Return to: College of Health Sciences and Professions
Major code BS6482
College of Health Sciences and Professions
Food and Nutrition Sciences
Grover Center E160
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.566.0470
www.ohio.edu/chsp/food-nutrition/undergraduate/applied-nutrition
Contact: FNSundergrad@ohio.edu
Program Overview
The dietetics concentration is for those interested in clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, public health/community nutrition, wellness, sports nutrition, and food service management careers. The program is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), (www.eatrightpro.org/acend), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 1.800.877.1600 extension 5400, ACEND@eatright.org.
Completing the dietetics concentration of the nutrition program qualifies the student to sit for the examination to become a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR). The examination is offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for AND.
Completion of the dietetics concentration is the first step to becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires 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 examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted to 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: www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition to the graduate degree, CDR requires individuals to complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by ACEND.
Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited dietetics concentration at Ohio University are eligible to apply to the combined Master of Science and Dietetic Internship program at Ohio University or other ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs. Completion of the master’s degree and Dietetic Internship experience will enable them to apply to take the national credentialing exam administered by CDR to become an RDN. More information about the field of dietetics, AND, ACEND, and CDR can be found at www.eatrightpro.org/about-us.
In most states, RDNs also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements visit: www.cdrnet.org/licensure.
Note: Admission to post-graduation dietetics supervised practice or graduate programs can be very competitive, with most programs requiring a minimum accumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Completing the graduation requirements of Ohio University and the nutrition program (dietetics concentration) does not guarantee that the student will be accepted into post-baccalaureate programs for professional experience after graduation. The student must apply to and be granted acceptance into such programs.
To remain active in the program, students must:
- maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 (C) or better in all hours attempted at Ohio University;
- earn at least a 2.0 (C) or better in all major and related required courses.
- To complete the degree, students must also successfully earn a (C) or better in all required courses within the retake limit specified by the offering department.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program:
Students will be able to integrate nutrition-related information and research into nutrition-related practice.
Students will be able to integrate food-related information and research into food-related practice.
Students will be able to demonstrate effective written communication through portfolio development for professional level practice.
Students will be able to develop and implement a nutrition and wellness intervention for individuals/groups, considering the role of environment, food, nutrition, and lifestyle choices on health promotion and disease prevention.
Admissions Information
Fresh/First-Year Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy
No selective or limited admission requirements.
External Transfer Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
The dietetics concentration is for those interested in clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, public health/community nutrition, wellness, sports nutrition, retail nutrition, and food service management careers. Health-care facilities, community agencies, schools, and food service operations all employ those with a dietetics background. This concentration allows graduates to pursue the NDTR and RD/RDN credentials. Graduates are also prepared for graduate study in dietetics, nutrition, some health professional schools, and other areas.
Requirements
