The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The program was granted full accreditation by the ACEND board in February 2014.

Important Note: To become a registered dietitian nutritionist, the educational program and supervised practice/experimental learning (internship) must be an ACEND-accredited program. Graduates must then pass the national registration exam that is set forth by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

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Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Requirements

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 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). 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). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Coordinated Program at The University of Texas at San Antonio are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

Learn more on the CDR site

CDR Certification to Practice

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements, visit the CDR website.

Go to CDR State Requirements

Program Goals

Prepare graduates as competent entry-level practitioners with a focus on Health Promotion/ Disease Prevention and Treatment to primarily support South Texas Communities.

Objectives:

  1. Joint Bachelor & Master’s degree 3-year option: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 4.5 years (150% of the program length).
    • Master of Dietetic Studies Advanced Standing option: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
  2. 90% of graduates will take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionist within 12 months of program completion.
  3. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
  4. 75% of preceptors will rate interns’ academic preparation for entry-level employment “above average/expected” (4, on a 5-point scale) through staff relief.
  5. 75% of graduates will indicate that the program provided a variety of experiences to a become competent entry-level practitioners.
  6. Of graduates who seek employment, 50% percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  7. 75% of employers on a survey will rate graduates “above average” on entry-level knowledge and skill sets or “extremely satisfied” as compared to other entry-level practitioners, within the first year of employment.

Prepare graduates who demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to serving the community and profession.

Objectives:

  1. 30% of graduates on the alumni survey will serve as a preceptor within 12 months of graduation.
  2. 30% of graduates on the alumni survey will indicate participation in community, work-related or professional leadership activities within 12 months of graduation.
Note: Program outcome data is available upon request.