Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program (CP) is a four-year program with a nutrition therapy emphasis. It combines three years of didactic education and a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice in the field of dietetics. Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics CP. They will also be able to take the colloquium exam and become licensed dietitians in Lebanon.
Students are first admitted to the B.S. in Nutrition program, and can then apply for the B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics CP in their senior year after undergoing a selection process.
The proposed educational framework has a planned curriculum that supports the learning activities to attain all the foundation knowledge and competencies set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60696-6995, 312-899-0040) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Coordinated Program aims to seek full accreditation by ACEND.
The fourth year of the coordinated program consists of 27 credits, 24 credits of practicum, and 3 credits of didactic courses. The practicum component is comprised of three rotations: Medical Nutrition Therapy (22 weeks), Food Service Management (8 weeks) and Community Nutrition (8 weeks). The practicum experience typically begins in the first week of September and ends at the beginning of June, thus ensuring a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice experience.
Mission
The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics CP is to prepare graduates for food and nutrition careers by providing them with the ability to integrate didactic and practical education in order to improve the health and well-being of individuals and groups while upholding tradition of the liberal arts education.
The program is also dedicated to preparing graduates for excellence in dietetics practice and dynamic professional involvement in the field. Students will be prepared for entry-level positions in dietetics through both classroom education and supervised field experiences.
Also, the program provides education in all areas of dietetics with a nutrition therapy emphasis so as to achieve the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics requirements for program accreditation. Through an understanding of the standards of practice and development of skills, students can successfully pass the Colloquium exam and apply their knowledge to careers in clinical nutrition, food service and program management.
Program Objectives
The B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program seeks to
- prepare qualified entry-level professionals by providing high quality didactic education and supervised practice,
- produce competent graduates with inter-professional competencies engaged in the health profession and the improvement of human well-being, and
- produce life-long learner graduates who are able to incorporate new evidence-based technology and knowledge into practice.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program students will
- integrate evidence-based guidelines and research findings in nutrition practice and care,
- conduct research projects using the appropriate indicators, measures and methodology,
- demonstrate counseling and communication skills sufficient for entry in pre-professional practice,
- demonstrate professional and inter-professional teamwork skills,
- comply with the principles supported by the governance of Dietetics practice,
- develop professional attributes and a portfolio that are adapted to serve in diverse professional and community organizations,
- perform the nutrition care process and use standardized nutrition language,
- apply health education and behavior change theories and techniques,
- demonstrate successful management of available resources and integrate promotion of nutritional well-being with cultural needs,
- implement quality management and business theories in the provision of services,
- successfully manage food service establishments and apply principles of food safety,
- perform activities related to public policy and health care systems, and
- recognize the support knowledge underlying nutritional sciences.
Admissions Requirements
Enrollment in the B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program is highly competitive and occurs during the student’s senior year of study. Students must submit a separate application form for admission into the program. Applications to the program are accepted once a year and no more than 15 applicants will be admitted as per the following criteria:
- Completion of all course requirements for the B.S. in Nutrition by spring semester of the senior year;
- A minimum major GPA of 3.0; and
- Submission of a CP application along with a personal statement.
Eligible students will be invited for a personal interview on campus followed by writing activity. Applicants who are not eligible for the coordinated program will be considered for the Dietetic Internship program if they wish to complete an internship program after their bachelor in one of the LAU-affiliated hospitals.
Curriculum
A total of 121 credits are required to graduate, as per the following:
- LAC Requirements (34 cr)
- Program and other requirements (87 cr)
Note that the requirements of the first three years are the same as those of the B.S. in Nutrition.
Year Four
Fall (14 cr)
- NUT570 Ethics for Dietetic Practice (1 cr)
- NUT580 Dietetic Seminar I (1 cr)
- NUT597 Dietetic Practicum I (12 cr)
Spring (13 cr)
- NUT585 Dietetic Seminar II (1 cr)
- NUT598 Dietetic Practicum II (12 cr)
