The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered.

ACEND Accreditation Standards (PDF)

Goal 1) Graduates are competent for entry-level practice as registered dietitian nutritionists.

This goal will be measured by the following objectives:

  • 1.1 At least 80% of program interns complete program requirements within (18 months) (150% of the program length). (ACEND Required Objective 3.3.b.1)
  • 1.2 Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. (ACEND Required Objective 3.3.b.2)
  • 1.3 When surveyed, 80% of employers of UCDMC DI graduates rate the graduate as “satisfactory” or above (3.0 on a five-point scale) in standards of practice in nutrition care (ACEND Required Employer Satisfaction Objective 3.3.b.4)
  • 1.4 Ninety percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion (ACEND Required Objective 3.3.b.3.a)
  • 1.5 The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. (ACEND Required Objective 3.3.b.3.b)
  • 1.6 Eighty percent of graduates will pass the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists on the first attempt. (Program Specific Objective 3.3.a)
     

Goal 2) Graduates demonstrate standards of professional performance, a commitment to the dietetics profession, and service to the Sacramento Valley Area community.

This goal will be measured by the following objectives:

  • 2.1 When surveyed, 80% of graduates will report they participated in professional development activities within one year of graduation. (Program Specific Objective 3.3a)
  • 2.2 When surveyed, employers of UCDMC DI graduates rate the graduate as at least “satisfactory” or above (average 3.0 on five-point scale) in standards of professional performance. (ACEND Required Employer Satisfaction Objective 3.3.b.4)
  • 2.3 When surveyed, 25% of graduates are employed as nutrition professionals in the Sacramento Valley area. (Program Specific Objective 3.3.a)
  • 2.4 When surveyed, 25% of graduates will report they are active members of a dietetics-related professional organization. (Program Specific Objective 3.3.a)
     
    Outcome data measuring achievement of program objectives are available upon request from the Dietetic Internship Program Director.