Lipscomb's Dietetics program receives initial ADA accreditation

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The Lipscomb University Dietetics program has received initial accreditation from the American Dietetics Association's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, a specialized body recognized by the Council on Post Secondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education, said Nancy Hunt, assistant professor of family and consumer sciences and program director.

"The accreditation benefits our students by making them eligible for internships and to take the exam to become a registered dietitian," said Hunt.

In order to be credentialed as a registered dietitian, students must complete a 900-hour post-graduate internship accredited by CADE. After completing the internship, students must pass a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Lipscomb, Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee State University have the only accredited programs in the Middle Tennessee area, said Hunt.

"We offer a top-quality dietetics program in a Christian environment, " she said. "The goal of our program is to get our students into internships and prepare them for the national exam. Over the past five years, we have a 96 percent placement rate of our graduates into internship programs. We have had a 100% employment record for graduates seeking jobs in the dietetics field as registered dietitians."

Lipscomb is unique because it offers both an undergraduate program and an internship in dietetics. The Lipscomb internship program was added in 2002.

"Admission to our internship program is competitive. Several Lipscomb graduates apply each year along with graduates of other programs from across the country. Four out of this year's eight internship positions are filled by Lipscomb graduates," said Hunt.

The Lipscomb dietetics program began in 1979. Hunt said the program has grown through the years as the healthcare industry has focused more on prevention and wellness programs. Currently, she is advising 25 students in the program.

For more information, contact Hunt at 615.279.5767, 800.333.4358 ext. 5767 or by emailing nancy.hunt [at] lipscomb.edu.