La Salle’s Nutrition Program offers both fundamental knowledge and the experiential learning opportunities that students will need in order to become professionals in the nutrition field. Those who enlist in La Salle’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics allow for a jumpstart in their careers by completing a 1,200-hour internship during their senior year in the program. These students can then begin their careers as registered dietitians immediately after graduating and passing the credentialing exam through ACEND (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics). It is the only Coordinated Nutrition Program offered in Philadelphia and one of only 30 in the country. 

The two programs offered at La Salle’s Nutrition Program are:

• Coordinated Program in Dietetics- Students are qualified to sit for the Registered Examination for Dietitians in order to obtain the R.D. credential immediately upon completing the supervised practice requirements and the Bachelor of Science Degree within the Coordinated program.
• Didactic Program in Nutrition-Graduates of this program are prepared for graduate studies in nutrition or other health disciplines, for jobs in public health, food systems, business related to health and nutrition or for the dietetic internship programs that will prepare them for the Registered Dietician credential.

Program Highlights:

• Coordinated work/study program in the Coordinate Program in Dietetics
• Allowance to enter the field in senior year of study and gain possible networking advantages through internships and assistantships.
• Once graduated and passing the ACEND exam I can begin work, rather than have to take on an apprenticeship or internship to attain proper work hours to sit for the exam
• Professional theory to practice approach
• Personalized approach
• La Salle University’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics and Didactic Program in Nutrition are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Program Lowlights:

• Most likely cost and time

Conclusion:

I believe this is quite possibly one of the best Nutrition programs I will come across in my area if not the country and am excited to speak with Dr. Frank regarding the specificities of the program.

What I need to do:

• Contact Associate Professor and Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics and see what courses I can translate to the Coordinated Program.
• Gain knowledge on pricing, timelines, and full or part-time student status.
• Ask any remaining questions.
• Learn what scholarship or grant options I may have.
• Learn what student loan options I may need to take.
• Visit the school and the program director.
• Apply!