Bachelor of Science - Coordinated Program

The Coordinated Program (CP) is designed for individuals who wish to graduate with a B.S. of science degree, "job ready", and eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. The program provides experience in the three broad areas of dietetic practice (management, clinical, and community) and is designed to prepare entry-level dietitians for careers in a variety of health care and food service facilities. It requires two years of full-time, day-time study which includes the necessary supervised practice hours. CP is a limited access program. Only 16 - 18 students are admitted each year, and they must be in the final stages of completing or having already completed the prerequisites at the time of the March 1st application deadline.

The Coordinated Program is currently granted continuing accreditation status by The Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606, (312) 899-0040, ext. 5400.  The program combines didactic requirements with supervised practicum experience.  Graduates from the CP are eligible to sit for the National Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Degree Program Hours:  132
 

Admission Requirements

·         Admission to the University Undergraduate Program

·         Completion of all prerequisite courses 

·         Successful completion of DIE 3005 - Orientation to Dietetics and DIE 3434 - Nutrition Education / Lab.

·         Students must first be admitted to the Dietetics and Nutrition program. In addition, a separate application, specifically for the CP, must be submitted by March 1st, when eligibility requirements are met. This application may be obtained directly from the Dietetics and Nutrition Department. Criteria used for ranking CP applicants include: grades received in prerequisite courses, work experience (preferably dietetics-related), completeness and style of written application, and a personal letter. Students are admitted in August following successful completion of DIE 3005 [Orientation to Dietetics and DIE] 3434 [Nutrition Education], offered during the summer term, if applicable.

·         Students that have already taken and failed the comprehensive exam are not eligible for the CP.

·         All students accepted in the CP are encouraged to join the American Dietetic Association as student members.

Students enrolled in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics and Nutrition must provide the Department with original transcripts of all colleges/universities attended.

    Application Procedures

Coordinated Program Applications

Students interested in the Coordinated Program (CP) must submit a formal application to the CP Director by March 1 preceding the fall semester of expected enrollment. Students must also apply to the University via the Admissions Office and complete a State University application.

Criteria used for ranking CP applicants include: grades received in prerequisite courses, work experience (preferably dietetics-related), completeness and style of written application and a personal letter. An interview with the CP Director may be required prior to admission. This can be scheduled through the Department Secretary.

Students are admitted in August following successful completion of DIE 3005 [Orientation to Dietetics] DIE 3434 [Nutrition Education and Lab] and BCH 3023 [General Biochemistry] offered during the summer term.

The admission to the CP is conditionally based on successful completion of summer courses with a grade of C or higher. Throughout the program, students need to maintain a C or higher in courses with the prefix HUN, FOS, and DIE.  Failure to successfully pass the comprehensive examination (administered in January of senior year) or maintain a C or higher in dietetics coursework will result in immediate dismissal form the CP program an readmission to the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Students are expected to conduct themselves according to the Code of Ethics set forth by the American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org).

Student performance in practicums is evaluated by the student preceptor for learning outcomes listed by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association for entry-level dietetic practice related to each rotation (Community, Clinical, Management, and Advanced Practicum).

• Coordinated Program Application (.doc format)

• FIU Undergraduate Online Application

Tuition and Financial Aid

A schedule of registration and tuition fees for all programs is published prior to each semester and can be obtained at the Office of Registration and Records.

Program Cost

Costs of the program to students in addition to tuition and fees (including a $50/credit practicum fee) include:  providing transportation to practicum sites, lab coats and professional attire, uniform and uniform shoes, annual laboratory tests at the student health services clinic; student membership in the American Dietetic Association recommended.  Liability insurance is provided by the University.

Before the start date of the program in August, the following requirements must be completed and submitted to the Dietetics and Nutrition Department:

1.      PPD and updated tetanus shot record. This can be completed at your doctor’s office or at FIU’s Wellness Center.

2.      Criminal Background Screening including fingerprinting. Fingerprinting cards with instructions are available in the Dietetics Department.

3.      CPR certification. Community agencies (Red Cross) provide this training.

4.      Documentation of vaccinations including varicella titre and a 10 panel drug test are mandatory before practicum can begin.

General Curriculum Information

For a list of courses and community college equivalent click on advisement worksheets (.pdf format).

Testing out of courses or credit for life experiences
The Department has a policy of allowing students to "test out" of 3000 level classes or below. The procedure is that the student must notify the Department and the faculty member responsible for that course, of their intent to do this. He/she must register for the course the term it is offered and sit for the "challenge exam" no later than Wednesday of the first week of class (the exam can also be taken prior to the beginning of the semester). The grade on the exam will then be recorded as the grade for the course. If the student receives a D or less on the exam, then the individual must sit in the class and complete all course requirements that semester. If one decides to postpone taking this class, he/she must drop the course the first week of class in order not to incur a financial responsibility for the course.

Coordinated Program (CP) Curriculum

Lower Division Prerequisites

Successful completion of the following courses:
DIE 3005 Orientation to Dietetics
DIE 3434 [Nutrition Education and Lab]
BCH 3023 [General Biochemistry or Nutrition and Biochemistry]

General Education Requirements:

One Course in each of the following:

The following sciences:

One course in:

Recommended Prerequisites:

Pass score on the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST)

Upper Division Program

Junior Year:

Senior Year: