Program Goals

Goal 1: Program graduates will be prepared for a supervised practice and master’s program leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become competent registered dietitian Nutritionists, to meet employment needs for the state and nation.

Goal 2: Program graduates will demonstrate lifelong learning, effective problem solving, teamwork, and a commitment to Christian leadership and service to the community and profession.

Program Outcome Measures

Measures of program success, as determine by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, and the faculty of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics are as follows:

Pass Rate

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%.

Program Completion

At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 6 years (150% of the program length).

Performance of Graduates

Fifty percent of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
Fifty percent of program graduates who apply are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
100% of supervised practice program directors will indicate a “3” (average) or higher on a survey assessing their satisfaction with graduate’s preparation for supervised practice.
Fifty percent of graduates obtain employment in a nutrition and dietetics related field.

Post Graduate Outcomes

Seventy-five percent of graduates of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at Ouachita Baptist University will respond “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” to questions pertaining to professional service and Christian service preparation listed on the Dietetic Alumni Survey.

Outcome data measuring achievement of the DPD Program objectives is available to students, prospective students and the public upon request.

Credentialing Process

The Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics is the first step in the process of becoming a Registered Dietitian. Upon graduation, the student will receive verification that they have completed the foundation knowledge and skills required by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.

In order to become a Registered Dietitian, the student will take the next step in the process. This step involves completion of a master's degree and supervised practice program in order to be eligible to take the national Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Individuals may then apply for state licensure (process varies by state).

Students who have completed coursework in an ACEND-accredited didactic program in nutrition and dietetics may also choose to become a Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR). The next step for these individuals would be the national Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians, Registered, also administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Program Goal 1: To prepare graduates who are competent to practice as an entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Objective 1. Program Completion objective required by ACEND. "At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 22.5 months (150% of the program length)."

Objective 2. Graduate Employment objective required by ACEND. "Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation."

Objective 3. Graduate Performance on Registration Exam objective required by ACEND. "At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion."

Objective 4. RD exam pass rate objective required by ACEND. "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%."

Objective 5. Employer satisfaction objective required by ACEND. At least 75% of employers who respond to an Employer Satisfaction Survey will rate graduates during the first year of employment as either average or above average for entry-level practice.

Objective 6. Program Specific Objective. At least 75% of graduates who respond to the Alumni survey said they were adequately prepared for an entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist job.

Program Goal 2: To prepare graduates with knowledge and experiences that promote lifelong learning, professional growth, and Christian leadership and service.

Objective 1. At least 50% of graduates who respond to the Alumni Survey said that they attend a minimum of one local, state, or national dietetic meeting each year.

Objective 2. At least 50% of graduates who respond to the Alumni Survey report leadership service in the nutrition and dietetics profession and/or the community.

Objective 3. At least 50% of graduates who respond to the Alumni Survey report Christian leadership and service in the community.

Program outcomes data are available upon request.