Dietetics program granted reaccreditation through 2031

Northwest Missouri State University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) has earned reaccreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Kelli Wilmes, right, provides instruction to Northwest students during last fall's Friday Night Café program, which provides profession-based experience related to preparing and serving internationally inspired meals for guests. (Photos by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

Northwest’s Didactic Program in Dietetics prepares undergraduate students with the knowledge and skills to be successful in dietetic internships, post-secondary schooling or employment in food and nutrition-related fields.

ACEND is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). Northwest’s dietetics, which is one of four accredited DPD programs in Missouri, has been accredited since 1986, and its recent reaccreditation is granted through 2031.

“Reaccreditation allows us to continue providing excellent education and profession-based learning experiences to aspiring nutrition professionals in a rural setting,” Kelli Wilmes, the director of Northwest’s dietetics program, said. “Our program is one of four in the state, and we are unique in that we are a smaller program but are able to provide many hands-on experiences to various populations both in the rural and urban setting.”

Housed within the University’s School of Health Science and Wellness, Northwest’s DPD is required for individuals who wish to become RDNs and prepares undergraduate students with the knowledge and skills to be successful in dietetic internships, post-secondary schooling or employment in food and nutrition-related fields. After completing requirements for the DPD undergraduate degree, students complete a dietetic internship and may then complete requirements for an M.S. in nutrition to sit for the examination leading to RDN status.

Additionally, Northwest’s DPD prepares students to elevate the dietetics profession through membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, to become leaders, and develop a commitment to working with families and individuals to sustain or enhance their quality of life.

In the United States, accreditation of professional preparation curricula is conferred by non-governmental bodies, which are often closely associated with professional associations in the field.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics operates the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the only accrediting agency for education programs that prepare registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians. ACEND ensures entry-level education meets quality standards through its accreditation of more than 600 undergraduate and graduate programs in nutrition and dietetics.