Do you want to become a Registered Dietitian?
The dietetics program will provide you with the following:
- Competencies, knowledge, and skills required to work in the dietetics profession
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills in clinical and community nutrition, and food service management
The Dietetics & Nutrition Management concentration is appropriate for you if you are considering becoming practicing nutritionists or dietitians.
The program offers 3 options:
- Accredited Dietetics Program
- Gerontology Nutrition
- Childhood Nutrition
Choose an option
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
There are three steps for you to become a registered dietitian nutritionist including:
- Completion of the ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics
- Completing an accredited supervised work experience
- Passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing examination
The DPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 S. Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 312-899-0040, ext. 5400
Admission to the Dietetics and Nutrition Management concentration is open to all entering freshmen and transfer students. In the third year of the program you must qualify by achieving the following minimum requirements.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the first 60 credits of instruction
- Minimum of a grade of “B” in all basic science and degree program classes in the first two years of the major
It is particularly important for you to achieve and maintain a grade point average of at least 3.2 and obtain volunteer experience to be competitive for an accredited supervised practice experience.
What are the upcoming changes to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) requirements?
Starting in January 2024, all candidates for the national registration examination for registered dietitians (RD) will be required to have a master’s degree (MS). If you select the Dietetics concentration and want to become registered dietitians you must give serious consideration to this timeline. In order to be eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians with a bachelor’s degree, you must complete your degree by spring 2022 and successfully obtain and complete an accredited 1200 hour supervised practice program on or before November of 2023.
If you complete the Dietetics concentration and/or internship after these deadlines you will continue to be eligible to take the national registration examination for the Registered Nutrition and Dietetic Technician. The NDTR works alongside the registered dietitian to provide nutrition care to patients in the community, hospital, school, and long term care settings.
Also note, all of the options for a bachelor’s degree within Nutrition and Food Science are excellent preparation for the MS/RD track.
What is the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor?
The Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor helps you to develop an understanding of the aging process, including the biological, psychological and social aspects of adult development and aging. This minor is offered on campus through the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and online.