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St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University's Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics has candidacy accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®), formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accrediting agency for education programs preparing ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) or dietetic technicians, registered (DTR).

ACEND® serves and protects ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs.

ACEND® is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a Title IV gatekeeper. This recognition affirms that ACEND® meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs.

For more information, you can mail ACEND® at:

120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000

Chicago, IL 60606-6995

312.899.0400 ext. 5400

Additional information can be found at

With an emphasis on social justice, professional excellence, and the capacity to lead and influence in a variety of settings with diverse populations, the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics prepares ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s for eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

Program Goal 1

The Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics will prepare graduates to obtain employment as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) who are competent in entry-level practice in a variety of settings.

Objectives

1. At least 80% of ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s complete program requirements within 2.6 years (150% of planned program length).

2. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.

3. At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.

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%.

Program Goal 2

The Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics will prepare graduates with leadership skills who conduct evidence-based practice.

Objectives

1. 80% of employers that return survey state graduates are competent and well-prepared and rate graduates at an average of 4.0 (on 5.0 scale) in content areas (critical thinking, conduct evidence-based practice) on the Employer Survey.
2. 80% of ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s graduating who complete the survey will rate themselves as mostly prepared (an average of 4.0 on 5.0 scale) to achieve educational and professional endeavors on the Graduation Survey.
3. 50% of graduates who respond to the 1-5 Year Graduate Survey will indicate they have a leadership role in a professional organization or paid position in the field.

Program outcomes data are available upon request from the MSND director.

St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University’s Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics meets the requirements for supervised experiential learning hours and academic competencies for certification or licensure of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). More information about state certification and licensure can be found.

Requirements to earn the registered dietitian nutritionist credential:

• Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree 
• Obtain a Verification Statement from a didactic program in dietetics or a future education model graduate program
• Complete a minimum of 1000 supervised experiential hours through an accredited dietetic internship or future education model graduate program
• Successfully pass the national registration examination for registered dietitian nutritionists

More information on how to become a is available online.

After graduation and preparing for the RD exam:

Students who successfully complete St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University’s Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics will obtain a Verification Statement from the program director and are eligible to sit for the national registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Students who pass the registration exam will have earned the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential. After the RDN credential is obtained, state licensure or certification can be sought as applicable.