The A-State RD/RDN Guide

No. Currently, applications are only accepted from eligible Arkansas State University students enrolled in either the BS in Nutrition & Dietetics program or the Graduate Prerequisite Program. Students interested in becoming an RD/RDN through A-State who are not currently enrolled in one of these programs should contact dietetics@astate.edu to discuss the most appropriate pathway.

No. Prerequisite coursework completed at other regionally accredited institutions may be accepted if determined to be equivalent to A-State’s requirements. However, completion of prerequisite courses at another institution does not by itself make a student eligible to apply to the RD-track Coordinated Program. Currently, applications are only accepted from eligible students enrolled in A-State’s BS in Nutrition & Dietetics program or Graduate Prerequisite Program. Students should contact the Program Director before enrolling in coursework elsewhere to discuss transferability and program eligibility.

Prerequisite evaluation occurs as part of the application process. Applicants should review the prerequisite list and compare it to their academic records before applying. If you have not completed all prerequisite coursework, or if you are unsure whether your previous coursework meets prerequisite requirements, select "No" when asked whether you have completed the required prerequisite courses. This will route your application to the Graduate Prerequisite Program, where remaining prerequisite requirements can be identified and completed before applying to the RD-track Coordinated Program.

Transfer credit is evaluated according to Arkansas State University policies. Previous coursework may satisfy prerequisite requirements if determined to be equivalent.

If you are not currently enrolled in A-State's BS in Nutrition & Dietetics program or Graduate Prerequisite Program, select "No." Applications from students who select "No" are routed to the Graduate Prerequisite Program, where prerequisite coursework and eligibility can be evaluated through the admissions process.

Yes. A bachelor's degree does not have to be in nutrition and dietetics. Students with degrees in a variety of academic disciplines may be eligible to pursue the RD/RDN credential through A-State's Coordinated Program after completing the required prerequisite coursework.

No. A-State's Coordinated Program does not require a DPD Verification Statement for admission. Students may be admitted without a DPD verification statement provided they complete all prerequisite coursework and meet admission requirements.

While GPA of 3.0 is required, applicants with an overall GPA below 3.0 may still be considered for admission. The admissions committee reviews the entire application, including performance in prerequisite coursework, academic trends, professional experiences, recommendations, and other admission materials. Strong performance in prerequisite courses may help demonstrate readiness for graduate-level study, even when the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0.

Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of each applicant. Factors considered may include performance in prerequisite coursework, cumulative GPA, academic trends, recommendations, professional experiences, and personal statement. Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission, and applicants with strong prerequisite performance may be considered even if their overall GPA falls below 3.0.

Yes. Conditional admission may be offered if remaining prerequisite courses are completed before the program begins.

No. The GRE is not required for admission to A-State's Nutrition & Dietetics graduate programs.

Students who successfully complete the program earn a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND).

The program is designed as a two-year master's degree. Students must complete all program requirements within six years of admission.

No. The RD-track Coordinated Program follows a prescribed sequence of coursework and supervised practice experiences. Students should expect full-time enrollment and are not able to complete the program on a part-time basis.

Students complete a minimum of 1,080 supervised practice hours in foodservice, community nutrition, and clinical nutrition settings.

Generally, no. The MSND program is delivered fully online; however, supervised practice experiences are generally completed in person at approved foodservice, community, and clinical sites. Students typically complete practicums in or near the area where they live, although travel may occasionally be required to meet program requirements and achieve required competencies.

No. You do not need to have practicum sites or preceptors identified when you apply or are admitted. However, students should begin working on supervised practice placement as soon as they commit to the program. Identifying qualified sites, securing willing preceptors, and completing required affiliation agreements can take considerable time and effort. A-State provides guidance and assistance throughout the placement process, but students who start early are typically the most successful in securing their preferred practicum experiences and locations.

Students are responsible for identifying potential practicum sites and preceptors. However, A-State provides guidance throughout the process, maintains a database of previously approved sites and preceptors, and assists students who encounter difficulty securing placements. Students are not expected to arrange sites independently without support.

Possibly. Many students complete supervised practice experiences at their place of employment when appropriate opportunities and qualified preceptors are available. However, students cannot earn practicum hours while "on the clock" performing their regular job responsibilities. Supervised practice hours must be completed during separate, approved learning experiences and cannot be counted toward paid work time. All sites and preceptors must be reviewed and approved by the program and must provide opportunities to meet required competencies.

No. All supervised practice experiences must be completed in the United States.

Possibly. While the program works to identify geographically accessible placements, specific sites or locations cannot be guaranteed. Some students may need to travel or temporarily relocate for certain experiences.

No. Students must complete all supervised practice hours required by the program regardless of previous employment or professional experience.

Yes. Students must maintain health insurance, automobile insurance, and professional liability insurance before beginning supervised practice experiences.

Most students find full-time employment difficult during supervised practice. Practicums average approximately 25 hours per week, and most preceptors supervise students during regular weekday business hours. Students who work typically find evening, night, or weekend schedules most compatible with practicum requirements.

Yes. The program is delivered online, and supervised practice experiences may be completed in many areas throughout the United States. Currently, Colorado placements are not available.

Possibly. Students considering relocation should contact the Program Director as early as possible since supervised practice placements and affiliation agreements may be affected.

After successfully completing the MSND degree, 1,080 hours of supervised practice, and all program requirements, graduates receive a Coordinated Program Verification Statement. The Program Director then submits eligibility information to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), allowing graduates to register for the RD/RDN examination. Once the exam is passed, graduates may use the Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. Depending on the state where they plan to practice, additional licensure or certification requirements may apply.

Yes. Applicants with degrees from institutions outside the United States may be considered for admission if they meet program and university admission requirements.

International transcripts are reviewed as part of the admissions process. Official transcripts must be submitted with your application. In many cases, Arkansas State University can complete an internal evaluation of international coursework. Some institutions do not issue official transcripts directly to U.S. universities. In those cases, applicants may be required to obtain a credential evaluation through a NACES-member evaluation service such as WES or ECE and have the evaluation sent to Arkansas State University. Applicants should work with the Office of International Admissions to determine what documentation is required for their specific situation.

No. Transcript evaluation occurs through the admissions process after an application has been submitted. Faculty do not provide unofficial transcript evaluations before application.

No. All supervised practice experiences must be completed within the United States.

Usually. Students may complete supervised practice in many areas throughout the United States if appropriate sites, qualified preceptors, and affiliation agreements can be secured. Please note that supervised practice placements are not currently available in Colorado.

Yes. Students who successfully complete all degree requirements, supervised practice requirements, and program competencies receive a Coordinated Program Verification Statement and may become eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam.