Dietetics (BS)

With a degree in Dietetics, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on the nutritional health of communities worldwide. We offer exceptional opportunities for service-learning, research, study abroad and internships, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

The Credentialing Process to Becoming a Registered Dietitian

1. Completion of a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a U.S. regionally-accredited university or college and DPD coursework approved the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).*

2. Completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency or a foodservice corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate students. The University of Memphis Clinical Nutrition Master's Program /Dietetic Internship is an ACEND accredited supervised practice program.

3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

4. Complete 75 hours continuing professional educational requirements every five years to maintain registration.

5. Maintain State Licensure  

*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 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). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited [program type] program at [Institution name] are eligible to [apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program/apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN]. 

Accreditation

The University of Memphis Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) has been granted full accreditation by ACEND.

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered. ACEND can be contacted by:

ACEND@eatright.org
800.877.1600, ext. 5400
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995

ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Title IV gatekeeper for ACEND accredited free-standing Dietetic Internship programs located in hospitals, county boards of health, other health facilities and school systems. This recognition affirms that ACEND meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs. USDE can be contacted by:

1.800.USA.LEARN (1.800.872.5327)
U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, D.C., 20202

The ACEND accredited free-standing dietetic internship program and its governing organization/institution may use ACEND accreditation to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs of the Higher Education Act as amended. For DT, DPD, CP and GP programs which are located in higher education institutions, ACEND may not be used to establish Title IV eligibility. Title IV does not apply to programs outside the U.S. or its territories.