2021-2022 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Clinical Dietetics
The clinical dietetics program is part of Grand Valley's School of Interdisciplinary Health department (SIH) and College of Health Professions (CHP).
Website: gvsu.edu/grad/clinicaldiet
Degree Offered: Master of Science in clinical dietetics
Clinical dietetics is a systematic approach to treating medical conditions, complex disease processes and their associated symptoms through medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) uses and applies advanced nutrition knowledge, MNT, and the nutrition care process to promote health and prevent disease.
Program Mission Statement
To develop high-potential students into exceptional masters' prepared, entry-level registered dietitians/RDNs who positively impact the health of their clients, profession, and communities.
The program's supervised practice sites are diverse, providing access to different health systems, and a wide demographic of patients. These practice sites are available locally and regionally. In addition to the supervised practice sites, clinical applications will be taught in technologically superior simulation laboratories. The M.S. in clinical dietetics will use problem-based learning, meaningful and sustainable group projects, and multiple opportunities to demonstrate critical thinking as they emerge as highly trained and sought after entry level registered dietitians/nutritionists. The program is 52-55 credits.
Track A is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®)120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190 Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Phone: (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400. Fax: (312) 899-4817. Email: [email protected]. eatright.org/ACEND
Admission Requirements
- Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- B- or better in undergraduate courses listed: biochemistry, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced nutrition or medical nutrition therapy (MNT).
- Personal statement of career goals and background experiences.
- Written recommendations from at least two individuals who are in positions to attest to the applicant's ability to successfully complete the program.
- Personal interview with the Admissions Committee.
Program Prerequisites* Course marked * require B- (2.7) grade or better. Recommend C or better in remaining prerequisites.
- BIO 120 - General Biology I (4 credits)
- BMS 105 - Basic Nutrition (3 credits)
- BMS 212 - Introductory Microbiology (3 credits) AND BMS 213 - Laboratory in Microbiology (1 credit)
- BMS 250 - Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
- BMS 251 - Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
- BMS 304 - Community Nutrition (3 credits)
- BMS 305 - Clinical Nutrition (3 credits)* OR BMS 306 - Advanced Human Nutrition (3 credits)* OR AFN 400 - Applied Medical Nutrition Therapy (3 credits)
- BMS 407 - Nutrition in the Life Cycle (3 credits)
- CHM 109 - Introductory Chemistry (4 credits) OR BOTH CHM 115 - Principles of Chemistry I (4 credits) AND CHM 116 - Principles of Chemistry II (5 credits)
- CHM 231 - Introductory Organic Chemistry (4 credits) OR BOTH CHM 241 - Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences I (5 credits) AND CHM 242 - Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences II (4 credits)
- CHM 232 - Biological Chemistry (4 credits) OR CHM 461 - Biochemistry I (4 credits)
- HTM 250 - Food Production and Kitchen Management (4 credits) OR Current Serv-Safe Manager Certification OR AFN 300 - Food Protection Management (3 credits)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits)
*In place of these program prerequisites, students may qualify for admissions with a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited undergraduate (DPD) dietetics program.
Program Location
Our program is located on the Health Campus in Raleigh Finkelstein Hall within the College of Health Professions in Grand Rapids, MI.
Program Requirements
The following programs are available: