Didactic Program In Dietetics
A Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is an undergraduate nutrition or dietetics program that meets the course work requirements set by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE).
Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Cal Poly
At Cal Poly, the courses (major and concentration courses) required for a B.S. in Nutrition with an Applied Nutrition concentration meet the DPD requirements. Since CADE also requires a dietetic intern to have a bachelor's degree, the General Education requirements at Cal Poly are also mandatory. This course work will ensure that students have the "Knowledge and Skills" required by CADE to enter a dietetic internship. If you already have a bachelor's degree you can complete only one DPD coursework.
Didactic Program in Dietetics Mission Statement
The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics program at Cal Poly is to provide students with contemporary knowledge, including medical nutrition therapy, and practical skills to prepare them for successful completion of a dietetic internship and a satisfying career in dietetics.
Didactic Program in Dietetics Goals
- To provide education in a learning environment that prepares graduates to demonstrate knowledge and skills producing the competencies needed for dietetic registration.
- Program faculty and staff work continuously to maintain course offerings, course content, and methodology to prepare DPD students with a balanced, forward looking curriculum to prepare them for academic and career goals after graduation.
- Through encouragement, motivation, and support, program faculty and staff will increase the number of students who complete their dietetics program of study and qualify for a Verification Statement.
Graduates of the Applied Nutrition Concentration:
- Can use their working knowledge of food composition, food preparation principles, and commercial food technology to produce palatable, safe, affordable, and nutritious foods.
- Can define diets, and promote consumption of foods, to meet the medical nutritional and health needs of individuals and groups.
- Demonstrate their understanding of effective and ethical management concepts and functions, particularly as applied to food service operations and nutrition programs.
- Have working knowledge of public policies, regulations, and the health care system as each relate to and impact the field of nutrition.
For more information on the program goals and assessments schedule, click here to see the Program Assessment Plan (pdf)
A DPD is the first step in the road to becoming a Registered Dietitian. After a student earns a B.S. in Nutrition in the Applied Concentration, he/she is eligible to apply for a dietetic internship. Graduates of a dietetic internship program can sit for a (computerized) national certification exam.
Those who successfully pass the exam then become Registered Dietitians (RD). Therefore, the only way to become a registered dietitian (RD) is by completing (1) a bachelor's degree, (2) the DPD required courses, (3) an accredited dietetic internship, and (4) the RD exam (successfully).
CADE was set up by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) to set Standards of Education for undergraduate baccalaureate programs (i.e. DPD) and for dietetic internships. Cal Poly's DPD is accredited by CADE.
If you have a previous degree but did not complete the DPD at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, you must complete the core DPD courses (along with the prerequisites) to receive verification of the completion of the knowledge and skills required of the DPD at Cal Poly. Click here to see Courses for DPD Evaluation.
Due to budget restraints,Cal Poly is not currently accepting students into the post-baccalaureate DPD Program.
For more information, please see the American Dietetic Association's web page at www.eatright.org/CADE/
Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
American Dietetic Association
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000.Chicago, IL 60606-6995
312-899-0040 ext. 5400 Fax: 312-899-4817
E-mail: education@eatright.org