The Nutrition and Dietetics Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and prepares graduates to pursue dynamic careers in healthcare, community and public health nutrition, education and research. Completing this Program is the first of three required steps in the education and training of dietetics professionals. Our goal is to provide students with scientific and applied nutrition and dietetics knowledge in a multidisciplinary, diverse and multicultural environment.
Components of Dietetic Education and Training
For a student who wishes to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), the Accreditation Council for Education of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) requires:
- A baccalaureate degree and coursework that meets the knowledge requirements specified by ACEND. This is typically achieved by attending a Program such as the Nutrition and Dietetics Program offered by UAPB.
- A supervised practice experience, also called Dietetic Internships and Individualized Supervised Practice Pathways, which meets the performance requirements set by ACEND. Students may combine the first step and this second step by attending a Coordinated Program.
- A passing score on the National Registration Examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Students who do not complete an approved supervised practice experience should be aware that the Program’s foundation courses provide the background appropriate for several careers including foodservice management in institutions and restaurants, food and pharmaceutical sales, consumer relations, education and Cooperative Extension.
For more information, see the Nutrition and Dietetics Program Handbook or contact the UAPB Department of Human Sciences at:
1200 N. University Drive, Mail Slot 4971
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601