Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GPND) - Houston

Mission

The mission of the Texas Woman's University-Houston Graduate Program in Nutrition & Dietetics (GPND) is to provide quality graduate study and challenging supervised experiential learning (SEL) opportunities to a diverse group of students that prepares graduates to become competent, critically-thinking entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and leaders in service of their field.

Goals and Objectives

(Outcomes in bold reflect measures established by ACEND).

Goal 1. Prepare a diverse group of graduates with knowledge and skills needed to be competent entry-level Registered Dietitians (RDs)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).

• At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 24 months (150% of the program length).
• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 75% are employed in the nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 85% 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) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
• At least 75% of employers will give program graduates in their employment a rating of average or above in professional knowledge and skills as compared to other entry level registered dietitian nutritionists.
• At least 80% of graduates rate themselves as average or above average in professional knowledge and skills as compared to other entry-level RD/RDNs. 

Goal 2. Prepare graduates to seek leadership and service opportunities in the field of dietetics.  

• At least 35% of program graduates will hold a leadership position with or be an active member in a nutrition and dietetics related organization within 3 years of graduation.
• At least 35% of program graduates will serve as preceptors within 3 years of graduation.
  Program outcomes data are available upon request.

• Students are encouraged to address concerns as early as possible through the appropriate program or university process.
• Concerns related to the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GPND) should first be discussed with the GPND Program Director. If the concern is not resolved, students should follow the applicable Texas Woman’s University academic or administrative complaint and appeal procedures.
• Students may submit a complaint directly to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics when the complaint alleges that the program is not complying with ACEND accreditation standards, policies or procedures. ACEND does not intervene in ordinary disputes involving admission decisions, grades, disciplinary actions, faculty performance or other matters unless the concern involves possible noncompliance with ACEND requirements.
• Information about filing a complaint with ACEND is available through the ACEND complaint process webpage.
• 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

To complete the TWU-Houston GPND, students must:

• Successfully complete all required graduate coursework and demonstrate achievement of all required didactic competencies, including any competencies approved through the Prior Assessed Learning (PAL) process.
• Complete a minimum of 1,010 supervised experiential learning (SEL) hours
• Demonstrate achievement of all ACEND 2022 Future Education Model Graduate Program (FEM/GP) competencies at the required performance level
  
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  
• Adhere to professional conduct and program policies outlined in program and university materials

Upon successful completion of the GPND, graduates receive a Verification Statement, are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination, and may pursue state licensure consistent with applicable regulations.

• Competency-based curriculum aligned with ACEND accreditation standards for graduate programs
• Structured leadership development embedded throughout coursework and supervised experiential learning
• Required interprofessional education and simulation-based learning experiences
• Access to diverse practice settings and major healthcare systems throughout the Greater Houston area
• Cohort size of 20 students designed to support faculty mentorship, individualized feedback and progressive competency development