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Nutrition and Dietetics (B.S.)

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SDSU Options When Becoming a RDN is the Goal

Students in the Nutrition & Dietetics (B.S.) can apply to the accelerated bachelor's to master's degree in Nutrition & Dietetics (M.S.) program. 

Supervised experiential learning (SEL)/internship experiences are incorporated throughout this competency-based program. Students accepted into the program with the required pre-requisites can complete the program in three years.

Including pre-requisites, completion of the entire bachelor’s to master’s degree program takes approximately five years. Graduates will be eligible to take the national examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).

Applications are accepted annually by April 1 for students who meet the requirements for a fall semester start. Students in the Nutrition & Dietetics (B.S.) program would typically have the pre-requisites required to apply during their sophomore year. The Nutrition & Dietetics (M.S.) is accredited to accept up to 20 students annually.

Nutrition & Dietetics (M.S.)

Students who do not apply or do not get accepted into the Nutrition & Dietetics (M.S.) may remain in the 4 year bachelor's in nutrition & dietetics program.

Until Dec. 31, 2023, eligibility to take the registration exam for dietitian nutritionists requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited nutrition & dietetics program and completion of an accredited dietetic internship. 

By Jan. 1, 2024, eligibility to take the registration exam for dietitian nutritionists will require completion of an accredited dietetic internship and a master's degree. 

The Nutrition & Dietetics Internship (NDI) with a master's degree in Nutrition & Exercise Science accepted its last cohort of students for a fall of 2022 start and planned graduation in May of 2024. The NDI will be closing in May of 2024 and is not an available option for future dietetic students. The NDI is closing to accommodate the accelerated bachelor's to master's degree program.

Students who successfully complete the Nutrition & Dietetics (B.S.) and receive a verification statement are eligible to apply to accredited dietetic internships and/or graduate programs.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

RDN Job Outlook

Job Growth by 2030

11%
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average for all occupations is 8%.

Minor in Nutrition

A minor in Nutrition can be beneficial to individuals who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in many health-related fields and pre-professional programs. It may also assist students who are interested in attending graduate or medical school by providing a strong scientific knowledge base. The minor would benefit students in the hospitality and/or food service industries. The Nutrition minor provides students a strong fundamental knowledge of metabolism and the complex interaction between foods and our bodies. The minor does not allow students to become registered dietitians.

Accreditation 

South Dakota State University's Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600 ext 5400.

ACEND logo

State Licensure

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements, visit CDR's State Licensure webpage.

South Dakota (SD) is among 46 states that have enacted legislation regulating the practice of dietetics. State licensure and state certification are separate from the registration exam by CDR. The SD codified law and administrative rules regarding dietetics and nutrition and the state licensure process are found on the SD Legislature Legislative Research Council website.  Application information for the SD Licensed Nutritionist process is available on the SD Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners site. Graduates of the Nutrition & Dietetics (M.S.) who are issued a verification statement are eligible to apply for a temporary SD Licensed Nutritionist license which is good for 1 year. Successful passing of the CDR examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists is required for application to be issued permanent SD Licensed Nutritionist status.

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