Innovative Sodexo and University of Rhode Island Partnership Prepares Registered Dietitian Candidates for 2024 Exam Requirements

GAITHERSBURG, Md. and SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I., March 11, 2020 /3BL Media/ - Sodexo, one of the largest employers of registered dietitians globally, partners with University of Rhode Island to boost participation in URI master’s of dietetics program. Their collaboration is particularly relevant given that beginning in January 2024, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require prospective registered dietitians to hold a graduate degree to take the registration exam.

The University of Rhode Island’s online master’s program in dietetics was recently ranked number 18 among 44 nutrition programs across the country by intelligent.com. The URI program also earned the title of best non-thesis nutrition program. Intelligent.com, an editorially-independent website covering higher education, evaluated each program’s reputation, course strength, cost, faculty and flexibility. 

Sodexo collaborates with URI to develop curriculum that aligns with Sodexo’s own internship program. Sodexo encourages its dietetic interns to participate in the URI program while they are completing their internship and offers tuition reimbursement.

“With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting that employment of dietitians will grow 11 percent between 2018 and 2028, URI is thrilled to be recognized among the top master’s in dietetics programs in the nation,” said Clinical Associate Professor Jennifer Arts-Salvatore, director of the URI master’s in dietetics online program. “We are glad to offer a comprehensive, accelerated program with faculty that is accessible.”

The accelerated program is divided into seven, seven-week sessions, allowing students to earn their master’s degrees in 14 months. All 11 courses are taught by faculty members with graduate degrees who are registered dietitian nutritionists. The clinical courses mirror what students will encounter in practice, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, cancer and more, teaching students the best nutrition therapy for a broad range of health conditions.

“Our partnership with the URI master’s program underscores Sodexo’s commitment to the dietetics field. We are glad to support our dietetic interns with this professional development opportunity.” said Sodexo Vice President of Clinical Nutrition Julie Branham, MS, RD, LDN. “Our dietetic interns around the country can conveniently earn a graduate degree online and instantly apply what they learn to their work with patients.”

Sodexo Healthcare North America builds trusted partnerships with hospitals and healthcare organizations using science, insights and imagination. Leveraging data to drive real-time solutions, our teams enhance patients’ and caregivers’ experience, while improving clients’ financial health. Sodexo Healthcare’s 31,000 employees provide human-centered care with food and nutrition, environmental and clinical engineering services that support care teams and overall operations of more than 1,200 clients. Learn more about our dietitians work in hospitals across the country and Sodexo’s dietetic internships.

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About Sodexo North America

Sodexo North America is part of a global, Fortune 500 company with a presence in 67 countries. Sodexo is a leading provider of integrated food, facilities management and other services that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life for millions of customers in corporate, education, healthcare, senior living, sports and leisure, government and other environments daily. The company employs 160,000 people at 13,500 sites in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, and indirectly supports tens of thousands of additional jobs through its annual purchases of $17B in goods and services from small to large businesses. Sodexo is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion and safety, while upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility and ethical business conduct. In support of local communities across the U.S., in 2019, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation mobilized 37,000 Sodexo volunteers to distribute 3.2 million meals to help 2.3 million children and adults meet their immediate food needs. Since 1996, the Stop Hunger Foundation has contributed $34.5 million to help feed children in America impacted by hunger. To learn more about Sodexo, visit us.sodexo.com, and connect with us  on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.