August 1, 2012

The Department of Nutrition Sciences is proud to be the first in the nation to offer the Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) as an alternative route for nutrition graduates to achieve the training necessary to meet the requirements to sit for the nutrition board exam, which qualifies graduates as a Registered Dietitians.

The Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) is a rotating internship developed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in conjunction with the Department of Nutrition Sciences here at the College. The ISPP trains students in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Outpatient Medical Nutrition Therapy, Community Nutrition, and Food Service Management.

Preceptors for the program dedicate their time and experience to guide the students in meeting the provided competencies to enter the workforce as entry-level Registered Dietitians. The urban setting of the College of Nursing and Health Professions allows for collaboration with area health providers, making the ISPP a superior, diverse and individualized experience. Partner sites include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, EAT.RIGHT.NOW. Program (Drexel Department of Nutrition Sciences), Living Independent For Elders (LIFE), Wesley Enhanced Living, ACTS Retirement Communities, The School District of Philadelphia, Women Infants and Children, 11th Street Family Health Services, Crozer Medical System, and the Center for Integrated Nutrition & Performance (Drexel Department of Nutrition Sciences, Rec Center and University Wellness.)

In return for their hard work and devotion, Drexel University offers preceptors and their establishments certain benefits to thank them. Nyree Dardarian, Coordinator of the ISPP program said, “We try to give back to our preceptors. We want the students to benefit from the experiences as well as their educators.”