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Dietetics and Nutrition

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The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Dietetics and Nutrition program is a statewide education program that meets the growing needs of the dietetics and nutrition industry. The BS in Dietetics and the MS in Dietetics and Nutrition are both accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and  trains entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) and nutrition and dietetics technician, registered (NDTR) throughout Alaska. Using primarily online  based courses, the program offers a , a , and a .

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are healthcare professionals who provide medical nutrition therapy and consultant services in health care and wellness settings. They provide nutritional advice and training to individuals and groups. They promote sound nutritional practices to improve health and treat disease. RDNs may specialize in administration, clinical therapeutics, education, community nutrition, and research.

NDTRs are a vital member of the healthcare and foodservice management team, qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian, lead community wellness initiatives, and oversee large-scale food systems.

In Alaska, RDN’s and NDTR’s work in hospitals, tribal health organizations, school districts, clinics, health clubs, private practices, nursing homes, WIC offices, and public health departments. To be successful in their field, RDN's and NDTR’s need a strong science foundation along with courses in management, clinical and community nutrition, food science, communication, counseling, therapeutic nutrition, and nutrition for the lifespan.

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PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

Both the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Dietetics and the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Dietetics and Nutrition (Graduate Program, Future Education Model) are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).  

The B.S. degree in Dietetics is the first step to meeting the eligibility requirements to take the national registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) exam. The degree provides individuals with the didactic requirements needed to apply to a Dietetic Internship (which requires applicants currently hold a graduate degree at the time of application or complete a graduate degree as a part of the internship program) or a graduate degree that also includes supervised practice, such as the Graduate Program, Future Education Model, and then be eligible to take the RDN exam.

ACEND granted the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Graduate Program, Future Education Model accredited status on December 14, 2020 under the newly released  for programs in nutrition and dietetics. These accreditation standards integrate didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). For more information about this requirement, visit . In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by ACEND.

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WHY CHOOSE DIETETICS & NUTRTION AT Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ?