In order to be eligible to take the RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) credentialing exam, degree, coursework and supervised practice requirements need to be met. 

The RDN exam eligibility requirements are outlined by the Commission of Dietetics Education (CDR). At the top of this webpage are 3 options available for most traditional students in the US. Currently, the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota offers programs to fulfill Option 1. 

• The University of Minnesota DPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  • Students are awarded a Verification Statement after they have completed the DPD coursework (and have completed a bachelor’s degree). Students will typically need a DPD Verification Statement in order to enter a graduate and/or supervised practice program.
• The Dietetics Master of Professional Studies (MPS) fulfills the requirement of a graduate degree.
• The ACEND accredited UofM Dietetic Internship fulfills the required supervised practice. 

Upon completion of an accredited supervised practice program, you are eligible to take national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The supervised practice program director will provide details regarding the exam administration process.

After passing the RDN credentialing exam:

1. Follow appropriate state laws that regulate the practice of dietetics depending on the state you will be working in.
2. Obtain 75 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every 5 years to maintain registration status as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Continuing professional education is essential for lifelong development to maintain and improve knowledge and skills for competent dietetics practice.

If you are interested in researching other accredited programs or learning about other educational pathways to becoming a RDN click here.  In addition, the CDR exam eligibility website provides information for those with doctorate degrees or degrees from institutions outside of US.

Mission

The mission of the DPD at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is to prepare students for further education and/or careers in nutrition and dietetics practice in which they are critically minded professionals who value life-long learning and evidence-based interprofessional practice, while effectively working across difference within a variety of settings in a diverse world.

Goals and Objectives

Goal #1 – Program graduates will have received the knowledge and skills for successful participation in graduate programs, accredited supervised practice and careers in nutrition, dietetics, food and/or health

• Objective a. At least 80% of students complete the program requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
• Objective b. At least 60% of program graduates will apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation
• Objective c. Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 75% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective d. The one-year pass rate (for graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.

Goal #2 – #2 – Program graduates will have received the education and guidance to become confident and valued professionals who are prepared to work effectively in diverse settings

• Objective a. 75% of supervised practice/graduate program directors who respond to our surveys will state that, in general, our graduate was prepared “extremely well” or “very well” for their program within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective b. 75% of respondents to the DPD alumni survey will indicate that the U of MN DPD prepared them "extremely well" or "very well" for their current position as an employee or as a student/intern.
• Objective c. 75% of respondents to the DPD alumni survey will indicate that they are extremely or somewhat satisfied that their education at the U of MN prepared them well for working in an interprofessional environment.
• Objective d. 75% of respondents to the DPD alumni survey will indicate that they are extremely or somewhat satisfied that their education at the U of MN prepared them well for working in diverse work settings.

Note: Program outcomes data are available upon request by contacting [email protected].

Tuition and fee information:

https://onestop.umn.edu/finances
In addition to tuition and fees, $300 or less will be needed for items such as transportation to field trips or volunteer experiences, extra supplies or materials for class projects, and student membership to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (recommended for all DPD students).

Costs related to distance/virtual education options:

The University of Minnesota DPD includes a small percentage of distance/virtual education – less than 10%.  One section of FSCN 1112 is offered in an online, asynchronous format.  Other DPD classes include a variety of activities such as online modules, virtual guest speakers, recorded lectures, and other virtual activities as needed.  To meet the needs for the distance/virtual activities, students will utilize the same resources and materials required for all classes at the University of Minnesota, including items such as computers with video capabilities and Wi-Fi.  Estimated costs for all U of M students can be found on the Cost of Attendance website.

Withdrawal and refund of tuition:

https://onestop.umn.edu/dates-and-deadlines

Financial aid information: 

https://onestop.umn.edu/finances/receiving-financial-aid

Scholarships

See the information under the banner titled "Scholarships and Awards" on the Current Students Resources page. 

University of Minnesota Admissions Options

NOTE: If you already have a bachelor's degree and want to complete the DPD, check out the “Transcript Evaluation Process” section below and contact Corrie Marion with your questions.

• Students seeking an undergraduate degree:
  Information and applications can be obtained from CFANS Admissions. You will be seeking admission to the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.
• Students taking DPD coursework as a non-degree seeking student:
  You can find the process for this on OneStop's website.  Non-degree seeking students can use the DPD transcript evaluation form as a guide for which classes to sign up or seek assistance from Corrie Marion.
• Students seeking a graduate degree in FSCN:

     Application information can be found on the Nutrition Graduate Program webpage.

Equitable Treatment: To ensure equitable treatment for all applicants and students, the Univeristy, CFANS, FSCN and DPD operate under the Board of Regents Policy: Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity.

DPD Admission Process

NOTE: Only students who are currently enrolled as nutrition undergraduates are required to follow this process.

An application and admission process for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) sub-plan is required for students interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Acceptance into the DPD will ensure a student receives a Verification Statement upon graduation, which is needed to enter into a graduate program and/or supervised practice program.

DPD Applications will be required to be submitted either by October 15 or by March 15 after students have met the criteria below.

Criteria for DPD Admission

• Completion of at least one semester of coursework at the University of Minnesota, in order to have established a UMN GPA
• GPA – preferred 3.0/minimum required 2.8
• Completion of a DPD Application Form
• Completion of the following courses:
  • FSCN 1112 – Principles of Nutrition
  • FSCN 3612 – Life Cycle Nutrition
  • General Chemistry II
  • General Biology

Application

All students will receive notification via email regarding the status of their application before registration begins for the following semester. Students who meet all of the above criteria for DPD entrance requirements will be automatically accepted into the DPD. Students who plan to have all criteria met at the end of the semester of application will initially receive conditional acceptance and will receive final notification of their application status after the semester has ended to ensure that the student has met the above criteria.  Final decisions regarding admission are made at the discretion of DPD leadership.

It is recommended that admitted DPD students obtain a student membership to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics after receiving acceptance, which could be useful for upper level courses and for preparation for the next steps toward becoming a RDN. Academy membership begins June 1, is one-year long, and is $58 for students. See the Academy student membership page for more information.

DPD Progression Policy

Once admitted to the program, students must maintain a minimum UMN GPA  of 2.8. Post-baccalaureate pre-professional practical experiences, graduate programs and dietetic internships are competitive. Successful completion of all DPD required courses does not guarantee admission to post-baccalaureate programs.

DPD students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and professionally by abiding by:

• University of Minnesota Student Conduct Code (.pdf)

• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Code of Ethics

   

Academic and Disciplinary Termination
Students not maintaining a UMN GPA of 2.8 or who receive a course grade of “D” or “F” in any program required course may be dismissed from the Didactic Program in Dietetics at the discretion of program leadership. Students who find themselves in that situation should meet with the DPD Director as soon as possible. Students may repeat DPD courses for which they have received a grade of “D” or “F”, but may not be allowed to progress in the DPD until they have successfully completed and earned a “C-” or above in that course and maintained a minimum UMN GPA of 2.8. Students are also required to meet the core knowledge requirements of an accredited DPD – more about this can be found in the “Assessment of Student Learning & Program Completion Requirements” section.

In addition, failure to maintain the Student Code of Conduct and/or the Academy Code of Ethics may result in dismissal from the program and/or not receiving a Verification Statement.

Final decisions regarding program retention or termination will be made at the discretion of program leadership, after full review of the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I want to apply to the DPD?
If you are planning or considering applying for further education to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), you need to apply to the DPD in order to receive a DPD Verification Statement that indicates all of the DPD coursework requirements were met. You will only receive a Verification Statement if you have applied to and are accepted into the DPD.

In addition, admission into the DPD will ensure that you receive relevant and important information regarding the DPD and continuing on the pathway to become a RDN.

After acceptance into the DPD sub-plan, what if I change my mind and do not want to be a RDN?
That’s OK. You can either withdraw from the DPD and choose the Nutrition Studies or Nutritional Science track, or you can remain in the DPD. If you remain in the DPD, you will receive a Verification Statement that you could use if you change your mind in the future.

Are there extra classes required for DPD students in the Nutrition BS program?
No. Completing all courses in the DPD track of the Nutrition major is all that is required.

What if I am not accepted into the DPD sub-plan?
If you do not meet the criteria when you apply, you can re-apply the following semester. You should contact Corrie Marion or your advisor about steps you can take to make sure you are eligible to apply to the DPD.

If I am currently taking one or more required courses, can I still apply now?
Yes, as long as you meet all other criteria and are currently taking the required course. Your grades will be reviewed at the end of the semester to ensure that you passed before receiving final acceptance into the DPD.

Please contact Corrie Marion at [email protected] if you have questions about applying to the DPD

Do I need a transcript evaluation?

Depending on your situation, your transcript may need to be evaluated to determine which courses you will need to complete in order to meet the DPD program requirements. This is a separate process from the University of Minnesota admissions process and this evaluation will not be part of your official student record.

You do NOT need a transcript evaluation if:

• You are enrolling for an undergraduate degree (either your first degree or an additional degree) via CFANS Admissions. Any coursework you have taken elsewhere will be evaluated through the admissions process. 

You DO need a transcript evaluation if:

• You are completing DPD courses as a non-degree seeking student.
• You are completing DPD courses as a Nutrition graduate student.

If you are already a dietitian in a different country, please read the “International Student Information” from the Academy regarding completion of education, training, and credentials outside the US.

How do I obtain a transcript evaluation?

Notify the program via email at [email protected] that you plan to start this process. Please note that this is a time-consuming procedure and cannot be done during a brief office visit. The process and requested documentation is highlighted below.

• Please provide complete official transcripts (electronic versions preferred) from institutions other than the University of Minnesota.
• Foreign degrees and coursework: If coursework was completed outside of the USA, the transcripts must first be evaluated for foreign degree equivalency, on a course-by-course basis, and a report certifying foreign degree equivalency must be obtained. There are several companies that provide such a service which are listed on the Academy web site. This process is not part of the admission process to the University of Minnesota.
• You may be asked to submit additional information about course description and/or syllabi if adequate detail is not available via online sources.
• After completion of the transcript evaluation, a list of the required courses will be emailed to you. This list will show which courses you have received credit for and which courses you still need to complete to obtain a Verification Statement according to the University of Minnesota DPD Coursework and Recency Policy.

To receive a verification statement from the University of Minnesota Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), the following guidelines must be met:

1. All courses need to be completed but at least 18 credits from the list of requirements must be taken at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus and must include NUTR 5065 and NUTR5066 Medical Nutrition Therapy I/II, a food service management course, and a nutrition or community nutrition course.
2. All requirements (either the courses listed or approved equivalents) must be taken on an A-F basis and satisfactory completion will be a grade of C- or higher. An overall GPA of 2.8 is required to receive a DPD Verification Statement.
3. To assure a strong academic foundation in the areas pertinent to the program, past coursework must meet our recency of coursework policy (see below). The Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics reserves the right to make final decisions regarding recency of coursework.

Coursework completed within the past 3 years

• NUTR 5065 Medical Nutrition Therapy I
• NUTR 5066 Medical Nutrition Therapy II

Coursework completed in the past 5 years

• FScN 1112 Principles of Nutrition
• FScN 2001 A Food Systems Approach to Cooking for Health and the Environment
• FScN 2512 Food Customs and Culture
• FScN 3612 Life Cycle Nutrition
• FScN 3614 Nutrition Education & Counseling
• FScN 3667 Professional Preparation for Dietetics
• FScN 3731 Food Operations Management Lab
• FScN 3732 Food Operations Management
• FScN 4612W Advanced Human Nutrition
• FScN 4613 Experimental Nutrition
• FScN 4614W Community Nutrition
• FScN 4621 Nutrition and Metabolism
• FScN 4732 Food Nutrition Management
   

Coursework completed in the past 10 years

• Math 1031 College Algebra
• Chem 1061/1065 Chemical Principles I and Lab
• Chem 1062/1066 Chemical Principles II and Lab
• Chem 2301 Organic Chemistry I Lec
• BioC 3021 Biochemistry Lec
• Biol 1009 General Biology with lab
• AnSc 3301 Human and Animal Physiology
• FScN 2021 Introductory Microbiology
• Stat 3011 Statistical Analysis

General Course Information

• Nutrition BS Degree Information and Courses
• University of Minnesota Courses
• University of Minnesota Class Schedule

Graduation for current Nutrition undergraduate students: 

The University Catalog provides graduation and program completion requirements for the Nutrition major and DPD sub-plan.

Find all the information you need to prepare for graduation here.

DPD Verification Statements will be emailed to you after your Nutrition degree has been conferred by the registrar.

Program Completion and Verification Statements:

DPD students are awarded a Verification Statement after they have completed the DPD coursework (and received the BS in Nutrition if enrolled undergraduate students) and met the core knowledge requirements. You will need a Verification Statement in order to enter an accredited graduate/supervised practice program and/or for other licensure procedures. The signed Verification Statement indicates that a student has completed the requirements of an accredited DPD.

Students are expected to complete the DPD within three years of acceptance to the DPD sub-plan, with a maximum allowed completion of five years after DPD acceptance. If a student is unable to complete the DPD in this timeframe, the DPD Director will work with the student regarding potential program completion implications.

In addition to successful completion of the DPD courses, students are required to fulfill target measures for specific activities to prove that the core knowledge requirements for a DPD have been met. All DPD students are to score 70% or greater on these assignments/projects:

• Education Lesson Plan (final) in FSCN 3614- Nutrition Education and Counseling
• Peer Counseling Final Project in FSCN 3614-Nutrition Education and Counseling
• Conflict Management Assignment in FSCN 3614 - Nutrition Education and Counseling
• Cultural Humility/Bias in Healthcare Essay in FSCN 3614-Nutrition Education and Counseling
• Menu Project in FSCN 3731 - Food Service Operations Management Lab
• Weekly quizzes that assess the quality and delivery of nutritional services in FSCN 3732 - Food Service Operations Management Lecture
• Total Quality Management (TQM) Quizzes in FSCN 3732 - Food Service Operations Management Lecture
• SOP related to food safety in FSCN 3732-Food Service Operations Management Lecture
• Individual Development Plan in FSCN 3732 - Food Service Operations Management Lecture
• Peer Evaluation of Groupwork in FSCN 3732 - Food Service Operations Management Lecture
• Glucose and Glycated Hemoglobin Lab in FSCN 4613 - Experimental Nutrition
• Legislative Assignment in FSCN 4614W-Community Nutrition
• Policy Brief in FSCN 4614W-Community Nutrition
• Final Case Study FSCN 4666-MNT II
• Nutritional Genomics mini-exam in FSCN 4666-MNT II
• Billing and Reimbursement worksheet in FSCN 4667- Dietetics Capstone and Interprofessional Education
• Pass the Better Together component in FSCN 4667- Dietetics Capstone and Interprofessional Education
• Dietetics Practice Governance assignment in FSCN 4667 - Dietetics Capstone and Interprofessional Education
• Participation Assignment in FSCN 4667 - Dietetics Capstone and Interprofessional Education
• Personal Information Document in FSCN 4667- Dietetics Capstone and Interprofessional Education
• Elevator Pitch for “next step” in FSCN 4667- Dietetics Capstone and Interprofessional Education
• Management Principles take-home quiz in FSCN 4732-Food and Nutrition Management
• HR Management quiz in FSCN 4732-Food and Nutrition Management
• Budgeting/Financial Management case study in FSCN 4732-Food and Nutrition Management
• Reflection journal submissions about professional mentorship in FSCN 4732-Food and Nutrition Management

If you did not meet the target measure for an assignment, the course instructor and/or the DPD Director will work with you to determine the best option for fulfilling the requirement.  In addition, if you took an equivalent course at another institution, the DPD Director will work with you to make sure you have met the core knowledge requirements via alternative assignments or projects if needed.

Additional information for non-degree students and graduate students completing the DPD:

Once you complete all required DPD courses as indicated on your transcript evaluation and met the target measures as outlined above, you have completed the DPD and will receive a Verification Statement. You will receive communications about this after you complete the DPD coursework.

Please email [email protected] with any question about graduation and/or program completion.

The following are recommended procedures for problem resolution for Food Science and Nutrition personnel and students.  The first step in any resolution should be at the source of the problem, which is between the parties involved, or the parties and an immediate supervisor. Documentation of a student complaint will be maintained according to where the complaint was made (Department Head, DPD Director, student file, etc.) for at least seven years. There will be no retaliation for any student who makes a complaint at any level.

Student Academic Issues for Undergraduates
Undergraduate students majoring in nutrition or taking an FScN class who have concerns about an academic situation are encouraged to contact either their academic advisor, Dan Gallaher, Chair for the Nutrition program, or Department Head Job Ubbink. If no solution is found, resolution should be sought through the Student Conflict Resolution Center. 

For Issues specific to the DPD and the ACEND Accreditation Standards
DPD students should direct concerns to the DPD Director. If no solution can be made, concerns should then be directed to the Department Head.

In the event that a complaint remains unresolved, students may submit their complaint in writing directly to ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL  60606).

Undergraduate Student Employment Issues
Undergraduate students may wish to contact the Office of Conflict Resolution if the steps stated above do not bring resolution.

DPD Policy and Procedure Handbook

U of MN Policies and Links

• Academic Calendar
• Student Records Privacy and Access
• Academic Planning
• Student Life
• CFANS Academic Policies
• Liability Policies for Community-Engaged Practices

Links – Dietetics

• Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS)
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Academy Student Membership Information
• List of Accredited Dietetic Programs
• ServSafe

ACEND Accreditation

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is currently granted Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606, Phone: 312-899-5400, Website: www.eatrightpro.org/acend.

Utilize your resources

Student Groups

Join one of our department sponsored Student Groups to meet people, learn more about the majors, and find leadership opportunities.

• Student Organization of Nutrition and Dietetics (SOND)
• Food Science and Nutrition Club
• Student Advisory Committee

Join any other fun and enriching student groups on campus to make friends and build many different skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership and time management.

Career and Internship Services (CIS)

Visit CIS which maintains information for Nutrition majors with many career as well as paid and volunteer experience ideas and lists Job and Internship Fairs. They have drop in hours and appointments available. Their office is located at 198 McNeal Hall. Look under “Career Info by major” for more information related to nutrition jobs.

Learning Abroad
Strongly consider incorporating a learning abroad experience into your undergraduate education. Discuss with your Advisor and the FSCN Student Services staff for ideas on finding courses that meet requirements in your major and finding scholarships to help with the costs.

Get Experience

Review the resources and information provided on the Jobs and Opportunities webpage.

Look for a variety of experiences in the different areas of nutrition and dietetics, such as:

• Clinical
  • Review the websites for hospitals, clinics, or senior living facilities near you or contact the nutrition department or Director of Nutrition or Dietary Services to look for paid and/or volunteer opportunities
  • Shadow a dietitian in different settings
• Community - Check out the Student Outreach and Volunteering page for more ideas
  • WIC - managed through country services
  • Possible paid or volunteer opportunities during the school year or during the summer
  • Hunger relief organizations, such as Feeding America
  • Food shelves and residence shelters
  • Home-Delivered Meals, such as Open Arms of Minnesota or Meals on Wheels
• Food service
  • Review the websites or contact the Nutrition Department or Food Service Director at a hospital, senior living facility, or college or university near you to see if they are hiring dietary aides or foodservice staff, including foodservice supervisors
  • Shadow a foodservice director at a local school or university

Recommendations from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website include:

• Volunteer and provide community service, especially in areas related to health and nutrition
• Get practical, paid work experiences, especially in areas related to your desired area(s) of practice.
• Become actively involved in professional organizations, such as college dietetics clubs; district-, state- and national-dietetics associations; especially at the leadership level.
• Publish and present any relevant research, projects or work that you have done in journals and at conferences or in poster sessions.

Keep track of what you do with your Resume and Portfolio - It is a great idea to maintain a current resume throughout your academic career. Portfolios take the resume and your valuable experiences to the next level. Career and Internship Services provide resources to help you develop a resume and portfolio. 

Building relationships with professors, employers, coaches, advisors, supervisors, etc. early in order to assure you will receive strong reference letters.  With every experience, consider that may need a reference letter from your supervisor/manager/other.  Always present your best self and make sure they can honestly write a strong recommendation for you.

Additional Information and Resources

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND): It is highly recommended that you become a Student member of the AND at least by your third year of studies. It is $58/year for student membership and begins June 1. Membership makes you eligible for scholarships through the Academy, and has other benefits.
  • Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is this state’s branch, or affiliate, of the national level Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Membership in this is automatic when you become a member at the national level.
• To help you determine the many career options and specialty areas available as a RDN when you are a student member of AND, you are able to also join most of the Academy groups that might be of interest to you. This would allow you to network with professionals involved in an area of interest to you. You might also be able to gain some tips as you work toward that career path in dietetics.
• Please know that The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spells Dietitian with a “t”, not a “c” (“dietician” is not acceptable to The Academy). You will see it spelled both ways during your studies. The Academy only recognizes “Dietitian” on applications to the internships and scholarships.
• Before you apply and are accepted to the DPD sub-plan, you will be added to the DPD email group in order to receive communication about work/volunteer opportunities and other DPD-related communications. Email [email protected] about joining this email group even before acceptance into the DPD.