Special Programs

American Dietetic Association Program

For a career as a registered dietitian (RD), the nutritional authority on a health-care team, students complete the nutrition and dietetics major along with additional courses required by The American Dietetic Association (ADA) as described in the Dominican University Bulletin. The Dominican University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), one of the oldest in the Chicago area, is granted developmental accreditation by the ADA Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetics Education (CAADE), which is accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Many of our graduates have successful careers as dietitians, and the Illinois Dietetic Association has recognized two Dominican University graduates as Illinois Dietitians of the Year.

During their senior year, students apply for the supervised experience in an ADA-accredited dietetic internship program. Average dietetic internships last nine to 12 months and are offered throughout the United States . Upon completion, students are eligible to take the ADA Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Students are encouraged to join the American Dietetic Association as affiliate members. Members receive the Journal of the American Dietetic Association as well as mailings from the association, thus becoming involved and updated on current issues in the nutrition field. Students are also encouraged to join district dietetic associations in the Chicago area and attend their meetings to learn more about the profession. For additional information from ADA , you can reach them at their Web site at www.eatright.org.

Student Nutrition Association

The Student Nutrition Association meets regularly to plan events and activities that help them apply what they have learned in the classroom. The annual career day, for example, brings professionals working in a variety of positions to campus.

Recipe Box Cafe

During the spring semester, students in the program operate The Recipe Box Cafe, a mini restaurant open to the public and Dominican faculty and staff for lunch once a week. Students plan the menu, purchase and prepare food and manage the “restaurant.” It has become one of the most popular places at Dominican University .