RDN Training

Mission & Goals

The dietetic program is an integral part of the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program and is administered through the School of Public Health. The Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD) strives to provide the highest quality program focused on our mission, goals, and objectives.

GCPD Mission

The mission of the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD) is to develop competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists with a strong foundation in public health and clinical nutrition, who are prepared to think critically, apply research to practice, navigate ambiguity, and work to reduce inequities and improve nutrition outcomes.  

GCPD Goals & Objectives

Goal 1

The program will prepare competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who think critically and apply research to nutrition and public health practice.

  • At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length)
  • 95% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion
  • 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%
  • Of graduates who seek employment, 70%  are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation
  • At least 80% of employers will rate program graduate’s preparation for entry-level practice as above average in their ability to apply research to practice
  • When surveyed 1 year after program completion, 75% of graduates will report being able to think critically and apply research to practice

Goal 2

GCPD graduates will recognize how social inequities undermine health and will consider equity and inclusion in their decision-making process.

  • When surveyed 1 year after program completion, 60% of graduates will recognize how social inequities undermine health
  • When surveyed 1 year after program completion, 60% of graduates will include consideration of equity and inclusion in their professional decision-making process

Methods of evaluation include: daily feedback and end-of-rotation evaluations by preceptors, weekly logs & reflections evaluated by GCPD faculty and staff, and a portfolio of activities and assignments completed for each rotation. Documentation of completion of program assignments are compiled and evaluated at the conclusion of the Practice Experience. Graduates are surveyed one and five years after program completion. Preceptors are surveyed at the conclusion of rotations.

Outcome data is available upon request.