The Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-0995; 800/877-1600, ext. 5400; https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend.
This option combines the theory presented in class with experience in health care settings under the supervision of faculty or other health professionals. Students are eligible to take the national examination to become Registered Dietitians after completion of supervised practice experiences and the master’s degree in human nutrition.
MISSION OF THE CPD
The mission of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics is to prepare individuals to become entry-level Registered Dietitians Nutritionists who will serve as professionals to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities.
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Program Goal 1
The program will produce entry-level graduates prepared to work in various areas of nutrition practice.
- Objective 1.1: In the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, at least 80 percent of students will complete the program requirements in 3 years.
- Objective 1.2: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- Objective 1.3: In the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, at least 90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian’s nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- Objective 1.4: 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%.
- Objective 1.5: Surveys of employers will show satisfaction with competence of graduates by rating their nutrition knowledge and performance at a 3.0 or higher on a scale from 1 to 5.
Program Goal 2
Graduates will participate in continual learning after completion of the program and throughout their professional career.
- Objective 2.1: At least one graduate from each class will apply to pursue a terminal degree within 5 years of completing the program.
- Objective 2.2 Eighty percent of graduates will participate in continuing educational activities within one year of program completion.
Students apply for admission to the Coordinated Program in the spring semester of their junior year. Admission decisions are based on overall GPA, grades in relevant courses, work/volunteer/leadership experience, class attendance, professionalism, and letters of reference. If admitted, the CPD is a 24-month program
COORDINATED PROGRAM IN DIETETICS APPLICATION MATERIALS
In order to apply to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, a student should email the materials listed below to Lori Greene, MS, RDN, LDN at lgreene@ches.ua.edu, no later than February 1st of the year they would like to begin the program.
- Application for Admission Form
- Statement of Purpose Letter
- Resume
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Two letters of recommendation
Concurrent admission in the UA Master of Science in Human Nutrition program at the University of Alabama is required for admission into the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Please see the Coordinated Program Handbook for prerequisites for applying to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Additional application and admission requirements can be found in the Coordinated Program Handbook listed above.
Graduate Coordinated Program Application Form and Instructions
Applications are due on February 1st of each year. Students will be notified of their acceptance no later than March 15th of each year.
Visit UA’s academic calendar and the Coordinated Program handbook for more information on Coordinated Program schedule, completion requirements, and when courses and rotations will be completed throughout the program. After completion of all academic coursework, award of a master’s degree, completion of all supervised practice hours, and passing an exit exam for the CPD, the student is issued a verification statement, which allows them to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist registration exam.
For information regarding cost of the CPD, visit tuition, fees, room, and board estimates. For other CPD costs, visit the Coordinated Program handbook.
For information on financial aid and scholarships, visit https://financialaid.ua.edu/ and https://scholarships.ua.edu/.
COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COORDINATED PROGRAM IN DIETETICS
Completion requirements for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at The University of Alabama to obtain a verification statement to be eligible to sit for the RDN exam include the following:
- Completion of 57 credit hours of nutrition graduate coursework (36 academic courses/21 supervised practice experience)
- A Capstone experience
- Award of a master’s degree in human nutrition
- Pass all supervised practice rotations
- A passing score on a Coordinated Program exit exam
Required Graduate Coursework for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics
- NHM 509: Research Methods
- NHM 530: Advanced Nutrition Counseling
- NHM 558: Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease
- NHM 566: Advanced Clinical Nutrition
- NHM 587: Integrated Food Systems Management
- POPH 522: Biostatistics
- NHM 562: Metabolism of Energy Nutrients
- NHM 567: Nutrition Support of the Critically Ill
- NHM 588: Advanced Food Service Systems Management
- NHM 561: Advanced Vitamin & Mineral Metabolism
- NHM 550: Advanced Community Nutrition I
- NHM 585: Clinical Nutrition Management
- Supervised Practice in Health Promotion & Wellness
- Supervised Practice in Long-term Care
- Supervised Practice in Food Service Management I
- Supervised Practice in Medical Nutrition Therapy I
- Supervised Practice in Food Service Management II
- Supervised Practice in Community Nutrition
- Supervised Practice in Medical Nutrition Therapy II
Some of the coursework will be delivered via distance education. You can find more information about our distance education and technology requirements in the Coordinated Program Handbook.
The program outcomes data for the UA Coordinated Program in Dietetics are available upon request.
While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state’s licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements.
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN.