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Program Information

• Effective 2024

  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). For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: . 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 Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program. A typical education guideline will be four years for the B.S. degree, completion of the accredited 1000-hour internship, and two years for the master's degree. The ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics Internship option combines the internship and master's degree in a four-semester program.

• Mission, Goals, and Objectives

  The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics provides a high-quality Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and an experiential learning environment that prepares graduates for professional employment, further education, and supervised dietetic practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

  Program Goals and Objectives

  Goal #1:

  The Didactic Program in Dietetics will maximize the potential for graduates to transition to entry-level practice as registered dietitians.

  Objectives:

  • At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 6 years (150% of the program length).
  • 60% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
  • 50% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
  • The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
  • At least 90% of supervised practice program directors who return surveys will rate the program graduate’s overall preparation at a median score of four or higher on a 5-point scale.
  • At least 75% of senior students in the DPD who complete the Graduate Exit Survey will rate their DPD experience at a median score of four or higher on a 5-point scale.

  Goal #2:

  Program graduates will pursue professional opportunities in addition to employment.

  Objective:

  • At least 50% of program graduates will pursue higher education, advanced credentials, and/or leadership roles.

  Outcome Measure Results

  Outcome data are available upon request.

• What does the program cost?

  Tuition, fees, and textbooks make up most of the costs to students. Detailed information regarding tuition and all general fees can be found at the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Tuition website:

  Laboratory fees for program courses are as follows:

  • CHM2045L- $59.00
  • BSC1010C- $51.93
  • FSS1202L- $30.00
  • BSC2085C- $51.93
  • BSC2086C- $51.93
  • MCB2010C- $51.93
  • BCH3023C- $59.00
  • FOS4041L- $30.00

  Additional program expenses include:

  • A Level 2 Criminal Background Check with Fingerprints may be required (typically $135-150, beginning of junior year)
  • A Level 2 Criminal Background Re-Check may be required ($35-50, beginning of senior year)
  • A solid white laboratory jacket ($25-35, beginning of sophomore or junior year)
  • Oil-resistant non-skid shoes ($25-40, senior year)
  • Travel to and from off-campus sites for field experiences and service work (costs vary, most sites are in Duval County)
  • ServSafe Examination ($70 for the score sheet, senior year)
  • Internship application fees (DICAS $50 first application, $25 each thereafter).

  Recommended but not required  

  • Student Nutrition and Dietetics Association ($20-30 for a T-shirt)
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership ($58)
  • North Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership ($15).
• ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship
  Acceptance into an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship is competitive, and undergraduate graduates are not guaranteed placement in an internship program. Most internship programs are traditional face-to-face programs where interns relocate to the home base of the program to complete the required 1000 hours of supervised practice. There are also accredited distance internship programs and accredited Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) programs. You can read more about internships and ISPP programs at the Academy's website: .
• State Licensure
  In most states, including Florida, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. It is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program is designed to and does meet all state dietetics licensure and certification laws as some states may interpret their statutes differently. More information about state licensure and certification is available at this link: .
• Already have a bachelor's degree?

  Our Integrated Future Graduate Program may be a good fit for you. This is a 20-month program that integrates online didactic coursework with 1000 hours of onsite supervised experiential learning. This program does not require a DPD Verification Statement. For more information, please visit the website or contact the program director, Dr. Jamisha Leftwich at j.leftwich@unf.edu.