Why study Nutrition and Dietetics : Accelerated Diet Nutrition?

This innovative bachelor's plus master's program provides a foundation in nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, health promotion and wellness. Completion of the didactic coursework meets the academic requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (coursework to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or RDN), set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  This program also fulfills the 1000 hours of supervised practice experience and the graduate degree requirement for RDN credentialing exam eligibility.  

Changes in the Nutrition & Dietetics Field 

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration.  In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited program are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. View more information about state licensure requirements. 

View more information about educational pathways to become a RDN. 

In response to these accreditation changes, the University of Cincinnati has developed a combined program that integrates both the academic coursework and supervised practice components into a seamless (1-step) program. This allows students to obtain all the requirements for RD credentialing including graduating with a bachelor's and masters' in just 5 years vs the traditional pathway that could take a student about 6-7 years to complete. This coordinated program allows students to learn about different aspects of nutrition and dietetics practice in the classroom and then apply it in clinical, community, food service and a variety of other settings. 

Students currently enrolled in the Nutrition & Dietetics major (in either the Community or Sports Nutrition Tracks) can apply to the accelerated program in their sophomore year. The program includes 3 of the 4 steps to prepare you to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN):

1.  All undergraduate didactic coursework
2.  A minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice
3. Students will complete the program with a graduate degree (required after Jan 1, 2024)
4. Upon completion of the Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist program students will be eligible to take the national credentialing exam for the RDN. 

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

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist professionals work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, supermarkets, private practice settings, eating disorder centers, with athletes, 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 DPD courses, obtain a master’s degree, complete 1000 hours of a supervised practice internship, and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for RDNs. 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. 

Major Maps

• Guide: Nutrition and Dietetics: Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist (Fall 2024)

Admission Requirements

High School Students

The Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Program is only available to current students in the Nutrition & Dietetics major (Clinical Community or Sports Nutrition Track). 

Current Nutrition & Dietetics majors

Current Nutrition & Dietetics students should visit the How to Apply page to learn more about the Admissions process for the Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Program. 

Accreditation

University of Cincinnati's didactic program in dietetics and coordinated program in dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800/877/1600 ext. 5400. http://www.eatright.org/ACEND.