Accreditation and Program Outcomes
Committed to quality. Focused on student success.
The University of Memphis MS in Integrated Nutrition prepares graduates to enter the profession as competent, confident, and engaged Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.
Program quality is evaluated through established goals and measurable outcomes related to program completion, employment, performance on the RDN credentialing examination, employer satisfaction, leadership, research, mentorship, and professional and community involvement.
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Accreditation
The University of Memphis program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800-877-1600, ext. 5400
Visit ACEND
Mission, Goals, and Objectives
Consistent with the missions of our university, college, and unit, the mission of the MS Integrated Nutrition and Dietetic Internship program is to prepare graduates to work as entry-level dietitians through the provision of excellent education, experiential learning, research, and clinical practice experiences.
Goal 1: To prepare graduates for professional roles as competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.
- Graduate employment. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- Graduate performance on the registration exam.
- At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) is at least 80%.
- Employer satisfaction. 80% of employers will rate program graduates at three (out of five) or better on preparedness for entry-level practice upon hire, as compared to other registered dietitian nutritionists of similar experience.
- Program completion. At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 150% of planned program length.
Goal 2: To mentor, encourage, and motivate interns to excel and concurrently complete the MS in Integrated Nutrition and Dietetic Internship.
- 100% of prospective graduate interns will complete a minimum of two mentoring activities with a first-year intern mentee.
- 100% of interns will lead at least two leadership- and research-focused activities prior to graduation as part of their culminating requirements.
Goal 3: To prepare graduates to demonstrate a commitment to the community through professional involvement, leadership, and volunteerism.
- At least 80% of graduates will actively engage in professional and community service through leadership roles, volunteer activities, or professional organizations that promote nutrition, public health, nutrition advocacy, or community well-being within 12 months of graduation.
- At least 80% of graduates will demonstrate leadership and professional involvement in diverse workplace settings, or foster collaboration with and contributions to initiatives that enhance the nutrition and dietetics profession.
Measuring Our Success
The program continually evaluates its effectiveness using data collected from students, graduates, employers, faculty, preceptors, and credentialing outcomes. Measures include:
- Program completion
- Employment after graduation
- Participation in the CDR credentialing examination
- RDN credentialing examination pass rates
- Employer perceptions of graduate preparedness
- Student mentorship experiences
- Leadership and research participation
- Professional involvement
- Community engagement and service
These outcomes help faculty evaluate what is working well, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure the program continues to prepare students for the changing demands of nutrition and dietetics practice.
Program Outcome Data
Data demonstrating achievement of program goals and objectives are available upon request. To request program outcome data, contact the Program Director.
Program Completion Requirements
To complete the MS in Integrated Nutrition, students must meet all University, Graduate School, program, and accreditation requirements. Students must:
- Complete 36 graduate credit hours
- Complete more than 1,000 hours of Supervised Practice Experience
- Successfully demonstrate all required ACEND competencies
- Maintain satisfactory graduate academic standing
- Successfully complete the outcomes-based Applied Project
- Complete all required Supervised Practice Experience documentation and evaluations
- Meet all University of Memphis Graduate School requirements for degree completion
Once all degree, Supervised Practice Experience, and competency requirements have been verified, the Program Director completes the required verification and eligibility documentation for the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Credentialing and Licensure
RDN Credentialing Examination
Graduation from the MS in Integrated Nutrition does not automatically confer the RDN credential. After successful completion of all program requirements and confirmation of eligibility by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, graduates must pass the national Registration Examination for Dietitians to earn the Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential.
State Licensure
Licensure requirements for dietitians vary by state, and graduates are responsible for meeting the requirements of the state in which they intend to practice. Program faculty provide guidance on the transition from graduate student to credentialed nutrition professional, including Tennessee licensure and resources for students planning to practice elsewhere.
Student Complaints and Concerns
Students have access to established University of Memphis procedures for addressing academic and program-related concerns. Students are encouraged to begin by discussing concerns with the faculty member, preceptor, Clinical Coordinator, or Program Director. If the concern remains unresolved, students may also use College, Graduate School, and University grievance processes.
Students have the right to submit complaints related to ACEND accreditation standards directly to ACEND after applicable institutional procedures have been followed. Students will not face retaliation for raising a good-faith concern or filing a complaint.
Questions About Accreditation or Program Outcomes?
More detailed information about program policies, Supervised Practice Experience, competency assessment, remediation, professional expectations, graduation requirements, and student responsibilities is available in the current MS in Integrated Nutrition Student Handbook.
Mary Catherine Schallert, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND
Clinical Associate Professor | Program Director
MS in Integrated Nutrition, College of Health and Human Sciences
mcclark1@memphis.edu