To be eligible to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, all individuals must possess a master’s degree by 2024 to sit for the certification examination

The basic steps include:

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution
  2. Complete master’s degree and an accredited dietetics internship or supervised practice (many will have these combined)
  3. Complete the Commission on Dietetics Registration examination

More information on the steps is available at: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/career-information

Yes, you will need to apply to the program to be permitted to complete the upper-level professional courses. As a declared major, students are permitted to complete NUTR 280 - Nutrition for Wellness and NUTR 295 – Foundations of Nutrition Practice. All others courses in the major require formal admission to the program.

Students wishing to be admitted to the dietetics major at JMU must apply in the spring semester during which pre-requisite course requirements will be met, usually in spring of the sophomore year.

Students transferring to JMU from other educational institutions with junior status or higher and most pre-requisite courses completed are encouraged to apply to the major by February 15th prior to enrollment or at transfer orientation. Other students that transfer to JMU (not yet a junior status) will complete the application process as outlined.

Applications are due February 15 annually. There are minimum requirements for admission.

Applicants must have at least a 2.7 cumulative GPA for the nine prerequisite courses. A grade of C- or higher must be earned for each prerequisite course.

Yes! Students can be enrolled in pre-requisite courses at the time of application. All pre-requisite courses must be completed by the fall semester in which you begin the program.

Students get a variety of experiences to adequately prepare them for the rigors and variety of dietetics practice settings. Students get practical hands-on experience in:

  • Field experiences with patients/clients under the supervision of a registered dietitian
  • Food preparation and food science through classroom and laboratory activities
  • Nutrition program design and implementation through service learning in the community
  • Quantity food production and food service management through a weekly meal service offered to campus faculty and staff
  • Recipe modification and food product development
  • Student research with a faculty mentor

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