Application to DPD PBC
Can the Didactic Program in Dietetics Post-Baccalaureate Certificate prepare me for a professional credential?
Yes. Coursework supports applicants to
- Sit for the Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) exam
- Apply for a Dietetic Internship for eligibility to take the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam
My undergraduate degree is in a completely different field. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes. If you already have a B.S., B.S.W., or B.A., you will still need to complete all required DPD courses to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian, or RD. You will be required to complete foundation, knowledge, and skills as established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Upon successful completion of those courses, you will be issued a verification statement and you will be able to apply for dietetic internships with other students who are receiving their first bachelor’s degree.
Am I able to transfer in course credit from other institutions?
Yes. Accepted students are able to transfer in a select number of equivalent courses from other institutions. Any courses transferred into the program must have been taken within the past 7 years at an accredited institution. Course syllabi must be provided for all courses taken outside of Meredith College.
Do you have men in your Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program?
Yes. Graduate programs at Meredith are for both women and men.
Do I need to take the GRE to apply?
No.
Do I need to have experience in nutrition or dietetics to apply?
No, but experience in the field is important part of our program and required for those applying to Dietetic Internships.
How long will it take for me to complete the program?
You must complete the program within one calendar year.
When are classes held?
Classes are held during the day.
When can I start?
Didactic Program in Dietetics Post-Baccalaureate Certificate cohorts begin in May and August.
What Dietetic Internship programs have Meredith graduates been accepted into?
Meredith graduates have been accepted into numerous Dietetic Internship programs including the following:
- Meredith College
- East Carolina University
- North Carolina Central University
Are there other requirements for the Dietetics Program?
All students are required to complete a personal professional portfolio as a course requirement in FN 480 Colloquium, in Spring of their senior year. Throughout their DPD course work, students should keep files that include: honors, awards and scholarships; representations of assignments, including handouts developed, papers, etc.; community service projects; and records of volunteer and work experience.
What are the characteristics of a successful DPD student?
- Good time management skills
- Deals effectively with stress
- Self-discipline
- Pro-active
- Self-starter
- Flexible
- Goal-oriented
- Leadership ability
- Committed to the profession
- Integrity
- Team player
- Adaptable
- Ability to prioritize
- Organizational skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Volunteer and work experience
- Good grades
- Critical thinker
Is it important to get work or volunteer experience in the dietetics field?
In order to learn about the field of dietetics and to strengthen your application for a dietetic internship, it is strongly recommended that you work or volunteer in dietetics related areas. You can do this during the summer or the school year. You are encouraged to contact local dietitians and request a volunteer experience. Opportunities for volunteer experiences are also sent via campus email. You should keep a record of your hours and experience for both your portfolio and your internship application.
Why should I join the Meredith Nutrition and Wellness Association (MNWA)?
The MNWA is a student run organization for students majoring, or just interested, in food and nutrition. Meetings are monthly (day and time are subject to change). The membership fee is $10.00 per year (also subject to change). Many interesting topics related to nutrition and food science are discussed at meetings. Presentations given by area professionals introduce students to the varied career opportunities in dietetics. Dietetics related volunteer and work experiences also are announced in these meetings. The MNWA participates actively in community programs including the Meals on Wheels, the Interfaith Food Shuttle, Urban Ministries, the Poe Center, and Eat Smart Move More NC initiatives. MNWA members also conduct fundraising and volunteer many hours to local charities and community organizations. Past volunteer activities have included food preparation and service at local soup kitchens, delivery of Meals on Wheels to area elderly, development of community gardens, donation of food to shelters for homeless people and abused women and children, and educational presentations on nutrition to local school children. Information about the field of nutrition is provided and you also get a chance to make new friends and practicing dietitians. The Raleigh District Dietetics Association (RDDA) holds meetings on campus to encourage student participation. The MNWA joins with the RDDA in sponsoring mentoring events for practitioners and students. Being a MNWA officer or committee chair is an excellent leadership opportunity. We encourage all students to run for an elected position, serve on Club committees, and/or participate in other Club activities. For more information about the Association or its activities and programs, attend the MNWA meetings, go to the Student Life Office, second floor Cate Center or check out their website Student Handbook.
What about Scholarships?
There are scholarship opportunities available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the North Carolina Dietetic Association Foundation for student members of these organizations. For information about Academy/NCDA scholarships and eligibility, contact the Academy www.eatright.org or the NCDAF www.eatrightnc.org. Application forms for these scholarships are available online at the Associations’ websites.
Where do I get advising?
Students accepted into the Didactic Program of Dietetics Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program will be assigned an advisor from the Food and Nutrition faculty. They will provide assistance in planning a schedule of required courses. Your faculty advisor will provide information about professional organizations, work and volunteer opportunities, and planning for the future. You should plan to schedule at least one advising appointment with an advisor each semester.
After completing the DPD PBC at Meredith College, will I be a Registered Dietitian?
No!
- Completion of a DPD like the Meredith College program is the first step to becoming a Registered Dietitian.
- The second step, completion of an accredited supervised practice program (dietetic internship), follows the completion of the Didactic Program and the minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. There are currently two types of supervised practice programs: Accredited Dietetic Internships (DI), and Accredited Coordinated Programs. You need to be well informed that receiving an appointment to a supervised practice program is very competitive, and there are no guarantees that any one student will receive an appointment.
- The third and final step to becoming an RD is successful completion of the National Registration Examination for Dietitians.
What are my options if I’m not interested in becoming an RD?
Nutrition students can pursue careers in nutrition education (through WIC), sales (including pharmaceutical, food and equipment sales), product development, foodservice management and public policy or health fields.
Graduate school is another option to consider after graduation. There are many Master’s degree programs in nutrition, health science education, business and communication. You should take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) if you are interested in graduate school.