Dietetics (BS)
Build the knowledge and skills to improve the nutritional health of communities — and the credential to do it professionally.
A degree in Dietetics puts you on the path to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist. Along the way you will have exceptional opportunities for service-learning, research, study abroad and internships, so you graduate with practice behind you, not just coursework.
| Major | Health Studies |
|---|---|
| Concentration | Dietetics |
| Degree | Bachelor of Science (BS) |
| Accreditation | Fully accredited by ACEND |
| Degree sheet | Dietetics degree sheet (subject to change) |
How You Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Complete a bachelor's degree and DPD coursework
Earn at least a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, including Didactic Program in Dietetics coursework approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Complete supervised practice
Finish an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency or foodservice corporation. The UofM Clinical Nutrition master's program and dietetic internship is an ACEND-accredited option.
Pass the national exam
Sit for the credentialing examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Maintain your credential
Complete 75 hours of continuing professional education every five years to keep your registration current.
Maintain state licensure
Check your state's licensure requirements — most states require licensure or certification to practice.
Graduate degree requirement. Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration requires a minimum of a master's degree to sit for the RDN credentialing exam. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DPD program at the University of Memphis are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
Accreditation
The University of Memphis Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) has been granted full accreditation by ACEND.
What is ACEND, and how do I contact them?
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered. ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs.
ACEND@eatright.org
800.877.1600, ext. 5400
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
How is ACEND itself recognized?
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.
U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20202
1.800.USA.LEARN (1.800.872.5327)
Does ACEND accreditation establish Title IV eligibility?
The ACEND-accredited free-standing dietetic internship program and its governing organization or 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 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.
Next Steps
Dietetics admissions See the curriculum
For more information
Mary Catherine Schallert, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND
Program Coordinator
mcclark1@memphis.edu