Indiana State University’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics, offered through the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, has been re-accredited for a 10-year period by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE).
The action follows a peer review of a written self study the program’s faculty and staff conducted during the summer of 2006 and a visit to the ISU campus last fall by commission representatives. The final determination came during the commission’s April meeting.
Re-accreditation through 2016 represents the maximum accreditation period granted by the commission, the American Dietetic Association’s accrediting agency for education programs that prepare students for careers as registered dietitians or dietetics technicians. ISU’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics has been continuously accredited since 1978.
“This process assures us, and especially our students, that our program meets or exceeds standards set forth by the commission, which provides more assurance that students are prepared to pass the national registration examination and provide high standards of professional care to their patients and/or clients,†said Carol Reed, director of the program, which awards both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“As one of ISU’s largest and most diverse departments, Family and Consumer Sciences produces graduates who touch people’s lives in a variety of ways. We know that improving dietary habits can be a key factor in preventing or treating chronic diseases. Faculty in the dietetics program should be commended for maintaining the highest professional and educational standards and ensuring that graduates of this vital program are ready to do their part in helping Hoosiers live longer, healthier lives,†said Frederica Kramer, professor and department chair.
The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education establishes and enforces eligibility requirements and accreditation standards that ensure the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. Programs meeting those standards are accredited by CADE.
The commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and is considered a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs.
Contact: Carol Reed, director, coordinated program in dietetics, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Indiana State University, (812) 237-3295 or creed4@isugw.indstate.edu
Writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Indiana State University, (812) 237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu