The Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-0995. This option combines the theory presented in class with experience in health care settings under the supervision of faculty or other health professionals. Students are eligible to take the national examination to become Registered Dietitians after graduation. Students apply for admission to the Coordinated Program in the fall or spring semester of their junior year. Admission decisions are based on overall GPA, grades in relevant courses, score on the admission exam, work/volunteer/leadership experience, class attendance, professionalism, and letters of reference.
How to Become a Dietitian
How to Become a Dietitian
coordinated program in dietetics application materials
Applications are due on September 30th (fall) and February 28th (spring). Please see the Coordinated Program in Dietetics handbook for perquisites for applying to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics.
CP Application Instructions and Checklist
CP Application for Admission
Self-evaluation
Recommendation Form
Admission and Continuance Policy
Acknowledgement Form for Admission Fee
The CPD is a 12- to 16-month program depending upon the semester the student is admitted to the program. Visit UA’s academic calendar and the CPD required courses in UA’s course catalog for more information. After completion of all academic coursework, award of a bachelor’s degree, completion of all supervised practice hours, and passing an exit exam for the CPD, the student is issued a verification statement, which allows them to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist registration exam.
For information regarding cost of the CPD, visit tuition, fees, room, and board estimates. For other CPD costs, visit the Coordinated Program in Dietetics handbook.
For information on financial aid and scholarships, visit https://financialaid.ua.edu/ and https://scholarships.ua.edu/.
CP Application Instructions and Checklist
CP Application for Admission
Self-evaluation
Recommendation Form
Admission and Continuance Policy
Acknowledgement Form for Admission Fee
The CPD is a 12- to 16-month program depending upon the semester the student is admitted to the program. Visit UA’s academic calendar and the CPD required courses in UA’s course catalog for more information. After completion of all academic coursework, award of a bachelor’s degree, completion of all supervised practice hours, and passing an exit exam for the CPD, the student is issued a verification statement, which allows them to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist registration exam.
For information regarding cost of the CPD, visit tuition, fees, room, and board estimates. For other CPD costs, visit the Coordinated Program in Dietetics handbook.
For information on financial aid and scholarships, visit https://financialaid.ua.edu/ and https://scholarships.ua.edu/.
Mission of the CPD
The mission of the Coordinated Programs in Dietetics is to prepare students to become Registered Dietitians.
Program goals and objectives
Program Goal 1
The program will produce entry-level graduates who are equally competent to work in the areas of clinical, management, and community nutrition practice.
Program Goal 2
The program will instill in all students the importance of continual learning after graduation and throughout their professional career.
The program will produce entry-level graduates who are equally competent to work in the areas of clinical, management, and community nutrition practice.
- The National Registration Exam for Dietitians pass rates for first-time test takers will be ≥ 80% averaged over a five year period.
- Surveys of employers will show satisfaction with competence of graduates by rating their performance on average 3.5 on a scale from 1 to 5.
- Graduates working in the profession will report satisfaction with the education they received, rating it a minimum of 3.5 on a scale from 1 to 5.
- Eighty-five percent of program graduates will be employed into a variety of practice areas within six months of graduation and/or completion of the CP.
- CP completion rates of 2 years or less will be 90% or higher for each class.
Program Goal 2
The program will instill in all students the importance of continual learning after graduation and throughout their professional career.
- Two students in each graduating class will take advantage of the University Scholars Program that allows early entry into graduate school.
- Eighty-five percent of graduates who are Registered Dietitians will participate in continuing educational activities within one year of program completion.