Bluffton University

Goals of the dietetics program

Didactic Program in Dietetics Program Mission Statement:
The mission of the Dietetics Program at Bluffton University is to prepare competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists to serve the needs of the population in a variety of practice areas. The learning environment seeks to integrate the mission of Bluffton University, didactic program requirements and experiential learning that allows for the application of theory to practice, in order to develop professional skills and knowledge.

Goal 1:

To prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes necessary to become competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists to meet the needs of the population.

• Objectives
  • 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 percent.
  • At least 80 percent of program students complete program/degree requirements within 6 years (150 percent of the program length).
  • At least 80 percent of program graduates will receive satisfactory ratings of 3 or higher (on scale of 5) on the graduates preparation for supervised practice, as reported by supervised practice program directors completing a survey.

Goal 2:

To prepare graduates with learning experiences that allow for the application of theory to practice, thereby developing knowledge, skills, and behaviors to qualify for accredited supervised practice programs.

• Objectives 
  • 80 percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  • 60 percent of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
  • Of the supervised practice program directors who complete a survey, 80 percent will rate the program graduate at a satisfactory rating of 3 or higher (on scale of 5 ) on being prepared for supervised practice.

Goal 3:

To provide supervised practice experiences that prepare our graduates to be competent entry-level dietitian nutritionists in a variety of setting.

• Objectives
  • At least 80 percent of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within 15 months (150 percent of the program length).
  • 80 percent 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 percent.
  • Of program graduates who seek employment, 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • Of employers of entry-level program graduates who complete a survey, 80 percent will rate their satisfaction with the graduate’s preparation for practice at a satisfactory rating of 3 or higher (scale of 5).

Program outcomes data are available upon request.