Content Comparison

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

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Registered dietitians/nutritionists (R.D.N.s) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following four criteria to earn and maintain the R.D.N. credential.

1. Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

   Complete 75 credits every 5 years

   Complete Earn 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. graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program. Classes vary according to program, but in general, coursework covers subjects that may range from food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, culinary arts, sociology and communication to science courses such as biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy and chemistry. A master's degree is required to be eligible for the RDN exam. Some accredited programs include a master's degree, while other students complete their undergraduate in dietetics and earn a master's degree in another field (e.g. public health, communications, etc.).

6. Complete a supervised practice requirement. In addition, individuals must complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice to gain real-world experience and apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the context of a variety of work settings.

7. Pass a national exam for RDNs. Once you complete your degrees and supervised practice, you may schedule to take CDR's Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians to become a credentialed as registered dietetics nutritionist. This is called "RDN eligibility," meaning you have completed the requirements to become eligible to take the national exam.

8. Meet requirements to practice in your state. Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes.

9. Stay up-to-date in dietetics through continuing education. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices.

Nutritionist is a title used by nutrition professionals who typically work in the community for a government program, business, or health association (American Heart Association, National Dairy Council, Women, Infants and Children). It is important to note, however, that the title “nutritionist” can be used by anyone and does not require a person to have background or credentials in nutrition. Use of the job title “nutritionist” is no indication that the employer does or does not require applicants to be registered dietitians (R.D.s). Anyone using the title “dietitian” must be certified as an R.D.N. by C.D.R. In a community or business setting, the R.D.N. credential is not always a requirement, such as the W.I.C. Program.

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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 on 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 are not be required to complete a master’s degree when the master’s degree requirement becomes effective.

Master's Degree Requirement:

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (C.D.R.) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (R.D.N.).In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, you must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into C.D.R.’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (RC.ED.P.S.) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit C.D.R.’s website.R.) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (R.D.N.). 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.

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 the food and nutrition industry and businessbusinesses, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs and other non-traditional work settings.

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1) The program's one-year pas 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%.                (RE 2.1.c.1.c)

2) At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within 6 years (150% of program length). (RE 2.1.c.1.a)                                                                                 

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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Projected Program Costs

Based on the 20232024-2024 2025 figures, the cost is approximately $87$88,688 560 for an undergraduate student and $56$59,185 703 for a graduate student.

Costs are subject to change. Check with the Admissions and Housing Offices for updates. The student should be prepared to pay the necessary fees to complete the D.P.D. Program. Expenses for attending Syracuse University as an undergraduate and graduate student can be found at Cost of Attendance.

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Courses that are taught online require access to technology so that students can reliably attend class and engage in course activities.   Visit our Online Success Toolkit and ITS New Student and Welcome web pages for more information.

Blackboard is the Supported Learning Management System at Syracuse University. Online testing is completed using Blackboard which includes Microsoft two-factor authentication. Digital identities at Syracuse University begin with the application process. The process includes the creation of a unique Syracuse University computing and network system identifier (NetID). The NetID and password enable a student to access our systems, such as the learning management system. Access to the University's computing network and online services are controlled through the NetID username and a password. Information about the Net ID and Password process can be found at: Net ID and Password.

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

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