SHS granted candidacy for Dietetics Specialization Program

The School of Health Sciences (SHS) has earned Candidacy for Accreditation status for its Dietetics Specialization Program, which will be offered within the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program, through the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

“Our bachelor of science in nutrition students within the department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (IDH) now have the option to enroll in the dietetics specialization, which provides the first step in the education and training for registered dietitians.” said Associate Professor Amanda Lynch, Nutrition and Dietetics Program Director. “The program is designed to be completed in the last two years of study at OU.”

Lynch, who also serves as IDH departmental Chairperson added that graduates from the accredited program will then need to earn a master's degree and complete supervised practice from an ACEND accredited program in order to sit for the national credentialing exam to become registered dietitians.

These professionals work in a variety of practice areas including community and public health organizations, hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practice, long-term care facilities, schools, food service management corporations, government or academic research centers, and food or pharmaceutical companies.

“The dietetics specialization has a community-engagement focus and we are excited to develop community partnerships and service-learning projects with a nutrition and dietetics focus,” Lynch said.

Joining Lynch in the efforts to earn candidacy, program development and accreditation are Associate Professors Melissa Reznar and Jennifer Lucarelli, and Special Instructor of Nutrition Sara Allen.

“I commend the IDH faculty for outstanding community-engaged efforts,” said SHS Dean Kevin Ball.

The SHS will apply for full ACEND accreditation of the dietetics specialization following the graduation of its second cohort.