Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

Dr Vicky Imrhan and Mrs Martha Rew co-hosted the Advisory Committee Meeting for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and Dietetic Internship Program (DI) in April 2010.  Both programs are jointly preparing for re-accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education.  Gaining valuable input from students, former students, preceptors, and external constituents helps both programs thrive and grow.  The DPD and DI programs maintain high academic standards and graduate students who perform above the national average on the national examination for Registered Dietitians.

The DPD is offered on the Denton campus of Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences.  The program is offered in the broader framework of a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Dietetics and Institutional Administration, therefore, the prospective student must meet the university’s admission requirements. The general education courses required for the BS degree give the DPD students a broad humanistic background that is essential for success in the healthcare profession by blending the liberal arts and sciences with career specific (health) knowledge.  Graduates who successfully complete curriculum requirements for the DPD will receive a Verification Statement from the program director and may apply for Dietetic Internship at Texas Woman’s University or other accredited programs. Upon successful completion of the dietetic internship, the students are eligible take the national examination to become registered dietitians and become active members of the American Dietetic Association.

The estimated cost of attendance at TWU is based on the number of credit hours in which the student is enrolled and residence. 

The program follows the university calendar and schedule of classes.  

The DPD Handbook must be reviewed by all students majoring in the program, and the final page must be signed and returned to the DPD Director. 

Curriculum Requirements

BS in Nutrition: Emphasis in Dietetics

Accreditation

The DPD at Texas Woman’s University is currently granted Initial Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education by the American Dietetic Association (ADA); 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000; Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 1-800-877-1600.

Mission

The mission of the DPD is to prepare students with advanced knowledge and skills that will enable them to enter into accredited dietetic internship programs, graduate programs, or professional careers and to pursue life-long learning.  The mission of the DPD is developed within the missions of the university and the College of Health Sciences, and the primary objective of the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences.

Goal 1:

To provide students with an academic foundation in the liberal arts, sciences and health/dietetics education that will produce competent professionals in the dietetic and other healthcare fields.

Outcome Measure 1.1:
At least 80% of baccalaureate juniors and 90% post-baccalaureate students enrolled in the DPD will complete the program.

Outcome Measure 1.2:
At least 80% of DPD students who apply for dietetic internships will gain entry and complete the the program.

 

Outcome Measure 1.3:
The RD pass rate for first time test takers will be at least 80%.

Outcome Measure 1.4:
At least 95% of dietetic internship directors will rate the overall preparation of the DPD graduate  for internship as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘excellent’. 

Outcome Measure 1.5:
Student Exit Survey conducted during the student’s final semester of enrollment, will reveal that at least 75% of the required DPD courses will be rated as favorable (useful, very useful or extremely useful).  

Outcome Measure 1.6:
At least 80% of employers would rate the preparation of the DPD graduates for the workforce as average or highly skilled.

Goal 2:

To prepare students to assume leadership roles as successful professionals who engage in life-long learning.     

Outcome Measure 2.1:
At least 95% of alumni will be employed, in dietetic internship, or attending graduate school three years after DPD completion. 

Outcome Measure 2.2:
At least 80% of alumni who are employed in dietetics  will be registered dietitians. 

Outcome Measure 2.3:
At least 50% of the alumni who are employed will assume leadership roles as evidenced by achievement of at least one professional accomplishment three years after DPD completion.