Are you passionate about health and nutrition? Does helping others achieve their health and nutrition related goals excite you? If so, the coordinated program in nutrition and dietetics (CP) with a master of arts in health advancement and promotion may be a perfect fit. Whether you are a first time college student, transfer student, or already have a degree, our program has a pathway for you. DPD graduates may apply to begin as second year students and complete only the graduate coursework and supervised practice, completing the program in just 18 months.

The requirements to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) involve the following steps:

1. Completion of at least a bachelor’s degree including didactic coursework through a university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)*
2. Completion of supervised practice experience as required by ACEND
3. Passing a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

RDNs work in various settings including hospitals and other health-care facilities, community/public health programs, nonprofits, food and nutrition-related business and industries, and research.

The coordinated program in nutrition and dietetics at Fontbonne University prepares graduates as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) through one seamless program. Beginning on January 1, 2024 all candidates will be required to hold a graduate degree in order to be eligible to sit for the credentialing examination for RDNs. Through our unique accelerated program, you’ll receive a B.S., M.A., and the supervised practice experience required to sit for the exam in a total of just 4.5 academic years (includes two summers – total program time may be shorter for transfer students and those already holding a bachelor’s degree).

The Fontbonne University Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics is currently granted accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606, 312-899- 400.

Check out the pages to the right to learn more about our program, admission requirements and the application process.

*Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website. In addition, CDR 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 CP program at Fontbonne University are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

It is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program is designed to and does meet all state dietetics licensure and certification laws as some states may interpret their statutes differently. More information about state licensure and certification is available at this link.

Licensure information for Missouri can be found here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.

Professional licensure for dietitians varies by state. Licensure information for Missouri can be found here.