XII. The Dietetics (Human Nutrition) Major

Persons who have an aptitude for sciences, who derive satisfaction from being part of the health care or food service management team, and who enjoy working with and counseling people, will find a career in Nutrition and Dietetics most rewarding. Nutrition has been defined as the relationship between humans and their food with psychological, social, economic and cultural, as well as physiological and biochemical implications. It includes the study of nutrients in foods as they relate to health and disease throughout the life cycle. Management of individual, family and group feeding situations is a key consideration.

Classes are generally small and students have numerous opportunities to interact with faculty and fellow students as a means of enhancing learning. Along with academic requirements, students are encouraged to pursue a variety of volunteer and work experiences in their chosen field, to broaden their awareness and capabilities in preparation for future careers. Emphasis is increasingly placed on communication skills, computer literacy, public relations and personnel management, as well as nutrition science and diet modification for health and wellness.

Oneonta's graduates earn a B.S. degree in Dietetics and all program graduates will be eligible to receive a Verification Statement from the Program Director. Our graduates are thoroughly prepared for employment, pursuit of the Registered Dietitian credential, and/or graduate study. Supervised practice programs are nationally competitive. Faculty advisers guide students in the preparation of applications. Each student's academic progress can be planned and monitored using the College's Academic Advisement Document.

Career Options to Consider

The Mission of the Dietetic Program reflects the overall mission of the College and the Human Ecology Department.  The mission of the Dietetic program is to provide a high-quality Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) designed to support the development of each student to his or her full potential; enable students to meet the Foundation Knowledge and Skills of dietetic practitioners, as specified by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education; and prepare students to succeed in a variety of technologically, culturally, and competitively changing fields in foods and nutrition.  

DPD Program Goals:

1. To provide a high quality Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).

2. To prepare DPD students for dietetic internships, graduate schools and/or entry level professional positions requiring foods and/or nutrition expertise.

3. To attract and retain talented students in the DPD consistent with the College’s mission, goals, and resources. 

4.  To foster best practices in dietetics education through the appropriate utilization of technology and experiential learning.

The Dietetics Curriculum

Recommended Sequence of Courses for Students Entering in and after Fall 2001 (The notations in parentheses indicate the General Education Requirement met by the designated course) 

* STAT 101 if approved for M2 General Education requirement; then elective third year spring
** Elective if proficiency exam passed

Foundation Knowledge and Skills For Didactic Component
of Entry-Level Dietitian Education Programs

Oneonta's Didactic Program in Dietetics includes the Foundation Knowledge and Skills for the Didactic Component of Entry-Level Dietitian Education Programs identified by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education. Under these requirements, the entry-level dietitian is expected to be knowledgeable in the eight areas listed below. The level of skill expected of students is divided as follows: basic knowledge of a topic and ability to demonstrate the skill at a level that can be developed further. To successfully achieve the foundation knowledge and skills, graduates must have demonstrated the ability to communicate and collaborate, solve problems, and apply critical thinking skills.

Oneonta's Didactic Program in Dietetics includes the Foundation Knowledge and Skills For Didactic Component of

 Spring 2003

Retention in the Dietetic Major Policy

Dietetics majors must meet the College’s Academic Progress policies as delineated in the College at Oneonta Undergraduate Catalog in order to remain in the DPD Program.   Students may be “dropped from their major if they receive three initial grades of ‘D’ or ‘E’ in courses required in the major”.  Normally, a student will receive an oral and/or written warning before being dismissed from the major.  Students experiencing difficulties with their courses or unusual circumstances that are influencing their academic progress are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor and/or the program director as early as possible.

Portfolio Objectives

Specific PORTFOLIO OBJECTIVES for Dietetics students include documenting growth and assessing progress in their personal portfolio. Students will receive additional information about developing their personal portfolio from their academic advisors and other Food and Nutrition faculty.  

How To Become A Registered Dietitian

There are three requirements students must complete in order to become a registered Dietitians (RD). First, students must earn an undergraduate degree and complete established undergraduate education requirements commonly called a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) in a Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Association (CADE) accredited undergraduate program. SUNY College at Oneonta is developmentally accredited to provide a DPD. Oneonta's DPD is based upon completing a B.S. in Dietetics that includes numerous specified courses and student learning outcomes. Students who graduate from the College and meet all DPD requirements will receive a Verification Statement from the program director.

Students pursuing a career as a dietitian acquire CADE-specified knowledge and skills through a series of prescribed courses which include study of chemistry and biological sciences, behavioral and social sciences, nutrition, food science, and food service systems management. Depending on the student's area of interest and career goals, courses in health promotion and wellness, human resources, management, marketing, journalism or a foreign language may be advised. Certain careers (e.g., food service director, teacher specialist or nutrition research scientist) require additional course work or advanced degrees. Talk with your faculty adviser about the options you are considering.

Second, students complete a practical or applied education phase. By completing a supervised practice program, commonly called Dietetic Internship, students master expected competencies and demonstrate skill in applying what they have learned. (See Guidelines for Supervised Practice Experience Applicants - below). There are a limited number of appointments to supervised practice programs available each year and the programs are competitive nationally.

Faculty will guide students through the application process. However, faculty do not control the final decision since it is made by each program. Detailed information about supervised practice programs will be provided by a faculty adviser during group sessions held frequently each Fall. All students are welcome; however, juniors and seniors are especially encouraged to attend.

The third step required to become a RD is to pass the National Registration Examination for Dietitians. The Registration Exam is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)  for those who have successfully completed the first two steps. Considerable information about the RD exam is available from the CDR website.

The National Registration Examination is administered via computer based testing (CBT).  CBT offers the advantage of being individualized for each examinee.

Although each examination conforms to the content outline, examinees may or may not receive the same number or the same questions. A computerized examination administers the minimum number of questions required to determine whether or not the examinee is competent to practice at entry-level. If enough information has been acquired about the examinee's competence to make a reliable pass/fail decision, the test will stop. If a clear decision regarding the examinee's competence cannot be made, the examination will continue until:

• a clear decision regarding the examinee's competence level can be made,
• the maximum number of items have been administered, or
• the two and one-half hour testing time expires.

CBT provides a greater degree of measurement precision than a paper-and-pencil examination because only items that provide the most information about an examinee's competence are administered. CBT also provides a greater level of test security since every examinee receives a unique examination.

Students should begin to think about and plan what they will do following graduation early in their college career.  Meetings are scheduled each Fall for interested students, especially juniors and seniors, to work with faculty. Attendance at scheduled meetings is essential even if your immediate plans do not include becoming a Registered Dietitian. These meetings include information about opportunities for graduate school as well as information for those who plan to seek employment following graduation.

Those students who are planning to become Registered Dietitians need to complete an CADE accredited supervised practice experience after graduation from Oneonta and prior to taking the national Registration Examination.

Guidelines for Supervised Practice Experience Applicants

The first step in the process, which can be started as early as the student's first year, is to carefully review the current edition of the Directory of Dietetic Programs - Accredited and Approved. This Directory is updated and published each year.  It is available at the CADE website.

What are the Characteristics of Successful Applicants?(1)

Students who have been through the application process for a supervised practice program report they wish they had known the following prior to the application process:

• Supervised practice is REQUIRED for the RD
• Acceptance to a supervised practice program is competitive
• Good grades are essential
• Relevant work experience is important
• Involvement in volunteer activities is important

Being a successful applicant to a supervised practice program starts long before you fill out the application forms. In a survey conducted by The American Dietetic Association of 1,129 graduates, the characteristics of successful applicants were identified as follows:

• Grade point average

79% had over 3.0 for all courses

89% had over 3.0 for food, nutrition and management courses

56% had over 3.0 for biological and physical science courses

• Work experience

85% had more than one year of paid work experience

54% had dietetics-related volunteer experience

53% worked with a registered dietitian

• What other characteristics do supervised practice program directors look for in applicants?

87% use volunteer experience as a criterion

96% require letters of recommendation

(1) Affiliate News, A Membership Benefit of The American Dietetic Association, Volume 6, Number 2,September 1994.

• How can you improve your chances of being admitted to a supervised practice program?

• Investigate programs early to identify their admission criteria
• Maintain a grade point average over 3.0 or demonstrate improvement
• Select electives with care
• Get dietetics-related work or volunteer experience
• Participate in activities that demonstrate leadership
• Be an active member and hold office in the Student Dietetic Association
• Become an Affiliate member of The ADA
• Apply to more than one program (successful applicants applied to an average of three programs)
• Be flexible and willing to relocate, if necessary
• Work to strengthen your interpersonal skills
• Organize requests for and provide information needed by those writing letters of recommendation

How Do I Apply to a Supervised Practice Program?

There are two components to the process. First, you must request and complete an application from each supervised practice program/Dietetic Internship (DI) for which you plan to seek admission. The second component is the appointment process. By mid-November college and university program directors will have computer-matching information from D&D Digital Systems, the company that handles the computer matching process for CADE. You must obtain this information from your Program Director, complete, and return it and the required fee to D&D.

If you are not currently enrolled in a dietetics program, computer-matching information can be obtained directly from D&D Digital Systems or by contacting the DPD Program Director.

A matching program serves as a clearinghouse to help applicants obtain supervised practice positions of their choice and to help Supervised Practice Programs obtain applicants of their choice. It eliminates unfair pressures and premature decisions in appointments by programs and acceptance or rejection of appointments by applicants. CADE has contracted with D&D Digital Systems to facilitate matching through a computerized process.

How Many Programs Can I Apply To?

Students may apply to as many programs as they wish. They will need to rank all programs applied to in order of preference on one mark/sense card submitted to D&D. The mark/sense card includes information about you, such as name and social security number, as well as your order of preference of Supervised Practice Programs. The computer "reads" the information on the card and uses this information to match applicants to a program.

Who Decides Which Individuals are Accepted to a Program?

Each supervised practice program reviews its own applications and submits a priority listing of acceptable applicants to D&D Digital Systems, along with the number of positions to be filled. Computer matching does not change the applicant's or program's selection process. You will not be matched to a program whose name does not appear on your priority listing.

What Process is Used for the Matching?

Before matching begins, the applicant priority lists and the supervised practice program lists are "cleaned." If a program does not rank an applicant, that program is removed from the applicant's list. If an applicant does not rank a program, the applicant is removed from the program's list. Then, the matching occurs using the applicant's prioritized list and the programs' prioritized lists until all possible matches are complete. The process is explained in detail in the "Instructions to Applicants" booklet provided by D&D Digital Systems.

Will I Receive More Than One Match?

No. Each student is given only one match (their highest priority choice for which a match with a program occurs).

If I Submit the Mark Sense Card and Fee for the Computerized Match Process, but Change My Plans, What Should I Do?

You must notify D&D Digital Systems in writing or by FAX prior to the drop deadline if you decide to withdraw from the matching process. The fee will not be refunded.

Will the Applicants or Programs Know How They Have Been Ranked by the Other?

No. Programs and applicants are not told how they were ranked by each other. All information submitted to D&D Digital Systems is kept confidential. Only the applicants are given the final results of their applications. Each supervised practice program is provided with the names of the applicants it obtains in the match.

Who is Responsible for the Acceptance and Rejection Information sent to Applicants?

D&D Digital Systems notifies students of placement or lack of placement in an internship program. It also provides each program director with a list of applicants matched to its program. Applicants who receive a match are required to notify the program via a certified letter to the program director to confirm the acceptance or rejection of the computer match.

What If I Do Not Get a Match?

D&D Digital Systems sends a listing of unmatched applicants who have agreed to release their names to each program following the matching. Programs may contact unmatched applicants or return to their applicant pool to fill positions after appointment day has occurred.

Who Pays for Computer Matching?

All costs are borne by the applicant. Applicants must pay a fee when submitting their rank-ordered lists to D&D Digital Systems.

Can a Program Require Acceptance into a Graduate Program in Conjunction with Their Program?

Yes. Applicants should be advised to submit the application to graduate school at the same time the supervised practice application is submitted. The program's list of preferred applicants will include those who also meet the graduate school requirements.

What are the Responsibilities of Applicants in the
Computer Matching Process?

• ADA has defined the responsibilities of applicants. They are as follows:
• Obtain current application materials from chosen supervised practice programs at least 6 months prior to appointment date.
• Discuss application materials with Oneonta's faculty advisors.
• If required, apply to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• Obtain the Declaration of Intent form or Verification Statement from the Didactic Program Director. This standardized form is to be completed by the applicant and signed by the Didactic Program Director and submitted with the supervised practice application materials.
• Request transcripts and references from advisor/faculty as needed.
• Complete each application according to directions given by the supervised practice programs and submit the materials to the supervised practice program director by the designated deadline date. Questions about completing applications should be referred to the supervised practice program director.
• Provide telephone number(s) with applications where you can be reached on appointment date.
• It is recommended that all materials be sent by receipted mail for proof of mailing date and delivery. Enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard if you want to be notified of receipt of application.
• Submit mark/sense card with prioritized list of supervised practice program and matching fee to D&D by the designated deadline date. Card must be sent by certified mail (return receipt requested); no notification of receipt will be sent by D&D. Supervised practice priorities should be selected carefully; no changes will be accepted. Applicant should check with D&D if certified mail receipt is not returned within three weeks.
• Applicant is responsible for notifying D&D in writing of his/her decision to withdraw from the matching process if he/she makes other arrangements and will be unable to accept a match that may occur.
• Applicant is responsible for telephoning D&D if letter with computer matching results is not received by specified date.
• Applicants who receive a computer match are responsible for accepting or rejecting the match by telephone or fax on the appointment date.
• Applicant must request signed and completed Verification Statement from Didactic Program Director if needed.
• Applicants who do not receive a computer match may not contact any program with vacancies until after the established appointment date.

How Do I Decide Where to Apply?

Students should carefully consider all aspects of each supervised practice program to which they are applying. Consider the length of program, when the program begins, tuition or fees charged, stipends, graduate credits, housing and availability of financial aid.

If you need time to assimilate information, select programs that are twelve months or more in length rather than shorter programs. All CADE supervised practice programs must have a minimum number of 900 clock hours of experience. Shorter programs typically feature faster paced experiences, more on-duty hours per week and little or no vacation time.

If your financial resources are severely limited, give preference to programs that provide some compensation in the form of a stipend or room and board rather than those that charge substantial fees or tuition. Some programs may require only 20 hours of training per week, thus allowing students to obtain outside employment.

If you want to improve your chances of receiving a supervised practice program appointment, consider the following suggestions:

• Select programs that are in less popular geographic locations.

Historically locations on both coasts receive proportionately more applicants than others. It can be beneficial if you apply to locations other than New York and New England.

• Select programs that provide small stipends or that charge fees.

Everyone would like to receive a large stipend while completing an experience program.

• Select programs where you will be the only Oneonta graduate applying.

Compare notes with your friends. Supervised practice programs are strengthened by diversity - that is, accepting students from a variety of colleges and universities. When you and your best friend apply to the same place you are competing against each other. Rarely does a program accept two students from the same school for the same supervised practice class.

After you have identified programs you wish to consider, check their website or, if necessary, write a brief letter to the program director requesting current application materials. As soon as you receive application materials, read all parts very carefully. Identify everything that must be done and when it must be accomplished. Allow yourself and others ample time to do a totally professional job of preparing the application. These materials are usually your only opportunity to sell yourself to the program faculty. A poorly prepared application can negate four years of hard work.

You may apply to as many supervised practice programs as you wish: however, preparing each application takes considerable time and involves expenses. Expect fees for copies of transcripts, non-refundable application fees, fees to take exams such as the graduate record exam, duplication costs and postage for registered mail to notify you when applications are received. Recent experience has shown that you should expect to spend at least $175 for every three applications.

Attending open-houses or participating in on-site interviews is very valuable and should be done if at all possible. There will be additional expenses associated with these opportunities. Three or four thoughtfully selected, well-prepared applications may make your chances of selection better than if you submit nine or ten in haste.

All students applying for supervised practice programs must complete a computer matching process for appointments. In this process students must rank all programs to which they apply in order of their preference. The faculty adviser during group meetings will provide more details about this process.

Follow all directions carefully. If a program does not specify complete directions (for example, whether the letter or application is to be typed or handwritten), you are expected to make a decision. You may call the program director for clarification but usually, if they have preference, it is stated in the directions. If in doubt, word process and/or type all materials.

Give careful thought to your letter of application and/or resume. Discuss your interest in dietetics, goals, and what you have gained from courses, work experience, community campus involvement, etc. Add to, rather than duplicate, other information the reviewers will read in your application. Answer all questions and include all information requested in appropriate detail.

The content of the letter of application is to be your work. Do not ask anyone else to write it for you. The best letter is one you compose to introduce yourself in your own way. However, the letter must be well organized, informative, grammatically correct and professional in content and appearance. All applicants must seek assistance from the Writing Center.

Recommendations

Ask faculty, supervisors, advisors and employers for recommendations as directed in each application packet. Be sure you communicate fully and personally with those you ask to write for you. If there are forms to be completed, envelopes required, waivers to be signed, or if specific points are to be addressed, be sure to indicate these facts to the person writing the recommendation. Please do not leave faculty to guess what it is that you need.

Allow ample time for references to be written. Letters should be requested well in advance of the time that they are needed. All letters from SUNY-Oneonta Human Ecology faculty for spring appointments must be requested during the fall semester. The faculty adviser will give you a specific deadline date early in the fall. Please use the forms provided for self-evaluation and requesting recommendations from Human Ecology Department faculty. Faculty usually need a copy of your resume for use in writing recommendations. Some faculty will require additional information. Prepare envelopes, headings, forms, etc. very neatly and carefully. Be sure titles are correct and names spelled properly. All materials you submit represent you.

Remember to thank those who have been kind enough to assist you in this process.

In the event that you decide not to apply to any program after receiving a faculty letter of recommendation, promptly return the unopened letter to its author.

Transcripts

You will need a complete set of all transcripts from every college you have attended for each supervised practice program to which you apply. Allow at least eight weeks to receive these, especially if you are requesting them from other colleges you have attended. Transcripts must be official. This means they must be either sealed in an envelope or have the Registrar's raised seal. If a Registrar will not send official transcripts directly to you, you may have them sent to the faculty internship adviser. Please notify the adviser to expect transcripts which you have requested be sent to him/her. Identify in writing the colleges from which they are coming and the number you have requested. It is a good idea to request two or three official transcripts in addition to those that you know you must have. This allows for last minute changes or additional applications to graduate schools, scholarships, or other unanticipated needs.

Physical Exam

A few supervised practice programs require a physical exam before final acceptance. If one is requested, make arrangements with your physician. The Wellness Center at SUNY-Oneonta will not provide physicals. There are physicians in Oneonta who will do this, however, the fee is substantial, and you may have to wait several weeks for an appointment. Most programs will require a physical after your acceptance or when you arrive for the program. Personal health enables you to do your best and to profit from your post-baccalaureate experiences. It is best to be straightforward about health problems or concerns that you may have. Because of the required physical, it is usually not possible to conceal problems. In recent years one of the issues that has come to light has been the increasing number of applicants who are anorexia, bulimic or who drink excessive amounts of alcohol. These conditions can be detected on physical examinations. Therefore, if you know or suspect you have a problem, it is best to seek treatment before applying to a program.

Interviews

Program directors vary in their positions on the availability and desirability of a personal interview. Some directors discourage interviews but encourage group tours or attendance at open houses. Some directors feel that on-site interviews are an unnecessary expense. Others believe that some perspective students should not be greeted in person unless all can be. On the other hand, some directors encourage or even require in person or telephone interviews of finalists. Follow the lead given in the application packet. Do not insist on an interview if it seems the director is hesitant to provide this opportunity. Do take advantage of interviews, open houses or tours if permitted or invited to do so. Should you go to an open house, dress professionally and be knowledgeable concerning the program. Suggested readings and other preparation tips will be discussed at group meetings. All students need to arrange a mock interview with Career Planning and Placement no later than Fall of their senior year. This should be done even if an interview is not required by programs to which you are applying.

Verification Statements/ "Intent" Forms

Currently enrolled undergraduate students applying for supervised practice programs must complete an ADA "Intent Form" indicating the courses they are taking or are scheduled to take during the Fall and/or Spring semesters of their senior year. These forms may be provided in your application packet and are available from Oneonta's program director. Oneonta graduates need to have completed ADA "Verification Statements" documenting that all required courses have been completed. At your request, the program director will complete required statements for you. You should request one original form for each program that you are applying to.

The College charges a fee for Verification Statements if they are requested more than 3 months after the student's graduation from Oneonta. The form used to request verification statements and further instructions for completing them will be provided early in the fall semester at group meetings. They are also available from the department secretary and the program director.

Copies of Oneonta's curriculum, as it is on file with ADA, are available to you upon request from the internship adviser and program director. If you need these to be signed by the program director, please allow ample time to complete this task. Some programs request other kinds of statements. The internship adviser will work with you to provide all necessary materials if you give adequate notice and description of what is needed.

Copying and secretarial services are not available from the Department of Human Ecology. It is certainly recommended that materials such as letters of application be put on a word processor if you have access to one. Again, as these applications, especially those for the spring appointment date are completed at an extremely busy time of year, it is important to plan ahead so that you may complete your materials in a timely fashion.

Help Sessions

Group help sessions will be scheduled during the fall semester. It is vital that students applying for supervised practice programs attend these meetings. It is impossible to help every applicant on an individual basis. Thus, attendance at group meetings is expected if you wish to have assistance in the supervised practice program application process. Students who do all they can to help themselves by following these guidelines can expect letters of recommendation that reflect recognition of student's efforts.

TRIPLE CHECK THAT YOUR APPLICATIONS ARE COMPLETE. Application should be mailed at least two weeks before the deadline. First class postage is a must and registered mail is recommended. As a safeguard, make a copy of each completed packet before mailing. This allows you to quickly assemble a packet should one be lost in the mail or should you need to reapply to a program for any reason.

Deadlines

Dates for submitting applications to supervised practice programs and D&D for the computer matching process are typically mid-February for April notification and mid-September for November notification. These are national deadlines and no exceptions are made.

Notification

Students will receive written notification of appointment status from D&D several days before the final appointment date.

Notification will be either that a student is or is not matched with one post-baccalaureate program. If you are matched you must finalize acceptance to that program by responding via registered mail within 48 hours. If you are not matched with a program, your name can be given with your prior permission, to all supervised practice program directors who have not filled their classes. These individuals may be in touch with you and/or Oneonta's program director after the internship appointment date. Further details of this process will be explained to you by the internship adviser. Oneonta will receive a list of supervised practice programs that have openings. Contact the internship advisor, program director or your faculty advisor for this information.

There are definitely inequities in the supervised practice program system. There is no way to know how many other qualified applicants are competing against you. Thus, well-qualified capable students may not receive supervised practice appointments on their initial application. Students who are not recipients of an appointment are encouraged to reapply for the next appointment date if they so desire. In many cases reapplication indicates your sincere desire to become a Registered Dietitian and is looked at as a strength rather than a weakness. Information about alternatives and other contingency plans will be provided during group meetings.

Sample Forms

There are several forms which are unique to the dietetics major. Please contact your faculty adviser or the program director to discuss the use of these or to obtain copies of the following:

1. Statement of Student Status
2. CADE's basic Supervised Practice Program Application form
3. CADE's basic Recommendation Form
4. Oneonta's form for requesting faculty recommendations
5. Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree
6. Verification Statement
7. Oneonta's form for requesting Verification Review

The American Dietetic Association

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) is the professional association for dietitians.  Students enrolled at Oneonta as dietetics majors are eligible for Associate Membership in ADA. Applications for membership are available from the program director or from ADA and may be obtained by calling the Membership Development Department at 1-800/877-1600 ext. 4841, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. CST.

Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics

The American Dietetic Association and its Commission on Dietetic Registration have adopted a voluntary, enforceable code of ethics. This code, entitled the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics, challenges all members, registered dietitians, and dietetic technicians, registered, to uphold ethical principles. The enforcement process for the Code of Ethics establishes a fair system to deal with complaints about members and credentialed practitioners from peers or the public.

Standards of Professional Practice

ADA's Standards of Professional Practice  refer to the performance of individual dietetics professionals regardless of the setting, project, case, or situation. They are defined statements of a dietetics professional's responsibility for providing services in all areas of practice. They describe the minimum level of performance expected of dietetic technicians, registered,  and registered dietitians.

Accredited Dietetic Education Programs

Accreditation is given to a program that is in compliance with the Standards of Education of the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education and has had at least one site visit. This applies to undergraduate Didactic Programs, Coordinated Programs and Dietetic Internships. Oneonta's Didactic Program is developmentally accredited and scheduled to be reviewed for initial accreditation in 2003-2004.

Questions concerning the accreditation status of Oneonta’s programs may be directed to  the respective dietetics program directors or the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education at: 

120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000   Chicago, IL  60606-6995 or at 1-800-877-1600 ext. 5400.

Students enrolled at Oneonta as dietetics majors are eligible for Affiliate Membership in ADA. Applications for membership are available from the program director or from ADA and may be obtained by calling the Membership Development Department at 1-800-877-1600, ext. 4841, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. CST.

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