NOURISHING FUTURE REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONISTS

The Dietetics program prepares students to become leading experts in food and nutrition and is the first step towards becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN).

From the classroom to the clinic, kitchen, sports field, or boardroom, you will develop a strong foundation built on evidence-based knowledge and hands-on learning. Our comprehensive program combines classroom and practical experiences to prepare you to lead, innovate and shape lives through the power of a healthful diet in a variety of clinical, food service, and community-based fields.

Our two nationally accredited Dietetics program pathways will prepare you for the first step in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN). You can choose one of two tracks: the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or the Accelerated Coordinated Program (ACP in Dietetics). Students in the DPD complete the four years of coursework needed to apply for a master’s degree and dietetic internship. Students in the ACP in Dietetics complete the coursework and supervised practice experience needed to earn a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and a master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Systems while completing the supervised professional practice (internship) required to be eligible to take the RD credentialing exam.

Careers

The Dietetics degree will prepare you for opportunities in a variety of health care and related fields, such as:

  • Diabetes care and education
  • Director of nutrition
  • Marketing dietitian
  • Nutrition specialty practice areas
  • Outpatient care
  • Public health nutritionist
  • Private practice/consulting
  • Sales account executive
  • School nutrition
  • Telehealth
  • Worksite wellness

Accelerate Your Career Into Graduate School

For highly motivated students, the opportunity exists to integrate up to 12 credit hours of undergraduate and graduate coursework through the Accelerated Master’s Pathways or AMP program. Students will save time and money by receiving dual credit for select courses taken during their senior year of undergraduate studies. Those interested in pursuing this path to a graduate degree should consult with their academic advisor.

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BECOMING A REGISTERED DIETITIAN

To become a RD/RN, you must earn a bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, and complete a supervised professional practice (internship). Our ACP in Dietetics is a selective, accredited, all-in-one program that allows students to earn their bachelor’s and graduate degrees and complete the supervised practice hours required to sit for the RD credentialing exam, all in five years.

Study Abroad in Greece
Campus Kitchen

Get Involved

Opportunities abound for students pursing a degree in Dietetics. Whether you are interested in undergraduate research, exploring global nutrition through study abroad, or gaining leadership experience with the student-led Campus Kitchen organization to reduce food waste and eliminate food insecurity in our community, the Dietetics program has opportunities to meet your interests.

Experiential Learning

Hands-on learning is at the heart of what we do. Our program provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning in the classroom and in real-world settings. Motivated students can also earn undergraduate certificates in Nutrition for Human Performance and Food Systems and Hunger Studies as part of the major.

DHN 212 Introductory Nutrition

Students learn core nutrition knowledge related to wellness, quality of life, and diet-related health conditions alongside students from nursing and other pre-health programs.

DHN 342 Quantity Food Production

Students engage in production and service of food in quantity as part of the student-run Lemon Tree cafe.

DHN 480 Dietetics Pre-professional Practice

Students gain pre- professional experiences shadowing registered dieticians in multiple settings.

DHN 512 Medical Nutrition Therapy I

Students explore medical nutrition therapies for disease conditions and participate in clinical and counseling simulations at the state- of-the-art UK Healthcare Simulation Center.

Living Learning Program

The Living Learning Program (LLP) supports student success by placing students with similar interests into smaller communities in particular residence halls.

Academic Enrichment

Our college believes in learning by doing. Our students are required to complete at least one type of experiential or hands-on learning opportunity, such as undergraduate research, an internship or an education abroad experience.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous alumni, donors and community partners, we have one of the largest scholarship programs at UK. Only one application is required for our college’s scholarships, but there are hundreds of potential awards.

Student Services

We’re here to help you grow personally, academically and professionally.

Ready to turn your passion into a career?

Explore endless opportunities at the University of Kentucky and take the first step toward your future.

Senior Academic Advisor
Kelsie Potter

Director of Undergraduate Studies
Jessica Houlihan, MPH, MSPAS, PA-C

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