What is Dietetics?
A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is an expert in food and nutrition and an advocate for healthy eating. RDNs work in various settings including clinical facilities, food service establishments, and community programs. USU offers an undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and two supervised practice programs (CAPD and MDA) that are completed after graduation.
What You Will Learn
USU's dietetics programs prepare students for the national registration exam for dietitians, required for licensing in most states. Students will learn nutrition principles and how to apply the concepts in clinical, food service management, and community settings.
Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
The undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Utah State University is an in-person, face-to-face program in Logan, UT. With its academic excellence and quality dietetics related experiences, the DPD produces graduates who are well-prepared for careers and advanced education.
In the past three years:
· 97% of USU DPD graduates passed the Registered Dietitian exam within one year of first taking the exam.
· 92% of USU DPD graduates received placement in a supervised practice program.
· 87% of USU DPD graduates reported being employed within a year of certification.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited DPD program at USU are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program after graduation.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN, please click here. For details about the USU program in dietetics, review the information below prior to beginning the application process.
ACEND Accreditation
The Utah State University Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®), formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE), is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitians (RD) or dietetic technicians, registered (DTR). ACEND® serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs.
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ACEND® website
Requirements for Applying
To apply to our didactic program, students need to:
· have a 3.0 or higher overall GPA and in specific nutrition required courses (credit search to find out which credits transfer from another university).
· have completed 10 pre-major courses with a C- or better grade (listed at the end of the four year plan).
· list related dietetics experience opportunities (no minimum number of hours required to apply).
General Education
Apply to DPD
Supervised Practice
RD Exam
Helpful Links
Academic Advisor
Office Location: AGRS 417
Phone: 435-797-3096
Email: dawnetta.mahnken@usu.edu
Resources
Why Dietetics?
Career Options
Your Instructors
You will have the opportunity to be instructed by award winning professors, some of the most brilliant scientists and teachers in the world. Our classes have great student to teacher ratios allowing faculty to truly mentor you and get to know you personally.
View Faculty and Staff
