Coordinated Program in Dietetics

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) at Kansas State University provides the coursework as well as the supervised practice experience requirements of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The CP is a selective admission program with occurring mid-way through the curriculum. The supervised practice experience within the CP will provide a management semester, a clinical care semester and a community-based summer assignment. Beginning in 2024, the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become an RDN. Based on the advanced degree requirement, students applying to the CP in Spring 2023 or later will be required to obtain a master's degree to sit for the credentialing exam. K-State's Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health offers a Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics and Sensory Science that can be completed following the supervised practice experience.

The K-State CPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 1-312-899-0040 ext. 5400.

For more information about the CPD, please refer to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics Student Handbook below. Information includes, but is not limited to:

Description of the program, mission, goals and objectives
Program outcomes data (available upon request - please contact Program Director)
Process to become a registered dietitian nutritionist
Costs to the student
Application and admission requirements
Academic and program calendar
Graduation and program completion requirements
Availability of financial aid
Guidance about distance education components

Coordinated Program in Dietetics Handbook, Policies and Procedures (pdf)

Course Requirements

Undergraduate Dietetics (pdf) Program Coursework Requirements
Graduate Required Coursework Option 1: Accelerated BS/MS program
Graduate Required Coursework Option 2: MS in NDSS program
Suggested Course Sequence (pdf) Option 1 and 2

Admission Information

Students should apply for admission to the CPD during the semester they are finishing up their professional coursework. This is generally three semesters prior to expected graduation. Applications are due by February 15 if you wish to begin your management semester of supervised practice in the fall semester.

In order to apply for admission to the CPD, the student must:

Have no grade lower than a B in any of the natural or physical science courses
Have no grade lower than a B in any of their professional studies courses
Have no grade lower than a C in all other courses in the dietetics curriculum
Fulfill the Kansas State Coordinated Program in Dietetics Application Process

Student Learning Outcomes

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Supervised Practice

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics at Kansas State University utilizes supervised practice facilities throughout the state. A majority of these sites require students to provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The program director will provide each student with the specific requirement for the medical practicum site to which they are assigned. All requirements must be met before the student can begin in their practicum site. If requirements are not met, the student may not be able to complete the program.

2024 CDR Requirement for Graduate Degree

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into 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. In Kansas and most states, graduates also must obtain licensure to practice (please see the CP Student Handbook for additional information on Licensure). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Coordinated Program at Kansas State University and complete one of the graduate program options are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN, please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.