The Doctorate in Nutrition and Dietetics (entry-level Coordinated Program in Dietetics) has been granted candidate status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
A new program that has been determined to be eligible to enroll students or accepting interns as the result of an on-site evaluation visit, but has not had a graduating class may be granted candidate status. The granting of candidate status denotes a developmental program, which is expected to mature in accord with stated plans and within a defined time period. Reasonable assurances are expected to be provided that the program may become accredited as programmatic experiences are gained, generally by the time the first class has graduated. Graduates of a class designated as having candidate status have the same rights and privileges as graduates of an accredited program.
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). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023.
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 Doctorate in Nutrition and Dietetics program at Indiana University are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become a RDN.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice from a state licensure agency.