Certificate in Dietetics. The Certificate in Dietetics is designed to prepare students to pursue a career as a registered dietitian. To qualify for the national examination to become a registered dietitian, students must earn the following: (1) bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited university or college, or international equivalent, (2) verification statement from a Commission on Accreditation Council for Education and Dietetics Education (CADE) accredited didactic program in dietetics (DPD), and (3) verification statement from a ACEND accredited dietetic internship (DI).
The Dietetics and Food Administration Option when taken with the Certificate in Dietetics is accredited by the ACEND as a DPD. Students completing both programs will receive a verification statement and will be eligible to apply for an accredited dietetic internship.
Currently the supply of positions in dietetic internship programs is less than the demand by DPD graduates. The DI selection process is highly competitive and favors students who have demonstrated a well- rounded preparation as evidenced by GPA, work experience, volunteer experience, leadership, and career potential. Not all students applying to a DI will be placed.
Admission requirements. Candidates for the Certificate in Dietetics will be evaluated using the following criteria: grade point average of 3.0 or higher in all attempted college coursework, statement of professional goals, and a minimum of 240 hours of documented work or volunteer experience in dietetics. Students will be required to apply to the Certificate in Dietetic option during the junior spring semester. Upon acceptance students will be eligible to complete the Certificate in Dietetics option and be eligible for a verification statement.
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