8 June 2018 – The BSc (Hons) Dietetics with Nutrition programme in International Medical University was awarded the International Accreditation for Education Programs for Dietitian-Nutritionists by the International Confederation of Dietetics Association (ICDA). The ICDA is the world organisation for dietetics professionals. The association comprises of over 200,000 dietitians from over 50 countries. The ICDA develops international standards in consultation with its member associations and represents the common ground of dietetics around the world.
“We are pleased to award International Medical University (IMU) the International Accreditation from 2018 to 2022 for its BSc (Hons) Dietetics with Nutrition programme and congratulate the University on the quality of the application and the dedication of its staff. As the first university in the world to receive this accreditation, we offer you additional congratulations.” – Professor Sandra Capra, Executive Director of the International Commission on Dietitian-Nutritionist Education and Accreditation.
The ICDA Accreditation for Education was established in 2016 and only recently began accreditating global programmes. It sets the competences that any dietetics practitioner should demonstrate at the point of entry to the profession, and will act as a framework for their continued professional development throughout their professional life. The standards cover areas such as professional reasoning, evidence-based practice and research application, quality assurance, professional relationships, communication and partnerships and knowledge essential for the practice of dietetics. 
Obtaining this accreditation from ICDA not only means the IMU curriculum is of international quality but would also facilitate IMU graduates who wish to seek global employment as dietitians, subject to the regulatory requirements governing dietetics in each country.
The BSc (Hons) Dietetics with Nutrition Degree is a 4-year programme integrated with more than 1200 hours of dietetics practicum in food service management, community dietetics and clinical dietetics as well as an opportunity to embark on a mobility experience for 4 weeks abroad or locally across various workplaces. The programme also offers credit transfer options to the Bachelor’s degree in the University of Newcastle, Australia or a Master’s degree in the University of Otago, New Zealand. Graduates who would like to seek additional qualifications from the United States may also apply for the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
Graduates from the IMU programme can enter the workforce and begin their career as dietitians across a variety of work settings in clinical as well as non-clinical settings. Dietitians are currently hired in community settings such as retail pharmacies, long term care facilities, sports and exercise organisation, and even internet-based businesses. Related article: International Accreditation Prepares Competent Dietitians for the Nation
