About ACEND-Accredited Programs

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND^®) is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered.

A DPD program provides the required dietetics coursework leading to a bachelor's or graduate degree. Graduates of ACEND-accredited programs who are verified by the program director may apply for Dietetic Internships to establish eligibility to write the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) registration examination for dietitians. A link for the search engine designed to locate accredited DPD programs by state and options available can be accessed here

To become an RDN, you must:

1. Successfully complete the degree,
2. Followed by an accredited supervised practice program, and then
3. Pass the examination for RDNs.

Information about ACEND-accredited programs

Program Goals & Objectives

The program will prepare graduates for supervised practice, graduate school, or employment in nutrition and dietetics or related fields.

1.1 At least 80% of DPD program students will complete the degree and program requirements within six years (150% of the program length).

1.2 At least 50% of DPD graduates will apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.

1.3 At least 50% of DPD graduates are admitted into a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.

1.4 The program’s one-year pass 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% or the CDR credentialing exam for nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered is at least 70%.

1.5 At least 75% of supervised practice directors responding to a survey will rate program graduate’s preparation for supervised practice as “adequate” (above average) or better.

1.6 Of graduates who seek employment, ≥80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.

1.7 At least 80% of the graduates who respond to the survey will rate the DPD program as being "adequate" or higher in preparing them for supervised practice, graduate school, or employment.

The program will graduate diverse practitioners who work effectively with diverse populations in dietetics or related fields.

2.1 The DPD program will include representation of at least three ethnic/racial groups and 5% male students.

2.2 At least 80% of DPD graduates will indicate that the program prepared them for an understanding of cultural differences, diversity, and inclusion.

The program will graduate practitioners with a commitment to continuing education and service to the profession.

3.1 At least 75% of DPD graduates responding to the one-year post-graduation survey will indicate membership in a professional organization.

3.2 At least 50% of graduates responding to the one-year post-graduation survey will indicate having participated in one or more professional activities, including but not limited to continuing education events, workshops, seminars, meetings, professional updates.

Program outcome data is available upon request.