Program Overview
La Salle University's 5-Year Nutrition program combines a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Practice, preparing students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). The program emphasizes urban health, providing students with supervised practice opportunities in diverse communities. Graduates are eligible for RDN credentialing and have excellent career prospects in various healthcare and nutrition settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The La Salle University Nutrition: 5-Year (B.S./M.S.) program is an accelerated bachelor's and master's program that prepares students for a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). The program culminates in both a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Practice.
Objectives:
The program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in nutrition science, dietetics, and supervised practice. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to:
- Assess nutritional needs of individuals and groups
- Provide nutrition counseling and education
- Develop and implement nutrition interventions
- Manage foodservice operations
- Conduct nutrition research
- Advocate for public policies that promote healthy eating
Program Description:
The program is designed to be completed in five years. Students will complete the following coursework:
- Years 1-2: Foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.
- Years 3-4: Advanced coursework in nutrition, dietetics, and supervised practice.
- Year 5: Supervised practice experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health agencies, and foodservice operations.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Nutrition science: Macronutrients, micronutrients, digestion, metabolism, and the role of nutrition in health and disease.
- Dietetics: Medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling, foodservice management, and public health nutrition.
- Supervised practice: Students will complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice in a variety of settings.
- Urban health focus: The program addresses hunger, policy, advocacy, communication, health promotion, and prevention and treatment of disease through nutrition in diverse communities.
Course Schedule:
The course schedule for the program can be found on the La Salle University website.
Modules:
The program is divided into the following modules:
- Module 1: Foundational Nutrition Science
- Module 2: Advanced Nutrition Science
- Module 3: Dietetics and Supervised Practice
- Module 4: Urban Health and Nutrition
Module Descriptions:
- Module 1: Foundational Nutrition Science: This module provides students with a foundation in the science of nutrition, including macronutrients, micronutrients, digestion, metabolism, and the role of nutrition in health and disease.
- Module 2: Advanced Nutrition Science: This module builds on the foundation of the first module and covers more advanced topics in nutrition, such as medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling, and foodservice management.
- Module 3: Dietetics and Supervised Practice: This module provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a supervised practice setting. Students will complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health agencies, and foodservice operations.
- Module 4: Urban Health and Nutrition: This module focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities of providing nutrition services in urban communities. Students will learn about the social determinants of health, food access, and policy issues related to nutrition.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams: Written and practical exams will be used to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the course material.
- Assignments: Students will complete a variety of assignments, such as case studies, research papers, and presentations.
- Supervised practice: Students will be evaluated by their supervisors on their clinical skills, communication skills, and professionalism.
Assessment Criteria:
The criteria for assessment will vary depending on the assessment method. However, all assessments will be graded on a scale of A-F.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce new concepts and provide students with a foundation in the subject matter.
- Seminars: Seminars are used to allow students to discuss and apply the course material in a smaller group setting.
- Laboratory work: Laboratory work is used to give students hands-on experience with the concepts they are learning.
- Supervised practice: Supervised practice provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
Faculty:
The faculty in the program are experts in their field and have a passion for teaching. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
Unique Approaches:
The program has a unique urban health focus, which prepares students to work in diverse communities. The program also offers a variety of supervised practice opportunities, which allow students to gain real-world experience.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the credentialing exam for RDNs and seek state licensure as Licensed Dietitian Nutritionists. RDNs are employed as clinicians and managers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, specialty clinics, grocery stores, schools, corporate wellness, private practices, and community agencies.
Career Opportunities:
The employment outlook for RDNs is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of RDNs will grow by 14% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Career Outcomes:
Nearly 100% of La Salle University graduates who seek employment find jobs in the field of dietetics within 3-6 months after graduation.
Other:
Accreditation:
The La Salle University Master's Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics Practice is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Additional Information:
- The program is offered on the La Salle University campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- The program is open to students of all majors.
- Students who are interested in the program should contact the program director, Robin Danowski, MS, RD, LDN.
