Bastyr University offers a "whole food" approach to nutrition with degrees that combine nutrition and exercise science, culinary arts or clinical health psychology. Bastyr says its programs are science-based and hands-on. The university offers top-of-the-line facilities with a research division and a library devoted to health sciences. Bastyr's program is rigorous and integrative.
The University of Washington offers advanced master of science and doctoral degrees in nutritional sciences. A special Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics offers a dietetic internship combined with an academic program in dietetics. This combination allows those with a non-nutrition bachelor's degree to prepare for the dietitian exam. A Clinical Nutrition Research Unit and Clinical Research Center on campus provides opportunities to counsel, research and participate in community education.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration has approved the bachelor's degree program in food and nutrition science at Seattle Pacific University. With a goal of preparing graduates for acceptance into dietetic internship programs, the program uses definitive outcome measures to track program quality. At least 90 percent of students create portfolios from their studies. Academic, communication and community service activity are emphasized. The university's website says 79 percent of graduates are accepted into graduate schools or internships.
After a student completes a degree (including integrated dietetics courses) in nutrition science, program directors must sign a verification statement to confirm that students have completed the necessary courses. That document, along with transcripts, volunteer experience, a statement of professional goals and references, must be submitted to dietetic internship directors who then consider students for their programs. After completing an internship program of nine to 12 months of supervised practice, individuals are qualified to test to become a registered dietitian. The internship can be completed anywhere as long as the program is certified by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education.