Nutrition and Dietetics is one of the program options in the major of Hospitality Management and Dietetics at Western Kentucky University.  The program helps prepare graduates to become registered dietitians and nutritionists.

Graduates of the program at Western Kentucky University find positions as: clinical dietitians in hospitals and extended care facilities; dietitians in wellness programs; food service directors; managers in restaurants; nutrition specialists for school districts; directors of community food and nutrition programs; consultant dietitians; and public health nutritionists.

To become a Registered Dietitian, three requirements must be met.

• Complete at least a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university in the United States AND complete course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association.  A major in nutrition and dietetics at Western Kentucky University allows for the completion of the bachelor's degree AND the necessary course work.
• Complete an internship that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association.  Students apply to these programs in their last year at Western Kentucky University and complete the programs after graduating from the University.  Entrance into internships is competitive.  An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 and relevant work experience aid in the preparation for an internship.
  
• Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of The American Dietetic Association.

Maintaining registration status

• After becoming a registered dietitian, continued learning must occur to maintain registration status.  This continued education  involves the generation of a professional development portfolio.  Dietitians must earn 75 hours of continuing professional development related to self-selected goals within a five year period.  More about the process of professional development may be found on the website of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR, http://www.cdrnet.org/) the credentialing agency for The American Dietetic Association.
• In addition to earning registration status through The American Dietetic Association, individual states may have laws regarding licensure/certification regarding dietitians and nutritionists.  For example, the Kentucky Division of Occupations and Professions has a Board of Dietitians and Nutritionists.

Admission Requirements

• For admission into the dietetics program at Western Kentucky University, students must be admitted to Western Kentucky University and must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 on at least 24 credit hours.  Specific courses, including human nutrition (CFS 111), food science (CFS 151), and chemistry (CHEM 105), should be a part of these 24 credit hours.
• The Office of Admissions at Western Kentucky University has guidelines in place for transfer and readmission students.   These guidelines may be found on the admissions website (http://www.wku.edu/Info/Admissions).  Once official transcripts are received by the University, the course work is evaluated for general education equivalency.  Approval for courses to be applied to the program of Nutrition and Dietetics is obtained from one of the academic advisors and the Department Head of Consumer and Family Sciences.  Course catalogs, syllabi, and other materials documenting course content in classes not taken at WKU may be necessary.  Work or other life experiences may not take the place of required courses.
• If you are an individual with a foreign degree and interested in attending Western Kentucky University and becoming a registered dietitian, please refer to the website of The American Dietetic Association to obtain the Fact Sheet for Individuals with Foreign Degrees and to the admissions policy for international students at Western Kentucky University.  After you have had your degree evaluated for United States equivalency by a service, such as the World Education Services, Inc. and you have been admitted to Western Kentucky University, your degree will then be reviewed by faculty at Western Kentucky University for admission screening and program requirements of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program.

Enjoy Career Opportunities in:

• medical nutrition
• sports nutrition and wellness
• public health nutrition
• private practice
• foodservice management
• business, research & education

Faculty Advisors

• e-mail:  Danita.Kelley@wku.edu
• phone:  270-745-6356,  fax:  270-745-3999
• mailing address:  Consumer & Family Sciences;  1906 College Heights Blvd. #11037;  Bowling Green, KY  42101-1037

Dr. Karen Mason

• e-mail:  Karen.Mason@wku.edu
• phone:  270-745-3462,      fax:  270-745-3999
• mailing address:  Consumer & Family Sciences;  1906 College Heights Blvd. #11037;  Bowling Green, KY  42101-1037

• e-mail:  Julie.Lee@wku.edu
• phone:  270-745-6943,      fax:  270-745-3999
• mailing address:  Consumer & Family Sciences;  1906 College Heights Blvd. #11037;  Bowling Green, KY  42101-1037

Overview of Curriculum
CFS 111 Human Nutrition (3 hours)
CFS 151 Food Science (3)
CFS 152 Food Service Sanitation (1)
CFS 251 Commercial Food Preparation (3)
CFS 252 Hospitality Information Technology (3)
CFS 311 Family Relations (3)
CFS 351 Human Resource Mgt in Hospitality Industry (3)
CFS 353 Menu Planning & Purchasing (3)
CFS 354 Cost Ctrl & Fin Analysis in Hospitality Ind (3)
CFS 452 Quality & Service Mgmt in Hospitality Ind (3)
ACCT 200 Introductory Accounting (3)
MGT 210 Organization & Management (3)
CFS 261 Advanced Nutrition (3)
CFS 361 Life Stage Nutrition (3)
CFS 362 Medical Nutrition Therapy I (4)
CFS 365 Community Nutrition (3)
CFS 459 Senior Seminar in HMD (1)
CFS 461 Application of Nutr Theory & Research (3)
CFS 462 Medical Nutrition Therapy II (4)
CFS 464 Applied Institution Management (3)
CHEM 304 Biochemistry for the Health Sciences (4)
AH 290 Medical Terminology (2)
Designated Elective (selected with advisor) (3)
TOTAL HOURS (67)

• The designated elective provides an opportunity to expand knowledge and skills in areas of interest to each student.  Many possibilities, thus, exist to meet these requirements.  Students might elect to increase knowledge and skills in the areas of exercise physiology, wellness and fitness assessment, statistics, biomedical ethics, child psychology, marketing, dietary supplements, sports nutrition, community health, folklore and medicine, and other areas of interest.
• NOTE: A grade of C or better is required in all courses in the major listed above.  This requirement applies to students entering WKU S97 or after.
• COURSE DESCIPTIONS FOR THE ABOVE CLASSES are available.
• Designated general education courses are also required: SOCL 100; PSY 100; ECON 150; MATH 116; CHEM 105, 106, 107, 108; BIOL 131, 207, 208 (31 hrs)
• In addition, other courses are needed to fully complete general education requirements of Western Kentucky University.  To graduate a minimum of 128 hours must be obtained.  Information concerning general education requirements and the handling of transfer credits may be obtained in the undergraduate catalog (http://www.wku.edu/academics.html).

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies addressed in the Curriculum

• The entry-level dietitian is to be knowledgeable in eight areas identified by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association.  At Western Kentucky University, students in the nutrition and dietetics program are to gain competency in certain foundation knowledge and skills in those eight areas; further learning will be achieved following graduation from WKU and the completion of a supervised practice experience (dietetic internship).  Foundation learning has two parts: (1) knowledge of a topic as it applies to the profession of dietetics and (2) 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.
• Individual competencies and specific courses helping reach the competencies are available online or from an advisor in the nutrition and dietetics program.
• To help ensure achievement of these competencies, a grade of C or better is required in all courses in the major listed above.
• Based on the programmatic mission and curriculum, four student learning objectives have been selected to emphasize in the curriculum.
• Students will have knowledge and demonstrated abilities in commercial and noncommercial foodservice operations.
• Students will have knowledge and demonstrated abilities in managerial functions.
• Students completing the program in nutrition and dietetics at WKU will be able to communicate effectively.
• Students will have knowledge and demonstrated abilities in nutrient metabolism, nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy.

Additional Information in the Student Handbook of the Nutrition & Dietetics Program

Mission of the Nutrition & Dietetics Program

• The primary mission of the nutrition and dietetics program is to prepare students to compete for internships accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association that lead to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association Registration Examination and, thus, to “Registered Dietitian” designation. The dietetics curriculum is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dietetic Association.  Students are provided educational experiences to prepare them to effectively fulfill duties of entry-level dietetics positions and to manage others who provide dietetic-related services.  Students emerge from the program with information and management skills which enable them to creatively solve problems in the delivery of dietetic services.
• The Nutrition and Dietetics Program at WKU is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (1-800-877-1600 ext 5400; American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995).  The last program review began in September, 2004 and resulted in initial accreditation of the program in February, 2005.

• The program will prepare students to effectively fulfill duties of entry-level dietetics positions and to manage others who provide dietetic-related services.
• The program will prepare students to successfully compete for supervised practice experiences that lead to eligibility for The American Dietetic Association Registration Examination.
• The program faculty will use and/or demonstrate relevant technologies and equipment for the purpose of instruction.
• The program will improve the quality of student support/information related to the major, career options, and related resources.

Program Costs

• Lab coat for use in CFS 151, CFS 251 and CFS 464 - $25 to $40
• Lab fees for CFS 151 and CFS 251 - $100 ($50 per lab)
• Student liability insurance for CFS 464 - $15 to $20
• TB skin test series for CFS 464 - $20
• State police background check for CFS 464 - $10
• Tuition – Kentucky Resident, Fall 2006 = $2,976 and Spring 2007 = $2,976; Non-resident, Fall 2006 = $7,200 and Spring 2007 = $7,200.  Additional information concerning tuition may be found through the WKU Office of Admissions.
• Other expenses and fees per semester, such as for meals ($900-$1,200), books ($15-$30 per credit hour), and more may be found through the WKU Office of Admissions.

Transportation

• Students are responsible for transportation to any off-campus venues required for classes.

What is an Internship?

• Internships are the second step to becoming a registered dietitian.  An internship is completed after the undergraduate degree is obtained.
•   Internships are located in many universities, colleges and hospitals across the United States.
• A list of all internships is available on the website the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association (http://www.eatright.org/cade), and from the undergraduate program director, Dr. Kelley, at WKU.
• In the third year of the nutrition and dietetics curriculum, students develop a list of internship programs that may be of interest.
• In the last year of the program, students may wish to visit an internship.  To learn about scheduling a visit and/or attending an open house for an internship check out the website of the program of interest and this link on open house dates (http://www.indiana.edu/~nutrvmg/DIopenhouses.html).

Preparation for an Internship:

• Internships each set application standards and guidelines.  Thus, criteria for selection into different supervised practice programs may vary from internship to internship.
• Earn good grades.  An undergraduate grade point average of at least a 3.0 is probably needed to be competitive for an internship.  Having a 3.0 GPA will not ensure that entrance into an internship is received, but it will probably increase the chance of acceptance.  The higher the GPA, the better chance a student may have of gaining entrance into an internship.
• Gain relevant work experience.  Positions as dietary aides or diet assistants in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities provide valuable experience.  In these facilities, students also gain work experience as cooks and diet supervisors.  Other work experience in the food service industry, such as server positions or cashiers in fast food restaurants, can be beneficial; however, the degree of importance placed on these types of work experience may vary from internship to internship.
• Gain dietetic-related volunteer experiences, as available.  Examples of volunteer experiences include assisting with events sponsored by the health department, assisting with health and recruitment fairs at WKU or off-campus, and shadowing dietitians in the workplace.  Other opportunities based on personal motivation and interest can also be completed.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities.  Membership in the Hospitality & Dietetic Association, in Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society, and/or other on- and off-campus activities can be of benefit.  Participation in such organizations and holding an office can increase your leadership and interpersonal skills and can provide volunteer opportunities.
• Manage your time and prioritize.
• Be a respectful, conscientious student and employee.  When applying to supervised practice programs, you will need letters of recommendation.  Practice good interpersonal skills and work hard in classes and on the job.  Be on time and have a positive attitude.

Information needed when preparing application packets for internship programs:

• Obtain current information (within past three to six months) from programs of interest.
• Follow program directions very carefully.
• Apply to at least 5 or 6 programs.  You only have as many options as you create for yourself.  Do NOT apply to programs that you will not really be willing to attend.
• Talk to your program director at WKU about the application process and attend meetings concerning the application process.
• Read the complete information about the computer matching policy and procedures used to apply to most dietetic internships at the website of The American Dietetic Association.
• Verification Statements versus Declarations of Intent:  If you have graduated, you will receive a Verification Statement.  If you have NOT graduated, you will receive a Declaration of Intent, that identifies the courses needed to complete program and graduation requirements.  After graduating and before attending an internship, you should receive a Verification Statement.  The verification statement will be mailed to you following completion of program requirements and graduation.  Thus, you will need to provide the program director at WKU with a mailing address that the verification statement can be sent to you.
• To be eligible to receive a Verification Statement, all program and university requirements at WKU must be completed.  These required courses are specified above; other requirements are listed in the WKU undergraduate catalog http://www.wku.edu/academics.html(http://www.wku.edu/academics.html).
• D&D Digital Systems Computer Matching:  Most internship programs participate in computer matching.  An applicant rank orders his or her choices for an internship.  A single fee for computer matching is charged.  Computer matching forms may be obtained from the WKU didactic director, Dr. Kelley, or may be requested directly from D&D Digital (http://www.dnddigital.com/).
• Other information concerning transcripts, letters of reference, and letters of application may be obtained by clicking on this link.

Policies protecting the rights of students:

• Information concerning withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees may be found in the undergraduate catalog.
• Information concerning the student academic calendar at WKU may be found on WKU's webpages.
• Information concerning the privacy of information, access to personal files, liability for travel required for any courses, student grievance procedures, and other student rights and responsibilities, such as potential causes for disciplinary actions or termination from the university may be found in the undergraduate catalog and the  WKU student handbook.
• Basic guidelines regarding access to student files/educational records are found in the undergraduate catalog and are based on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• The basic WKU policy on Academic Dishonesty (WKU Catalog, 2005-2007, p. 26.) is that  “Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty may receive from the instructor a failing grade in that portion of the course work in which the act is detected or a failing grade in the course without possibility of withdrawal. The faculty member may also present the case to the Office of the Dean of Student Life for disciplinary sanctions."
• The general contents of the WKU student handbook include:
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Disciplinary Actions/ Procedures Followed in Disciplinary Cases/ Procedures for Appeal Through the President to the Board of Regents
• Policy on Parental Notification, regarding drug and alcohol use/Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention and Intervention Sessioon
• Policies for Dealing with Students with Disruptive Behavior Due to Emotional Disturbance
• Academic Offenses
• Sexual Assault
• Sexual Harassment Policy
• Procedures for Investigation and Resolution of Sexual Harassment Complaint
• Appeal of Formal Complaint Resolution/Disciplinary Action Procedures
• Student Grievance Procedures
• Regulations Governing Time, Place and Manner of Meetings, Assemblies or Demonstrations
• Policies and Guidelines Regarding Student Organizations
• Policy Guidelines and Procedures for Non-University Speakers
• Statement of Financial Delinquency
• Statement of Policy and Principles for Residence Hall Living
• Room Entry-Inspection-Search and Seizure
• Vehicle Parking and Traffic Regulations
• World Wide Web Publishing Policy
• Computing Ethics Policy
• Although not required to have health insurance, all students at WKU are advised to do so.  When in off-campus facilites for required learning experiences, neither the facility or WKU is responsible for any costs related to student illness or injury.  More information regarding health services available at WKU may be found in the undergraduate catalog.

Student support services

• Relevant information regarding student support services is provided in the undergraduate catalog and includes:
• Student Disability Services
• Student Health Service
• Office of Diversity Programs
• Counseling and Testing Services
• Department of Financial Assistance

Evaluation of Student Learning and Progress

• Within each course for the Nutrition & Dietetics program, students will receive feedback following the completion of assignments, quizzes and/or exams; this feedback will occur during the course and consist of comments and grades written on assignments and exams by instructor.
• Final course feedback will occur with receipt of the overall course grade, which may be viewed online through the TOPNET system at WKU.
• Evaluation of student learning and progress in CFS 464 (summer practicum), may be found in the practicum handbook.
• A grade of C or better is required for all nutrition and dietetics specific courses.  Review of student progress by the academic advisor will occur in advising sessions held prior to the scheduling of courses each semester.

Last Modified:  September 19, 2006
All contents copyright © 2006
Western Kentucky University