The Mission of the Lipscomb University Program

The primary mission of the Lipscomb University Didactic Program in Dietetics is to provide you with a high quality undergraduate educational experience in a Christian environment which prepares graduates for acceptance into internships and/or careers in dietetics. The curriculum is designed to provide for the development of the Foundation Knowledge and Skills established by the ADA for Entry-Level Dietitians. Upon completion of our program, you will have the necessary knowledge and skills required for quality performance as a dietetic intern and/or professional.

Career Opportunities in Dietetics

Opportunities for employment in the field of dietetics exist in areas such as community nutrition, clinical nutrition, food marketing, food systems management, education, wellness centers, sports nutrition, research and consultation. Lipscomb has a Didactic Program in Dietetics approved by the American Dietetic Association. Students who seek to become Registered Dietitians must complete a 900-hour preprofessional practice experience in an ADA-approved program beyond graduation from Lipscomb. Lipscomb also has an internship program, but admission to this program is separate from the regular undergraduate program, and is competitive with graduates from other institutions. Details are provided by the Director of Dietetics at Lipscomb and the Director of the Dietetics Internship program.
 

Abby Head uses knowledge of nutrition and culinary arts to teach young cooks

Senior dietetics major, Abby Head, is using her interest in food and nutrition, combined with her winsome personality, to teach basic food and nutrition to children in a newly established Brentwood company, the Young Chefs Academy. The Cool Springs area enterprise "caters" to children's interest in cooking to teach them skills in a fun and creative way. The colorful kitchens are hosts to children's cooking classes, birthday parties, and other settings that teach children in a way that they enjoy with their friends.

"I love this job! It allows me to combine my interest in foods and nutrition, with my love for teaching and children. I know my work as a dietitian will always have some element of teaching related to it, so this is excellent experience. My experiences at Lipscomb have well-prepared me for a career in nutrition or culinary arts. I feel like I have learned many valuable lessons here; obviously I had a exceptional academic education, but I have also gained much more than that. The faculty is truly concerned about my success and has encouraged me to learn and excel," Head commented.

Abby, a Goodlettsville, Tennessee native, has been an exceptional student while at Lipscomb. She is active in campus life, and serves as one of two representatives to the Student Government Association's Academic Advisory Committee for the College of Education and Professional Studies. As such, she represents student concerns to the College and Departmental faculty. In addition to her love of cooking, Abby also enjoys swing dancing, and maintains a perfect 4.0 average. She was recognized for her creative design of a restaurant food service facility in last year's University Research and Creativity Celebration.

 

 

 

What is a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)?

  • An academic program in a US regionally accredited college or university culminate in a minimum of a bacculaurate degree.
  • It provides a curriculum that meets the Foundation Knowledge and Skills for Entry-Level Dietitians and the Standards of Education.
  • Enables graduates to apply for a supervised practice program or internship leading to eligibility to write the registration exam for dietitians and /or apply for membership in the American Dietetic Association (ADA).

Upon completion of the courses required for the dietetics major and all other graduation requirements of Lipscomb University , all students will be issued a verification statement. A verification statement does not guarantee admission to a post graduate internship but it is required for the student to be eligible to apply.

Frequently asked questions: (click on links)

For more information about The Lipscomb Dietetics Program, contact: Nancy Hunt, MS, MEd, RD Program Director at (615) 966-5767, or 1-800-333-4348, ext. 5767, or by e-mail at nancy.hunt@lipscomb.edu.

 

Program of study

Student Dietetics Association

Lipscomb has an active student dietetics association. The organization serves to assist members in becoming more professionally active in the field of dietetics, as well as increasing their awareness of opportunities and events related to the profession that may be occurring either locally or nationally. The SDA also conducts a number of service projects each year in an effort to make others more aware of issues related to nutrition.

Dietetic Internship Program Information

The dietetics program at Lipscomb University now includes a post-graduate dietetic internship program. To view the internship brochure, click here.

The Lipscomb Dietetic Internship Program runs from mid-August through early May. The schedule parallels the undergraduate calendar; interns generally have the same holidays as undergraduate students (1 week at Thanksgiving, 3 weeks at Christmas, and 1 week at Spring Break.) The program offers 6 hours of graduate credit. The fall class is a 3-hour special topics class in which local dietitians conduct workshops on their respective areas of specialty. The spring class is a 3-hour independent study class in which interns conduct a miniature research project and make a presentation at the end of the semester. The program has a $1500 internship fee, which pays for students to attend the annual Food and Nutrition Conference, the Tennessee Dietetic Association Spring Meeting, and an RD exam workshop.

To view the application for the dietetic internship,click here.
To view the recommendation and waiver forms for the dietetic internship, click here.
 

If you have questions about the program, please feel free to contact Dr. Autumn Marshall, Program Director:
Phone: (615) 966-6106 or 1-800-333-4358 extension 6106
E-mail: Autumn.Marshall@lipscomb.edu