Two programs are available in dietetics. Program I is the coordinated program in dietetics, and Program II is the didactic program in dietetics.

Coordinated program in dietetics (CPD)

Program I (Effective Spring 2010)

The coordinated program prepares students for dietetics practice by integrating the 1200 hours supervised practice experience (internship) required by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) with the bachelor’s degree program. Graduates of this program immediately may sit for the national credentialing examination to become a registered dietitian (RD) and are eligible for active membership in the ADA. The program is currently granted continuing accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606–6995, 312-899-5400.

The supervised practice phase of the program consists of community nutrition, clinical nutrition, and food service management experiences. The dietetics program has contractual agreements with health care and food service organizations in Manhattan and across the state of Kansas to provide these experiences. Students assigned to sites outside Manhattan continue to take courses online via the K-State Division of Continuing Education’s K-State Online distance education program.

Participation in the supervised practice phase of the program requires separate application and admission procedures. Students should contact the CPD program director during their sophomore year for information regarding the application process.

The program accepts a new class of students each semester to begin the supervised practice. Applications are available on the dietetics program web page and are due by February 15 for fall semester admission and by September 25 for spring semester admission. Criteria for admission to the supervised practice component of the Coordinated Program are:

1. Overall minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. No grade less than a C is allowed in natural sciences or professional studies courses.
2. Documentation of a minimum of 140 credit hours of dietetics-related work experience, either paid or volunteer. Documentation must include inclusive dates of the experience, name and address of facility, required experience project documentation, and a letter (on letterhead or with business card attached) from the supervisor verifying the information submitted. Contact information for the supervisor (phone number, e-mail address) also is required.
   
   The work experience must include: 
   a.) A minimum of 70 credit hours of food service experience. This may be obtained in the food production facility of a hospital, nursing home, school, summer camp, restaurant, or other food service operation serving the public.
   b.) A minimum of 50 credit hours of experience in medical nutrition therapy and community nutrition. 
   c.) A minimum of 20 credit hours of continuous learning such as attendance at professional continuing education events or other activities pre-approved by the program director.
   
   For more details on the required work experience for admission visit the web page.
    
3. One official recommendation form from an individual who is acquainted with the student’s knowledge of food, nutrition, and food servicemanagement, as well as the student’s work history and work ethic. 
4. Interview with the coordinated program admissions committee. Dates for interviews are announced each semester.

Ongoing evaluation of the student’s academic and supervised practice performance is an important component in the coordinated program in dietetics. Evaluation is conducted by K-State faculty and preceptors in the supervised practice facilities. Students not performing at acceptable levels may be counseled out of the program.

At the conclusion of the program, CPD students are presented with a certificate of program completion along with an ADA Verification Statement, attesting to their successful completion of both academic and supervised practice experience requirements.

Didactic program in dietetics (DPD)

Program II (Effective Fall 2009)

The didactic program in dietetics meets the academic requirements of the American Dietetic Association. After completion of this program, the graduate must obtain the 1200 hours of supervised practice experience required for eligibility to take the national Registration Examination for Dietitians. This experience must be completed through one of the 242 accredited, post-baccalaureate dietetic internships in the United States. Check the web page for a listing of current accredited programs.

The DPD program is currently granted continuing accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606–6995, 312-899-5400.

The program accepts a new class of students each semester. Applications are due the semester student takes HMD 341 - Principles of Food Production Management. Criteria for admission to the didactic program are:

1. Overall minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. No grade less than a C is allowed in natural sciences or professional studies courses.
2. Submission of a portfolio that documents a minimum of 150 project hours as part of the application process. These include: 70 credit hours of management experience, 50 credit hours of clinical/community, 30 continuous learning hours. Guidelines for experience projects may be found on the web page. Submission of an application packet that includes application for admission, copy of transcript(s) and documentation of work experience hours.

Bachelor’s degree requirements