The Jefferson College of Health Professions at Thomas Jefferson University invites applications for the position of Chair/Director of the Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Practice/RDN (MS/RDN) program. This is a developing program that plans to matriculate its first class in the Fall of 2021 on the Center City Philadelphia campus.

In March 2019, the MS/RDN program was recognized by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) as an early adopter demonstration program.  The program will proceed through the candidacy process based on ACEND’s Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for Graduate Programs. The program curriculum includes competency-based education that integrates didactic and supervised learning experiences necessary to prepare students for entry-level practice as registered dietitian nutritionists. The Program Director will be able to shape the program, approve/adjust program curriculum, edit program materials, and select their faculty team in the twenty months prior to the program start date.  

The MS/RDN program will be an integral part of the Jefferson College of Health Professions (JCHP), which also includes Health Sciences programs and the departments of: Community & Trauma Counseling, Couple & Family Therapy, Disaster Medicine & Management, Medical Laboratory Sciences & Biotechnology, Midwifery & Women’s Health, Physician Assistant Studies, and Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences. All programs feature state-of-the-art classrooms and teaching laboratories, a simulation center, as well as an interprofessional center. The programs within JCHP reflect the University’s commitment to educate future healthcare professionals of the highest quality and ethical standards for contemporary practice in the global community. The College is committed to innovative teaching, a culture of clinical excellence through interprofessional education and practice, integrated experiential learning, and evidence-based practice.

The Program Director will be highly involved in the recruitment and selection of additional program faculty, including a full-time program coordinator.  The Program Director will be responsible for all aspects of academic leadership and administration within the MS/RDN program, including: finalizing the application for candidacy accreditation status; hosting site visits; maintaining accreditation status; providing mentorship and faculty development; monitoring and evaluating the curriculum; monitoring and evaluating program and learning assessment measures; and participating in interprofessional innovations in education, scholarship and professional practice within the Jefferson College of Health Professions.

Review of applications to fill this position will begin immediately with an anticipated start date of January 2020. Applicants are requested to submit a letter of application that includes a curriculum vitae and contact information for three references to Wendy Gable via email:  Wendy.gable@jefferson.edu.