Content Comparison

Director:
Nancy Rindfuss, M.A., R.D.N., C.D.N.
554 White Hall
(315) 443-2269
napaul@syr.edu Link

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There are a number of pathways you can choose to enter the field of dietetics. If you want to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, you can choose between enrolling in a Coordinated Program or a Didactic Program in Dietetics. A Coordinated Program is a bachelor or master’s degree program that combines classroom and supervised practical experience; and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). Graduates are eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians to obtain credentials as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. A Didactic Program in Dietetics (D.P.D.) is an academic program, providing at a minimum a bachelor’s degree that is accredited by ACEND. Graduates of accredited D.P.D. Programs then complete an accredited Dietetic Internship (D.I.), supervised practice program. Dietetic Internships are competitive, and acceptance is not guaranteed.  Beginning 1/1/24, you will be required to complete a master's degree before you are eligible to take the credentialing exam.  The Dietetic Technician Program is a two-year associate degree program that combines classroom and supervised practical experience; and is approved or accredited by ACEND. Students who obtain D.P.D. verification are eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians to obtain credentials as a Dietetic Technician, Registered (D.T.R.), under the Pathway III model offered by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (C.D.R.). Syracuse University has a D.P.D. (undergraduate) program; we do not have a Coordinated Program. Attached are the pathways recognized by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Please note that in order to be eligible for the D.T.R. exam you must earn D.P.D. Verification first. Please contact Nancy Rindfuss after graduation if you are interested in applying to take the D.T.R. exam.

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1. Complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The curriculum is based upon the foundation knowledge for didactic content. The 2022 ACEND Standards for Didactic Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics are currently in effect.
2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. The supervised practice program is based upon the competencies for entry-level dietitians found in the 2022 ACEND Standards for Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics. Typically, a supervised practice program will run 10-12 months in length.
3. Beginning 1/1/24, a master's degree will be required in order to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian.
4. Pass a national examination administered by C.D.R. Some states require you to gain licensure. New York State currently does not. Information on the test Specifications 2022-2026 can be found on the C.D.R. website.
5. Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
   1. Complete 75 credits every 5 years

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In addition to R.D.N. credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an R.D.N. New York State R.D.N.s are currently trying to pass legislation to become licensed in this state. See the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration website for a summary of State Licensure Statutes.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration (C.D.R.) decided in 2013 to change the entry-level registration eligibility requirements for dietitians from a baccalaureate degree to a minimum of a graduate degree starting January 1, 2024. The routes to R.D.N. Registration Eligibility for taking the R.D.N. credentialing exam can be found on the C.D.R. website. Those that hold the registered dietitian credential prior to 2024 will not be required to complete a master’s degree when the master’s degree requirement becomes effective.

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In addition, C.D.R. 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 D.P.D. Program at Syracuse University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program and eventually apply to take the C.D.R. credentialing exam to become an R.D.N.

For more information about educational pathways to become a R.D.N. visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

Employment Opportunities in Dietetics

The majority of R.D.N.s work in the treatment and prevention of disease — administering medical nutrition therapy (M.N.T.) as part of medical teams — often in hospitals, long term care facilities, health-maintenance organizations, private practice, or other health care facilities. In addition, many R.D.N.s work in community and public health settings and academia and research, with a growing number working with food and nutrition industry and business, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs and other non-traditional work settings.

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RE=Required Element by ACEND                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

N.S.D. Faculty, Adjuncts and Staff 

View an online listing of Faculty, Professional and Administrative Staff

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D.P.D./Nutrition Undergraduate Course Sequence - Fall 2023

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