The Nutrition and Dietetics program offers current and relevant nutrition and foodservice information to students while training them in the skills of research and nutrition counseling.
Accreditation Status
The Nutrition and Dietetics option is currently granted initial accreditation by the Commision on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Phone: 312-899-0040. This option provides the basic academic preparation necessary to become a registered dietitian (R.D.). Certification as an R.D. is often mandatory for professional positions and requires completion of an approved post-graduate supervised practice program. Typically, a student who successfully completes the ADA-approved curriculum, an ADA-accredited internship, and the registration examination becomes qualified as a health professional responsible for services in areas such as nutrition service-related management, clinical or community dietetics, education, consultation, private practice, and research.
Career Changers
For students who already have an undergraduate degree and are interested in pursuing a career in dietetics, please read these FAQs for Career Changers from the American Dietetic Association. The Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics, Tracy L. Oliver, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N., can evaluate your previous coursework and advise you on completing the coursework necessary to pursue the RD credential.
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Transcripts of previous coursework need to be sent to the program director for evaluation. DO NOT have transcripts sent directly from schools to the University.
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Please include an e-mail address, telephone number, and mailing address.
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The Dietetics Program Director will evaluate transcripts and schedule a time to discuss the coursework already completed as well as the additional course requirements to become an R.D.
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If your undergraduate education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to have your transcripts converted to U.S. equivalents before they can be evaluated. Please read the FAQs for International Students from the American Dietetic Association for more information.
Advising
If you are interested in obtaining an undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics, contact: Patricia Thibault, M.S., R.D., L.D.N. Associate Professor (610) 647-4400 ext. 3762. If you already possess a bachelor's degree and are interested in becoming a registered dietitian, contact: Tracy Oliver, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N. Assistant Professor, Didactic Program Director (610) 647-4400 ext. 3764. If you are already a registered dietitian or have questions specific to graduate programs in nutrition education, contact: Laura B. Frank, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N. Chair, Nutrition Education/Nutrition and Dietetics (610) 647-4400 ext. 3482. Immaculata University offers a Graduate Program in nutrition education and an accredited dietetic internship.