

The Nutrition Management Program is currently granted Initial Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606, Phone: 313-899-0040 ext. 5400.

For more information visit the Course Catalog.