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Dietetics

Nutrition plays a vital role in health and disease. There is growing evidence of the role of diet in the prevention, development, and treatment of major diseases. To maximize one's health requires that professionals have a strong understanding of nutrition. The Registered Dietitian (RD) credential is the nationally recognized credential in nutrition and is required for most employment in the health care industry and preferred for many other employment opportunities in foods and nutrition.

To become an RD you must complete a four-year academic program, a supervised experience, and than pass a national examination for registration. Scores on the national RD examination by Purdue graduates are consistently above the national average, and students from the department have a 100 percent passage rate.

The DPD and the CPD at Purdue have been reviewed by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association and are currently granted substantial equivalency status based on the standards for dietetics education programs in the U.S.

Inquiries should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, American Dietetics Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-0040 ext 5400, cade@eatright.org.

Purdue offers two programs in dietetics:

Didactic Program (DPD)

This is a four-year academic program followed by application elsewhere for your supervised experience. The experience programs are available throughout the United States and last about 10 months. An advantage to the DPD is the extra time to take elective courses in other areas of interest such as business, fitness, etc.

Please refer to the DPD Student Handbook for frequently asked questions.

Plan of Study, Didactic Program
Plan of Study, Dietetics/NFH double major

DPD Self-Study

DPD Handbook (2009)

Purdue DPD Guidelines for Submitting SPE Application Packet

DPD Callout 2009 Handouts

DPD Callout 2009 PP Handout

Upon successful completion of your coursework, you will receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Purdue University. You will require a post-baccalaureate experience program to complete requirements to take the RD exam.

Coordinated Program (CPD)

This program includes the supervised experience component during your senior year at Purdue. An advantage to the CPD is that you are eligible to take the examination for registration after completion of your BS degree. The CPD requires a separate application after attaining at least junior status. All the didactic course work for the CPD is taken the first 3 years of the curriculum.

Plan of Study, Coordinated Program

CPD Student/Intern Handbook - Class of 2009

CPD Student/Intern Handbook - Class of 2010

Call Out Information on CPD Program

CPD Self-Study

Upon successful completion of your coursework, you will receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Purdue University and a verification that you have completed the CPD. You are then eligible to take the Registration exam to become a Registered Dietitian.

Career Options

Our top-ranked program will help you become a registered dietitian, the nationally recognized credential of nutrition experts. You will find career possibilities as:

  • Clinical nutrition specialist
  • Community dietitian
  • Dietetic consultant
  • Foodservice manager
  • Journalist
  • Public health officer
  • Sales representative
  • Wellness and fitness program director

Coursework

You will take courses in:

  • Chemistry
  • Diet selection and planning
  • Foodservice systems management
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Medical nutrition therapy
  • Nutrition
  • Nutrition assessment

Complete list of F&N courses and descriptions

Experiential Learning

  • Get to know the profession with a summer work experience in dietetics.
  • Work in a foods and nutrition position in business, industry, or government.
  • Apply your communication and instructional skills in a community setting, health facility, or nutrition program.
  • Experience foodservice systems management by working in a foodservice facility.
  • Learn to use computers to evaluate and plan diets.
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Contact Information

Foods and Nutrition
Purdue University
700 W. State Street
West Lafayette, IN
47907-2059

Phone: (765) 494-8228
Fax: (765) 494-0674
E-mail: fandn@purdue.edu

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