Nutritional Science and Dietetics

Careers

How do I become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?

Many students/majors in the Program aspire to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and there are 3 steps that individuals must complete to become a RD/RDN.

1. Complete a Bachelor degree and a set of classes in the DPD and obtain the DPD Verification Statement (DPD VS). To receive the Verification Statement for DPD, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and B- or better in all 3000 and 4000 level DPD courses. (Note: students may not repeat any classes with a grade of C or better at CSUSB without an approval from the Dean of the Undergraduate Studies. Therefore, it is pertinent that students should receive a minimum grade of B- in the classes. Note: Students can still graduate with the BS in NTFS/NSCD without the VS if they meet the University and Department requirements for graduation.

Students, who do not have a Bachelor degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences or Nutritional Science and Dietetics, will need to complete all DPD courses to receive the DPD Verification Statement. With the Verification Statement from CSUSB DPD, graduates are eligible to apply for a dietetic internship or individualized supervised- practice pathway (ISPP)* program. CSUSB’s DPD was granted to provide ISSP starting September, 2013 as a second-round program, and the program accepts up to 25interns each year. The Program gives preference to CSUSB graduates so if graduates meet the qualifications for ISPP, they may apply for the ISPP program in the month of April. Graduates may apply during the final year of the DPD courses after they are not matched into the DI program through DICAS (centralized application system).

Information on CSUSB ISPP Program may be obtained at the ACEND-AND Accredited Program under DPD for CSUSB. One may also go to this website for CSUSB ISPP Program. https://cel.csusb.edu/pace/courses-programs/medical-health- care/individualized-supervised-practice-pathwaysdietetics To be successful in the application process for the dietetic internship program, students should have a good grade in the foundation science and DPD courses, have volunteer and/or work experiences in dietetic related area, and an original DPD VS.

2.     Completion of Dietetic Internship (DI) or ISPP from an ACEND accredited program and receive the Verification Statement (VS DI or VS ISPP). Note that ISPP (Individualized Supervised-Practice Pathway) is an alternative pathway to dietetic internship and it is offered through the accredited DPD or DI program. DI and ISPP programs require 1,200* hours of supervised experience, which takes about 9 to 12 months to complete. Note that many supervised-practice programs have tuition and fees that need to be paid at the start of the program and some programs provide student loans. Go to www.eatrightPRO.org  and review the application and program information about each DI and ISPP program. CSUSB ISPP program starts in August and ends in June of the following year. Upon successful completion, interns will receive the Verification Statement for ISPP, which allows them to take the CDR eligibility exam.

         *due to COVID-19 pandemic, ACEND reduce the supervised hours to 1,000.

3.      With the Verification Statements from the DPD and DI/ISPP, interns are eligible to take the CDR eligibility exam. The ISPP or DI Program Director will submit the paperwork to CDR in order for the candidate to take the exam. After successful passage of the CDR eligibility exam, the candidate is now an RDN.

NOTE:  Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website:   https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DPD program at CSU San Bernardino are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program and upon completion of a supervised-practice program be able to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

If anyone has any questions regarding this requirement and DPD/ISPP programs, please do not hesitate to ask Dr. Dorothy Chen-Maynard, DPD Director at CSUSB.  Contact email address is:  dchen@csusb.edu 

What other career paths are available?

The Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science and Dietetics (NSCD) is appropriate for students preparing for careers in foods, nutrition, or dietetics.  With the DPD Verification Statement after completion of the BS degree, in addition to eligibility to start and complete a supervised-practice program to become an RDN, graduates are also eligible to take the registration exam to become Nutrition and Dietetic Technician Registered (NDTR).  This credential allows some of the graduates to work in a dietetic related job in order to gain the experience necessary to enhance their DI application and resume. Also with a completion of BS degree (without VS DPD), graduates are eligible to take the Dietary Supervisor Exam to become a Certified Dietary Supervisor/Manager (CDM), the exam information is available through ANFP (Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals), the website for additional information for CDM is http://www.anfponline.org/Training/credentialing_exam.shtml

The pathway and information about how to become a Registered Dietitian is included in the Letter to Prospective Students 2020.

Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: The DPD program will prepare competent graduates capable of succeeding in an accredited supervised-practice program (dietetic internship or individualized supervised practice pathway).   The DPD and ISPP Programs will prepare graduates capable of succeeding as entry-level practitioners as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). 

• Objective 1.1a:  At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length) for full-time students and within 6 years (150% of program length) for part-time students.  (DPD)
• Objective 1.1b:  At least 80% of program interns complete program/degree requirements within 16.5 months (150% of program length) for full-time interns and 33 months (150% of program length) for part-time interns. (ISPP)
• Objective 1.2.a.a:  At least 40% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised-practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation. (DPD)
• Objective 1.2.a.b:  At least 25% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised-practice program within 12 months of graduation. (DPD)
• Objective 1.2.b:  Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields, within 12 months of graduation. (ISPP)
• Objective 1.3.a:  At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionist within 12 months of program completion. (ISPP)
• Objective 1.3.b:  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%. (DPD & ISPP)
• Objective 1.4.a: At least 90% of surveys returned by supervised-practice program directors rate the DPD graduates they supervised at least “adequately prepared” on all items that are rated. (DPD)
• Objective 1.4.b.1:  At least 90% of surveys returned by employers of DPD graduates will rate these graduates as “satisfactory” or better, in terms of their preparation for entry-level practice as a dietitian nutritionist (DPD)
• Objectives 1.4.b.2: At least 90% of surveys returned by employers of ISPP graduates will rate these graduates as “satisfactory” or better, in terms of their preparation for entry level practice as a dietitian nutritionist. (ISPP)
• Objective 1.5.a:  At least 80% of DPD graduates who respond to the program survey will indicate that the program “prepared” or “well-prepared” them to be successful in a supervised-practice program, a related graduate program, and/or employment in a nutrition and dietetic related position. (DPD)
• Objective 1.5.b: At least 80% of ISPP graduates who respond to the program survey will indicate that the program “prepared” or “well-prepared” them to be successful in employment in a nutrition and dietetic related position. 
• Objective 1.6.a: At least 80% of DPD graduates who respond to the program survey will rate the education at CSUSB to be “good” or “excellent.” (DPD)
• Objection 1.6.b:  At least 80% of ISPP graduates who respond to the program survey will rate the education at CSUSB to be “good” or “excellent.” (ISPP)

Goal 2:  The DPD/ISPP will prepare graduates competent in a variety of employment opportunities that will address the nutrition and health needs in multicultural communities.

• Objectives 2.1:  At least 90% of surveys returned by supervised-practice program directors will rate the DPD graduates completing their program as “competent” or “extremely competent” in their ability to provide service to culturally diverse communities.  (DPD)

• Objective 2.2:  At least 80% of DPD graduates who respond to the program survey will rate themselves as “competent” or “extremely competent” in their ability to provide service to culturally diverse communities.   (DPD)
• Objective 2.3:  At least 90% of surveys returned by employers will rate ISPP graduates as being “competent” or “extremely competent” to work with clients of various ethnic/cultural backgrounds. (ISPP)
• Objective 2.4:At least 80% of ISPP graduates who respond to the program survey will rate themselves as “competent” or “extremely competent” in their ability to work with clients of various ethnic/cultural backgrounds. (ISPP)

Degree Requirements (83 units)

Total Units for Graduation: 120

Note: Certain required courses also apply in the university's general education program (refer to CSUSB Bulletin/Catalog)

NSCD Roadmap

NSCD Semester Roadmap.pdf

Program Documents

The following documents are provided for additional information about the NSCD Program:
 

Individualized Supervised-Practice Pathways Brochure 2021-2022

• Contact Information for Verification Statement (VS) from DPD Program
• Membership form for Nutrition Student Association 

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Policies

Academic and Program Calendar

Academic calendar for CSUSB is at: https://www.csusb.edu/academic-programs/academic-calendars. The calendar includes the important dates for students such as the start date for each term, final exams, holidays, payment due dates, dates to file graduation check, etc.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for students in NTFS program are the same as for acceptance into CSUSB. Information related to admission and application requirements for the CSUSB is available at https://www.csusb.edu/admissions/apply-csusb
Applicants must meet minimum requirements for admission to undergraduate programs as established by the California State University System. The student must apply on-line for admission between October 1 and November 30 for the following fall term enrollment.

Confidentiality of personal information (FERPA)

All student records, including recommendations, are kept by the university in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which allows students access to their records. Inquiries and concerns about this federal regulation should be directed to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services for further information.

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and regulations adopted thereunder (34 C.F.R. 99) set out requirements designed to protect students’ privacy in their records maintained by the campus. The statute and regulations govern access to certain student records maintained by the campus and the release of such records. The law provides that the campus must give students access to most records directly related to the student, and must also provide opportunity for a hearing to challenge the records if the student claims they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate. The right to a hearing under this law does not include any right to challenge the appropriateness of a grade determined by the instructor. The law generally requires the institution to receive a student’s written consent before releasing personally identifiable data about the student. The institution has adopted a set of policies and procedures governing implementation of the statute and the regulations. Copies of these policies and procedures may be obtained at the office of the vice president for student services. Among the information included in the campus statement of policies and procedures is: (1) the student records maintained and the information they contain; (2) the campus official responsible for maintaining each record; (3) the location of access lists indicating persons requesting or receiving information from the record; (4) policies for reviewing and expunging records; (5) student access rights to their records; (6) procedure for challenging the content of student records; and (7) the student’s right to file a complaint with the Department of Education.
The Department of Education has established an office and review board to investigate complaints and adjudicate violations.
 

FERPA authorizes the campus to release “directory information” pertaining to students. “Directory information” may include the student’s name, address, telephone listing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, degrees, honors, and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution the student attended. The campus may release this “directory information” at any time unless the campus has received prior written objection from the student specifying the information the student requests not be released. Written objections must be sent to the office of the vice president for student services.

The campus is authorized to provide access to student records to campus officials and employees who have legitimate educational interests in such access. These persons have responsibilities in the campus’s academic, administrative or service functions and have reason for accessing student records associated with their campus or other related academic responsibilities. Student records will be disclosed to the CSU Chancellor’s Office to conduct research, to analyze trends, or to provide other administrative services. Student records may also be disclosed to other persons or organizations under certain conditions (e.g., as part of the accreditation or program evaluation; in response to a court order or subpoena; in connection with financial aid; or to other institutions to which the student is transferring).
 

Complaints/Grievance Procedures

Students may refer to the University Bulletin of Courses for Grade/Academic Grievance Procedures, the policy is also available on line: https://www.csusb.edu/advising/students/academic-grievance.
For grade grievances: Students need to meet with the course instructor first regarding any concerns or issues about the grade on assignments or the course. If there is no resolution, the students may meet with the department chair for possible resolution. If at the end of the quarter and after the grades are assigned and if students have issues with the grades, they need to see the course instructor and check for accuracy of your grade and for possible resolution. The students may also consult with the department chair prior to completing grade appeal/grievance process. The process is explained on this website: https://www.csusb.edu/registrar/records/grade-grievance
 
The University Ombuds Office may handle non-grade related issues and the Ombudsperson is located in the Pfau Library, 909 537-5635. If the students have concerns about the NTFS program, they may talk to the NTFS Program Coordinator/DPD Director first to see if the problem or issue can be resolved. Students may also meet with the Department Chair or the Dean of College of Natural Sciences to discuss about their concerns/issues.
 They may also contact the Dean of College of Natural Sciences in BI-107, 909.537.5300.

Note: The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. A written complaint may be submitted to (ACEND) only after the intern has exhausted all other options available to them on campus.
 

All complaints will be retained for a period of seven years and include documentation regarding resolution of complaints. The records will be kept in the DPD Program Director’s office. The student is protected from retaliation as a result of filing a complaint related to the dietetic internship program.

Financial Aid Information

For information about financial aid and scholarship programs, please go to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship website: https://www.csusb.edu/financial-aid/

Tuition and Fees

For 2019-20 tuition and fees: please refer to: https://www.csusb.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-and-fees/academic-year-2019-2020

Costs and refund of fees

See the University Bulletin of Courses each year for an estimate of costs and fee schedule. Also refer to University Bulletin of Courses for credit/refund of fees. https://www.csusb.edu/student-financial-services/services/refund-and-drop-deadlines
Some courses in the NTFS DPD courses have lab fees.
For 2020-21 tuition and fees: please refer to: https://www.csusb.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-and-fees/academic-year-2020-2021

Identifying Students and Privacy of Student Information

The course roster has student’s photo to identify students by the instructor and course Blackboard sites are assigned to students enrolled in the course and can be accessed by the student using their username/Student ID number and password.
 

Insurance Requirement

Undergraduate students are not required to purchase the professional liability insurance. They pay a fee to the University Student Health and Counseling Center, where they are able to receive preventive care, immunization, mental health counseling, etc.
 

Non-Discriminatory Policy Statement

CSUSB is an Equal Opportunity institution, which does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, marital status, or handicap as consistent with section 702 of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Right Act. Acceptance of the interns is without prejudice or preference.

Discrimination is not allowed in the university’s scholarship and loan programs, education process/policies, and administered programs.
 

Program Length

DPD Students are expected to complete the DPD courses in two years, starting from the term HSCI 350 is taken until graduation. The students may take up to three years (150% of two-year program length) to complete the program courses in some special circumstances, please see the DPD Director/NTFS program coordinator for assistance.

 

Student Performance Monitoring

All NTFS students are advised every year by a faculty advisor in the Spring term before they enroll for the following Fall term. During the academic advising, student’s degree audit program (PAWS) is reviewed as their program plan (myCAP) is developed or updated. The faculty advisor will review student’s grade and if they are not performing well, the faculty will discuss with students the possible reasons for not performing well in their programs of study and provide academic resources and support for the student. In addition, student may be sent to on-campus resources such as Learning Center, to seek support. If the students continue to struggle with their program courses, they may be asked to go to the Career Center or the Undergraduate Student Advising Office to explore other career options. It is best to identify the students before they are placed on academic probation for not maintaining an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0.

In addition, the College of Natural Sciences Professional Advisors will run a query on EAB (a software subscribed by the university as a student success management system by allowing faculty, staff, and advisors to coordinate care network to support students) of students who are considered to be high risk in the NSCD program. This list will be sent to DPD Director, who will contact the students and explore ways to help them to succeed or encourage them to change their major so that they can graduate in a timely manner.

Students who are at risk for not receiving the Verification Statement are encouraged to changed their major; however, faculty and advisors are not allowed to force students to change their major. Therefore, if students wish to continue and graduate without the VS DPD, they may do so and possibly return after graduation to retake those courses that they did not earn a minimum of B- through the Open University program, where they pay $260 per unit without state financial support.   However, if a student wishes to change the major and career path, the faculty advisor will assist the student to explore career options and refer them to the Career Center for career exploration.

These policies can also be downloaded as a PDF below:

Verification of Identity of a Student or Intern:

The campus Blackboard site is accessible only to students enrolled in the course and the intern/student must use their Student Identification Number and login information. During the examination period, instructors observe and monitor the intern via webcam or computer camera. In addition, instructors of televised courses may request for a proctor to observe the students taking the exams on campus at PDC.