The SDSU Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is designed to allow students pursuing the BS in Foods & Nutrition or the MS in Nutritional Sciences to complete the additional requirements needed to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
The program strives to produce graduates who are going to be competitive in the dietetic internship (supervised practice accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics [ACEND]) application process, be successful in completion of a dietetic internship program, will pass the RDN registration exam, and be a dietitian who makes valuable contributions to the profession.
Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
In order to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) a student must complete the following steps:
- Complete a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution.
- Complete the additional DPD required courses. The DPD curriculum at SDSU requires a student to complete these courses to be verified by the DPD Director before he or she can enroll in a dietetic internship.
- Apply for, be accepted into, and complete an accredited dietetic internship. Typically, an internship program will run six to twelve months in length.
- Complete and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam.
NOTE: Although licensure is not required in California, upon graduating and successfully becoming an RDN, if a graduate moves to another state, licensure may be required to practice.
Video
See our very own Student Nutrition Organization members introduce the Foods & Nutrition and DPD Programs!
DPD Student Handbook
Current DPD students, please download:
- DPD Student Handbook (pdf)
Accreditation
The San Diego State University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics was set up independently of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to develop, implement and enforce standards for both undergraduate programs and for dietetic internships.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190.
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: (312) 800/877-1600 ext.5400
E-mail: acend@eatright.org
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
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 most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics at San Diego State University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN please click here: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students
