Why study Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics?

This Associate of Science degree program at UC Blue Ash College is designed to prepare students for application to the Bachelor of Science degree program in Nutrition and Dietetics offered by the University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS).

Additionally, this UC Blue Ash program prepares students for application to the innovative bachelor's plus master's accelerated program to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) offered by the University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS).

The first two years of the Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics program can be completed at UC Blue Ash College. The final two to three years must be completed at the UC Uptown Campus.

Students who fulfill the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) can then take the national RDN credentialing examination.  In many states, RDNs will need a license or certification to practice. In the state of Ohio, with the RDN credential, a background check and payment of a fee is the requirement for a practitioner to receive his or her license to practice.

Career Possibilities

The RDN credential enables an individual to perform nutrition risk assessments and prescribe medical nutrition therapy to treat or prevent diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, renal disease, and so forth. Dietitians also work with healthy clients who have specialized dietary needs such as athletes, vegetarians, pregnant women, children who are picky eaters, etc.

RDNs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, supermarkets, with athletes, private practice settings, eating disorder centers, in academia, research, health departments, business corporations, health clubs, and many other areas.

Beginning in 2024 to practice as a RDN, you must complete the program courses, obtain a master’s degree, complete 1200 hours of a supervised practice internship, and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for RDNs.

Alternatively, students who complete the bachelor of science degree may choose to pursue a career as a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR). NDTRs must complete the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics and then can take the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for NDTRs. This credential enables a NDTR to work in partnership with the RDN to screen, evaluate and educate patients on topics related to nutrition primarily in healthcare settings.

Major Maps

• Guide: Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics (AS) Curriculum

Advising

For more information on this program, contact Scott Tremain at 513-558-6850 or scott.tremain@uc.edu.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Graduates of the UC Blue Ash Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics program may transition to the bachelor's degree program in Nutrition and Dietetics through the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS).

A solid science foundation to build upon is important to achieving success in the dietetics and nutrition fields. Students at UC Blue Ash College enjoy small classes and well-qualified faculty as well as the many benefits afforded through study at a university ranked among the nation's top 25 public research institutions.

UC’s Blue Ash campus is conveniently located not far from major interstates. Easy to find. Plenty of parking. State-school tuition.

Admission Requirements

This program is open to all UC Blue Ash College students. Although admission is open, students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.

Prerequisites:

• High school chemistry and biology with grades of "C" or better
• Placement into English Composition I and College Algebra I on the UC Blue Ash College placement test
• Students lacking these required prerequisites may take equivalent courses at UC Blue Ash College

Transferring to UC Requirements

For students outside UC wishing to transfer in, information can be found here.

Graduates of the UC Blue Ash College Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics program may apply for admission to the Dietetics and Nutrition program within the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS). Students must have earned a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA in addition to a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all math and science courses in order to apply to the program.  Students must have earned a C- or higher in all college level science courses.

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Students can transfer directly into the Nutrition and Dietetics program if they have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above. Students in the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered in good academic standing.

 For current UC students who wish to transfer from one UC program to another:   

• Fill out an Application for Change in College and Program (sometimes referred to as the "On-Campus Transfer Form"). This form may also be obtained from your current college office.
• Submit the completed form to the college which offers the program that you want to transition into.

Once you have submitted the form, the faculty and staff of your desired major will evaluate your academic record and communicate with you about the transition process.

Students must take at least one half of the required course work in a selected program at UCBA to qualify for graduation.

International Student Requirements

International students wishing to apply to UCBA can find information here.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the UC Blue Ash College Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics degree program, students must complete all required coursework and have a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

You must complete an application for degree, usually the term before you expect to graduate. You should see your advisor for specific information well in advance of your final term.

Application Deadlines

UC Blue Ash College operates on a rolling admissions policy. This means you can begin taking courses at the start of any term, not just fall.

Accreditation