Didactic Program in Dietetics
Faculty
Lisa Brown, Assistant Professor, Nutrition and Dietetic Internship Coordinator
Teresa Fung, Professor
Sharon Gallagher, Associate Professor of Practice
Elizabeth Metallinos-Katsaras, Ruby Winslow Linn Professor and Chair
Kathrina Prelack Assistant Professor, Nutrition
Description
Our Certificate in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) prepares students to become Registered Dietitians.
You'll combine biology and chemistry with advanced food science and clinical dietetics. Our students improve the eating behaviors, health and quality of life of our culturally diverse population. You'll investigate the theories and best practices of food and health — and develop an appreciation of nutrition and dietetics' relationship to other disciplines.
This certificate, along with a verification statement signed by the DPD Director at Simmons and a previous bachelor’s degree, will confirm the successful completion of this first step in the credentialing process for dietetics practitioners. Our students are prepared for entry level dietetic positions, graduate school and accredited supervised practice programs.
Learning Outcomes
Program Mission, Goals and Outcomes
The mission of the Simmons College Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is to educate students and foster an appreciation of lifelong learning in preparation for their success in the nutrition and dietetics profession. We aim to prepare students to be effective in a profession that improves the eating behaviors and subsequent health and quality of life of a multicultural and diverse population, a profession that adds to the scientific investigation about food and health, and one that fosters an appreciation of nutrition and dietetics' relationship to other sciences.
Goal 1: The Simmons College DPD will prepare graduates to become competent entry level dietetics professionals.
Goal 2: The DPD will prepare graduates to succeed in one or more of the following: a graduate program, an accredited dietetic internship program, or employment.
Goal 3. The DPD will prepare graduates to serve a culturally diverse population.
Requirements for entry into program
An applicant must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. post- secondary institution or university abroad which is recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country. No prerequisite courses or GREs are required.
You may have already completed some of these courses that comprise the DPD program in previous programs or at other institutions. To determine if previous courses taken meet the criteria for the Simmons DPD program, please request approval in writing via email to snhs@simmons.edu
Costs
Including financing and fellowships / assistantships
$1175 per credit hour
$105 Activity fee per semester
Delivery Mode or Modes Available (full-time, part-time, locations, technologies, etc.)
Degree requirements
Required Courses
Required Nutrition Courses:
| NUTR 112 | Introduction to Nutrition Science | 4 |
| | OR | |
| NUTR 111 | Fundamentals of Nutrition Science | 4 |
| | | |
| NUTR 201 | Advanced Food Science | 4 |
| NUTR 231 | The Practice of Clinical Dietetics | 4 |
| NUTR 237 | The Practice of Community Nutrition | 4 |
| NUTR 248 | Food Production and Service Systems | 4 |
| NUTR 249 | Leadership in Food Service Management | 4 |
| NUTR 301 | Dietetics Profession | 1 |
| NUTR 311 | Nutrient Metabolism | 4 |
| NUTR 334 | Medical Nutrition Therapy | 6 |
| NUTR 381 | Advanced Practice in Community Nutrition | 4 |
| NUTR 390 | Seminar: Selected Topics in Nutrition | 4 |
NUTR 111, NUTR 201, NUTR 311: with Lab
In addition, there are two required social science courses; at least one of these should be in sociology or psychologyy.
Concentrations, specializations, etc.
Capstone, placement, internship, practicum, etc.
Research, internships and clinical experience are essential to nutrition students. You’ll have opportunities to explore your interests, build your skills and develop mentoring relationships with leaders in the field. We take full advantage of our location in the heart of Boston, and more specifically the Longwood Medical Area. Our students have been placed at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, ABCD/Head Start, Women’s Lunch Place, Community Servings, Greater Boston Food Bank, a variety of local WIC programs, and a variety of local hospitals.
Dual (and other) degree options (With what other degree programs may this program be combined?)
Licensure, certification, etc. / Other program information
Upon graduation, completing a Dietetic Internship Program is a crucial step in becoming a Registered Dietitian. Our students are successful in internship programs nationwide – we have an excellent placement rate.