Coordinated Program in Dietetics

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics (C.P.) at UND has been producing outstanding dietetics professionals over more than 35 years.

As a registered dietitian you will be qualified to work in a variety of health care, industry, and community settings. C.P. grads have found fulfilling careers in a wide variety of organizations, including hospitals, public/community health, sports nutrition, schools, food service management, correctional facilities, wellness centers and private practice. The possibilities are endless!

C.P. Overview

• Provides a science-based food and nutrition education that combines classroom learning with experience in settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, community agencies and long-term care facilities.
• Single program of coordinated classroom experience and supervised practice that can be completed in four years plus one summer term (no additional internship required).
• Graduates earn a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and are eligible to take the registration exam.
• Fast-paced and intense program, requiring commitment of time and effort

Mission

The mission of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of North Dakota is to provide education, discovery and experiential training opportunities to prepare graduates for positions as registered dietitian nutritionists.

Goals

Outcome data available upon request. Contact Program Director, Doris Wang.

To prepare graduates for entry-level practice as registered dietitian nutritionists.

• Eighty percent (80%) of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion
• 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%
• At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 4.5 years (150%) of anticipated program length
• Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation
• Eighty percent (80%) of responding employers will agree that the program graduate exhibits the knowledge and skills demonstrated by competent entry-level dietitian nutritionists
• Ninety percent (90%) of program graduates responding to an alumni survey will rate themselves as prepared or well-prepared for their first position

To prepare graduates to provide culturally competent, evidence-based nutrition care to any persons, with emphasis on populations with limited access to food and nutrition services.

• Ninety percent (90%) of graduating seniors will rate their perceived preparation for an entry-level dietetics position as either prepared (good) or well-prepared (excellent)

Application and Admission

The UND Coordinated Program is accredited to accept up to 18 students each year. Students apply to the program at the beginning of spring semester of the sophomore sequence of the program for admission the following fall.

Applications are due on February 15 every year. An application form, two recommendations, and submission of resume and cover letter are required along with personal interviews. Students receive written verification of their acceptance status into the professional phase of the Coordinated Program before the end of spring semester.

C.P. Application

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics the following are required:

1. A demonstrated interest in the field of dietetics.
2. A minimum GPA of 2.6 on a 4-point scale; however the average GPA of accepted students is closer to 3.4.
3. A minimum grade of "C" in all science, food and nutrition courses.
4. All courses in the pre-professional phase of the major must be completed prior to entrance into the program.
5. Documentation of at least 50 hours of service learning prior to entering the program.

Resources

• Estimated Annual Costs
• UND Financial Aid Information
• CNPD Student Handbook
• UND Academic Calendar

Graduation and Program Completion

In order to graduate from the University of North Dakota and receive a verification statement signifying completion of the Coordinated Program, you must successfully complete all course and supervised practice requirements of the Coordinated Program and all requirements of the baccalaureate degree. Upon receipt of the verification statement, you are eligible to take the examination to become a registered dietitian.

Registration Exam

Degree Completion

Requirements to Complete the Baccalaureate Degree

• A minimum of 125 credits is required for a baccalaureate degree from UND. Transfer students must complete at least 60 credits at four-year institutions; the last 30 credits must be UND institutional credit.
• All students must fulfill UND Essential Studies Requirements

CP Completion

• Once admitted into the program students must complete required immunizations, provide insurance information and complete a criminal background check. Anyone whose criminal history check finds barriers to clinical placement or places restrictions on client contact may not be allowed to advance in the program.
• To remain in the program students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.6 and at least a "C" in all science, food and nutrition courses.
• A minimum of 1200 supervised practice hours is required to receive a verification statement. Refer to curriculum requirements for a list of required classes.

Accreditation

UND's Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.

ACEND®
ACEND@eatright.org
800.877.1600, ext. 5400
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995

Credentialing Update

Registration exam eligibility requirements for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDs/RDNs) are changing. Current and incoming students who successfully complete the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at UND will be exam-eligible upon completion of their Bachelor of Science in Dietetics through 2023.

Effective January 1, 2024, a Master's degree will be required to be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national exam for dietitians.

Changing Requirements