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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ACEND can be contacted by: 

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 Mission

The mission of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) is to prepare entry-level dietitians with leadership skills who positively impact the nutritional status and health of individuals and the community, particularly those living in South Texas, through a solid academic education, service, and scholarship.

Program Goals

Prepare graduates as competent entry-level practitioners.

Objectives:

  1. At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 4.5 years (150% of the program length).
  2. At least 90% percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists 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 graduates will indicate that the program provided a variety of experiences to become competent entry-level practitioners.
  5. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 50% percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  6. 75% of employers in a survey will rate graduates “above average” on entry-level skill sets 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.

Technology requirements

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) consists of primarily in-person classes and may require hybrid and online classes. UTSA computer requirements for hybrid and online classes are listed here: https://odl.utsa.edu/tech-specs/. Software programs provided by the CPD may not be compatible with tablet computers.