If you answered YES to any of these questions, our program in nutrition/dietetics may be for you!

Be part of the solution! Discover  your future in dietetics 

at Seton Hill University.

Why should you study Nutrition/Dietetics 

at Seton Hill University?

• Seton Hill provides a truly student-centered experience.  With a low student/faculty ratio (13:1), faculty members provide individualized attention and help you achieve your career goals.

• Seton Hill has a Coordinated Program in Nutrition/Dietetics.  A coordinated program includes supervised practice experiences required for eligibility to take the registration exam.  Achieve your career goals in four years instead of the usual five!  

• The coordinated program enrolls a maximum of ten students in the junior and senior years so that students have individualized attention in supervised practice settings.  

• Liberal arts courses blended with professional studies and supervised practice experiences will prepare you to approach clients from a holistic perspective and meet the challenges of diverse career choices.  

• Students have supervised practice experiences in a variety of settings including hospitals, school food service facilities, community agencies, day care centers, elementary and secondary schools, private practice settings, and long-term care facilities.You’ll receive individualized attention in these practice settings.  

• Our Coordinated Program fosters your entrepreneurial spirit by providing experiences with a private practitioner.After presentations by the National Education Center for Women in Business, you write a business plan and present your project in a business plan competition. The winning project is presented as the campus-wide National Nutrition Month project in March with the winning student as manager.  

The Registered Dietitian (RD) is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of food and nutrition. To become a Registered Dietitian, you are required to meet eligibility requirements established by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education and pass a national registration examination.

What is a licensed dietitian-nutritionist or LDN?

The commonwealth of Pennsylvania has passed legislation that defines requirements for obtaining the credential Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist.  The purpose of this legislation is to protect the public.  Individuals with the credential LDN have met specific dietetics education, experience, and examination requirements.

Accreditation Status

Mission Statement of the Seton Hill University Coordinated Program in Nutrition/Dietetics

The Seton Hill University Coordinated Program in Nutrition/Dietetics is dedicated to the development of students who will be assets to the dietetics profession.  The mission of the SHU Coordinated Program is to provide the environment in which students integrate the liberal arts, professional didactic courses, and supervised practice experiences to provide dietetic services that enhance individual and family life.  The SHU Coordinated Program also views service to the local area as another important part of its mission.

Goal 1  

The program will prepare graduates to be competent entry-level dietitians.  

Outcome 1-1  At least 80% of students beginning the coordinated phase of the dietetics program (equivalent of junior year) will successfully complete the program.                

Outcome 1-2   Students attain the foundation knowledge and skills for entry-level dietitians as evidenced by a grade of C- or better on specific assignments or courses.

Outcome 1-3  Students will meet or exceed the acceptable rating of ‘3’  (on a 1 to 5 scale) on all of the entry-level competencies in supervised practice.

Outcome 1-4  Over a five-year period, graduates will have at least an 80% first-time test taker pass rate on the registration examination.

Outcome 1-5    Within 15 months of completing the program, at least 60% of graduates will have passed the  RD exam, and/or obtained employment related to their major, and /or enrolled in an accredited education program. 

Outcome 1-6   The mean rating of “overall educational preparation” by first-year graduates will meet or exceed the rating of ‘3’  (on a 1 to 5 scale) on surveys. 

Outcome 1-7   The mean rating of “educational preparation” that employers give program graduates will met or exceed the rating of ‘3’ (on a 1 to 5 scale) on surveys. 

Goal 2

The program will prepare graduates who demonstrate a commitment to community and/or professional service. 

Outcome 2-1  Students will participate in two service projects while at SHU in addition to those required in classes. 

Outcome 2-2   At least 30% of graduates will report participation in community and/or professional service on the alumni/ae survey completed every five years.

Learning Objectives

While completing the Seton Hill University Coordinated Program in Nutrition/Dietetics students

1.   apply the science of food and nutrition in the development 

      of nutrition recommendations for health promotion and 

      disease prevention.

 

2.   interpret food science information appropriate to consumer

      needs.

 

3.   analyze the impact of cultural and economic issues on client

      needs and dietetic practice.    

 

 

 

4.   plan, implement, and evaluate nutrition education programs for

      specific audiences.

 

5.   advocate for the provision of food and nutrition services in

      public policy development.

 

6.   evaluate nutritional status using appropriate clinical

      assessment strategies.

 

7.   plan and implement individualized, appropriate medical

      nutrition therapy for clients.

 

8.   apply ethical principles and the profession’s Code of Ethics in

      the practice of dietetics.

 

9.   demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills

      with clients, professionals, and nonprofessionals.

 

10. employ managerial skills in the practice of dietetics.

 

11. use critical thinking skills in the practice of dietetics.

 

12. apply technological and mathematical skills in the practice of

      dietetics.

 

13. apply entrepreneurial skills in the practice of dietetics.

 

14. participate in community and/or professional service

      activities.

Rebecca Kraynek-McFall, RD, Class of 1999—Becky is a unit director and traveling retail consultant for HDS Services, a food service management company.  In addition to being a unit manager responsible for a restaurant, snack shop and catering at a retirement village, Becky travels the country implementing retail programs she has developed.  In 2001, Becky was awarded the Rookie of the Year award from HDS for her accomplishments.

“Seton Hill University gave me the knowledge and confidence to take on much more than nutrition.”  Managing a food service operation and helping others to achieve a net profit and high customer satisfaction is the best job.”

Program of Study

Requirements for the B. S. Degree in this Program

I. The Liberal Arts Core Curriculum of the University

• LA100 Seminar in Thinking & Writing I ⁺
• LA101 Seminar in Thinking & Writing II
• LA102 Connections
• LA200 Western Cultural Traditions I
• LA201 Western Cultural Traditions II
• LA150 Faith, Religion and Society
• Computer Literacy
• Mathematics
• Language Study
• Science with Lab*
• U.S. Studies*
• Non Western Cultures
• Artistic Expression

• Theology

• Philosophy

• LA400 Senior Integrative Seminar

Paige Elinsky, RD Class of 2000 Paige is a clinical dietitian for Beverly Healthcare Monroeville, a long term care facility.  This position calls upon Paige’s skills in nutrition care planning, wound care management, teaching, interdisciplinary patient care, menu planning, and financial management.

"Seton Hill University’s Coordinated Program allowed me, a nontraditional student to fit back into the university without excess stress. I appreciated the level of respect I received from my instructors, and the chance to experience new challenges. There was a refreshing camaraderie between myself and my classmates that made four years pass very quickly. Many of us still keep in touch both socially and professionally. After graduation, I  found that Seton Hill’s reputation for graduating well rounded, competent dietitians was well known and respected. Before graduation, Seton Hill also helped me with placement in my first job."

Supervised Practice Experiences

You will perform supervised practice experiences during your last two years of the Coordinated Program.  After successfully completing the bachelor degree requirements, didactic coursework, and these supervised practice experiences, you will take the registration exam.  The following provides a description of some of the activities you will perform.

Food Service Systems Management I - In the lab connected with this course, junior dietetics majors plan dining events, often highlighting cuisines from different cultures.  In order to insure authenticity, dietetics students work with Seton Hill students from other nations.  

If the dietetics student does not do a multicultural project in this lab, s/he will do the multicultural project in one of the other supervised practices or in the lab portion of Food Science and Technology II, while modifying a recipe to enhance its healthful value.

Food Service Systems Management I Supervised Practice - Junior dietetics students experience quantity food purchasing, preparation, and equipment at local school districts or long term care facilities.  Students develop menus to meet nutrition guidelines and facility requirements for the population served. 

Teaching Nutrition Supervised Practice - Junior dietetics students teach individuals of all age groups from preschoolers to senior citizens.  Each student has the opportunity to plan and manage an event.

Medical Nutrition Therapy I Supervised Practice - Senior dietetics majors have their initial client interviewing experiences at a local hospital.  They also learn to assess body composition and use the BodyGem™ to determine resting energy expenditure.  During this supervised practice, students receive training on confidentiality and privacy under HIPAA.

Community Nutrition Supervised Practice - Senior dietetics students have experiences with many community agencies including WIC, Head Start, private practice, and area food banks.  Students develop their entrepreneurial skills by writing a business plan and participating in a business plan competition for the National Nutrition Month project on campus.  At the end of the semester, we travel to Washington, DC to visit Congress, USDA, FDA, and the National Institutes of Health.

Medical Nutrition Therapy II Supervised Practice - Senior students plan, implement, and evaluate medical nutrition therapy of individual clients and groups.  They participate in workshops at a nationally known children’s hospital and a burn center.

Food Service Systems Management II Supervised Practice - Students participate in management functions in local hospital or long term care facility food services.  Among other experiences, each student plans a major event in the cafeteria completing purchasing, financial, supervisory, and marketing activities.

This is only a sampling of experiences in the Seton Hill University Coordinated Program in Nutrition/Dietetics.  Students have opportunities to network with other dietetics professionals at professional meetings.  Six of our students attended The American Dietetic Association Annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Exhibition (FNCE) in Philadelphia in fall 2002.   One student attended FNCE in San Antonio in fall 2003.

Kerry Neville, MS, RD, Class of 1986—Kerry is owner of KLMN Communications, Inc., a food and nutrition communications firm based in Chicago.  Kerry offers a wide array of services to food companies and health organizations, including creating nutrition and food education programs and developing materials for health professionals and consumers.  She also writes for consumer publications including the “Good Eating” section of the Chicago Tribune.

“The SHU Dietetics Program gave me a solid knowledge base in nutrition as well as the confidence to pursue a non-traditional career in dietetics.”

Admissions Information

If you are interested or want more information about admissions requirements and financial aid, contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-826-6234 or obtain information at http://maura.setonhill.edu/~admiss/

Admissions email: admit@setonhill.edu

At the end of the sophomore year, students apply for entrance into the Coordinated Program. There are a limited number of positions available in the program. Eligibility requirements for the Coordinated Program include a minimum of a 2.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale in science, family and consumer sciences and nutrition courses. Qualified Seton Hill students are given preference over students transferring from other institutions. To remain in the program, students are required to maintain a minimum of a 2.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all courses required of the major. Transfer and post baccalaureate students are encouraged to apply.

If the following courses were not taken within ten years of admittance to the coordinated program, post-baccalaureate and transfer students will be required to retake the course or will be required to achieve a minimum of seventy percent on a challenge exam.

• Biochemical Principles
• Human Anatomy and Physiology and lab
• Principles of Nutrition
• Food Science and Technology II

A student may earn credit for supervised practice experiences NT326 Food Service Systems Management I Supervised Practice, FC281Teaching Nutrition Supervised Practice, and partial credit for NT415 Medical Nutrition Therapy I Supervised Practice  by completing a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Portfolio that successfully documents prior learning. The student must provide evidence of achievement of supervised practice competencies. The instructor will provide competencies and requirements for specific supervised practices. In order to be considered eligible to complete a PLA, the student must have worked for a minimum of one year in a position or positions being used to document prior learning.

Post baccalaureate students are not required to obtain a baccalaureate degree from Seton Hill in order to become eligible to take the registration exam.  However, depending on  how many credits a post baccalaureate student needs to successfully complete requirements of our program, the post baccalaureate student will be awarded either a bachelor of science degree or a certificate in dietetics from Seton Hill.  If the student has already received a bachelor of science degree from SHU, s/he cannot be awarded another bachelor of science degree.  Post baccalaureate students studying the dietetics major are eligible for a 50% tuition discount.

Dawn Morrell, RD - Dawn is a community dietitian who completed the requirements of the SHU Coordinated Program in Nutrition/Dietetics in 1984 as a post baccalaureate student.  Dawn’s current position with an Elderly Nutrition Program requires diverse talents such as fiscal control, menu planning, nutrition education, purchasing, and public relations.

“The Coordinated Program provides a comfortable atmosphere to take risks, to learn! The dietetics professors really love to teach.  They enjoy what they do and challenge you to do your best. Seton Hill is a friendly, supportive place where you can gain confidence and grow professionally while you are a student.” 

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Additional Costs for Students in the Program

Because the coordinated program includes supervised practice opportunities required to become eligible for the registration examination, the student will have additional expenses beyond tuition, books, and lab fees. These expenses in the junior and senior years include uniforms, transportation to and from supervised practice sites, physical examinations, health insurance, student liability insurance (approximately $35.00 per year), and Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearances (approximately $20.00 total).      

 

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Academic Support

The Collegiate Academic & Personal Success Program (CAPS) promotes academic and personal success. Services include

• English as a Second Language/Writing Center for native and non-native speakers of English;
• Tutoring Center with trained peer tutors
• Academic Computing facilities and staff;
• Academic Computing facilities and staff;
• Academic Counseling/Study Skills;
• Deciding Program;
• Counseling Services; and
• Disabled Student Services.

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Financial Aid

Seton Hill University is affordable, and our financial aid program makes a Seton Hill education possible for qualified students. Nutrition/Dietetics students are elgible to apply for the Josephine Cipriany Patrick Scholarship as well as scholarships offered by several professional organizations. We'll be happy to help you explore all of your financial aid options.

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Career Opportunities

Our graduates have followed diverse career paths in such areas as general medical nutrition therapy and specialty areas such as renal dietetics, diabetes care, nutrition support, and sports nutrition. Others have pursued food service management careers in hospitals, schools, universities, and major corporations. Our graduates can also be found in community nutrition programs and home health dietetics. Others have followed their entrepreneurial spirit , developing their own nutrition-related businesses.

 

Hilary Harding Hanson, RD, Class of 1986 Hilary is Product Manager/Dietetic Services Liaison for Hormel HealthLabs in Austin, Minnesota.  Hilary is involved in product development and marketing.

"Seton Hill University and the Coordinated Program in Dietetics are top notch. The Coordinated Program exposed me to the many facets of the nutrition industry. Seton HillUniversity fostered my development to become an independent, confident, and successful businesswoman  Given the chance to do it all over again, I would pick Seton Hill University!"

 

For More Information

To learn more about the Seton Hill University Coordinated Program in Nutrition/Dietetics and costs related to supervised practice experiences, contact Janice G. Sandrick, PhD, RD, FADA, LDN at 724-830-1045 or sandrick@setonhill.edu

Dr. Janice Sandrick's Homepage