Future Education Model Program in Nutrition and Dietetics
North Carolina A&T State University has applied to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) to open a new and innovative program to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (curriculum).
Our eligibility application was accepted by ACEND* and we are in the candidacy process for our proposed Future Education Model graduate program. The program is finalizing eligibility application process to have the program receive candidacy for accreditation status from ACEND. Additional inquiries concerning the program and application to enroll are welcome.
Contact interim program director June Thompson, RDN at (336) 271-8178 or jlthomps@ncat.edu for more information.
*The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics (see www.eatrightpro.org/FutureModel). 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.
What Is Dietetics?
The Nutritional Sciences concentration, a component of the Food and Nutritional Sciences major, examines the role of nutrients in food and their impact on health and disease. Graduates may find employment in state agencies, food service operations, health care settings, and with major food manufacturers. Many roles require the credential of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a nationally recognized expert in nutrition. RDNs apply evidence-based nutrition knowledge to promote health and manage disease across diverse settings. The RDN credential requires the completion of a master’s degree and a supervised practice program.
Are You Interested in Becoming a Registered Dietitian?
If you are interested in a career that allows you to contribute to a healthier world community, consider becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) through the new nutrition and dietetics concentration within the Food and Nutritional Sciences master’s degree program. This graduate-level program combines a master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences with extensive experiential learning in professional settings. Coursework offers hand-on experience in real-world settings, including food service, community nutrition and clinical environments. Upon completing the program, students will be prepared to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s examination to become a dietitian nutritionist.
The curriculum has provisionally been accepted for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
The field of dietetics offers many opportunities, from working directly with clients, running one’s own business, consulting, or integrating the knowledge into another career path. As an RD, you are a food expert, teaching or providing clients with the tools to make changes that fit their lives.
A Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement is not required, but students applying must have completed the prerequisite coursework prior to starting the program requirements.
After acceptance into the program, students may request a review based on prior experience to be waived from a course or Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) requirement.
As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to sit for the credentialing exam to become an RDN. For more information about this requirement, visit CDR’s website. Also, in most states, graduates must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements, visit CDR’s state licensure page.
Currently, N.C. A&T is not accepting international students who may require a student visa. If you do not need a student visa, then you can apply. Foreign transcripts may need to be evaluated. Please be sure to select a company approved by the Commission on Dietetics Registration.
A Growing Career
The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports a median annual wage of $73,850 for dietitians and nutritionists as of September, 2024. Employment is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, driven by increasing awareness of nutrition’s role in disease prevention and health optimization.
Career Opportunities Include:
- Clinical Nutrition
Hospitals, long-term care, outpatient clinics, specialty areas (e.g., pediatrics, renal, diabetes) - Food Service Management
Healthcare facilities, schools, universities, corporate dining - Business & Industry
Food companies (e.g., Kraft, General Mills), product development, marketing, regulatory affairs - Community Nutrition
Public health departments, WIC, SNAP-Ed, Cooperative Extension, non-profits - Government, Military & Research
FDA, USDA, NIH, VA hospitals, military bases, academic institutions - Private Practice & Consulting
Individual counseling, corporate wellness, menu planning, media appearances - Sports & Wellness Nutrition
Athletic teams, fitness centers, wellness retreats, performance nutrition - Media & Communications
Magazines (e.g., Cooking Light, Southern Living), blogs, social media, TV segments - Education & Academia
Teaching, curriculum development, student advising, research - Technology & Innovation
Nutrition apps, telehealth platforms, wearable health tech - Policy & Advocacy
Legislative work, lobbying, nonprofit leadership, food justice initiatives
