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Nutrition, B.S.Nutr./M.S. - Coordinated Program in Dietetics (5-Year)

Program Description

The Coordinated Program/Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Practice is a 5-year Bachelor’s to Master’s program that combines the graduate education and supervised practice experience required for eligibility to become a practicing Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN). Coursework provides a comprehensive foundation for applied supervised practice that is integrated into the final two years of the program, eliminating the need for a separate dietetic internship. A minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice are provided in acute, ambulatory, and/or long-term care facilities, community health agencies, and foodservice operations. With an urban health -focus, this program addresses hunger, policy, advocacy, communication, health promotion, and prevention and treatment of disease through nutrition in diverse communities. Immediately upon graduation, students will become eligible to take the credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and seek state licensure as Licensed Dietitian Nutritionists. RDN’s are employed as clinicians and managers in hospitals, long term care facilities, specialty clinics, grocery stores, schools, corporate wellness, private practices, and community agencies.

Details can be found in the Coordinated Program Handbook.

Program Mission

Consistent with Lasallian values, the mission of the Master’s Coordinated Program is to educate and empower students to engage in evidence-based practice in Nutrition and Dietetics with a commitment to excellence in practice, advocacy, life-long learning, and scholarship. The program combines a liberal arts education with scientific, theoretical, and practical coursework for preparation of entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), preparing graduates to promote health and wellness in individuals, serve diverse and disadvantaged populations, and to assume leadership roles in their field.

Accreditation

La Salle University’s Didactic Program in Nutrition and Coordinated Program in Dietetics are accredited by:

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800.877.1600, x5400

Why Take This Major?

The 5-year Bachelor's to Master's Coordinated Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and culminates in a B.S. in Nutrition and M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics Practice. As of January, 2024 a master's degree will be required for all graduates wishing to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Our accelerated program provides the bachelor's, master's and supervised practice experience in just 5 years for incoming freshman. It is the only one of its kind in Philadelphia and one of only about 30 similar programs in the U.S.

Program Requirements

Students must have successfully completed or be enrolled in all of the required courses for the 5-year program up through and including the Spring Semester of Junior Year. Students must have a GPA >/= 3.2 including courses transferred in for the major, earned a B or above in NUTR 310 Management in Nutrition and Dietetics, NUTR 320 Quantity Food Preparation and Management, NUTR 341 Medical Nutrition Therapy I, NUTR 342 Medical Nutrition Therapy II, and any 400 level NUTR courses, and have a C or better in all science and nutrition courses. High-achieving students offered direct admission to the 5-year program as freshmen must meet these standards in order to remain in the program. Students not meeting the required GPA and course grade requirements will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition if all requirements are met, but will not progress to the Master’s Program.