Nutrition and dietetics professionals are well equipped to enter the health and wellness field. Managing the delivery of food and providing healthy eating guidance to health professionals, athletes, private practice clients, chefs, food service managers, food scientists, and consumers of all ages is the essence of the dietetics field, offering challenges for students to prepare themselves for varied and exciting career opportunities.
The Nutrition and Dietetics Program is within the Division of Health Professions and is designed for students seeking a recognized credential in the field of nutrition. The program includes management, food, and clinical course work that is accredited as a Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DP), by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formally the American Dietetic Association), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, phone 312.899.5400. Students earning credits toward a nutrition degree are encouraged to apply for a student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Following the completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics AND receipt of a signed Verification Statement from the Program Director, students may sit for the national registration exam for Dietetic Technicians authorized by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Successful passage of this exam provides the the Dietetic Technician, Registered credential or DTR which is a technical level nutrition credential recognized across the country.
Students choosing to become registered dietitians must complete the following process:
1. Successful completion of Didactic Program (DP) requirements as part of a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Didactic requirements may be completed while earning a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition here at the university.
2. Application and acceptance (National Matching Process) into a supervised practice program (such as an accredited Dietetic Internship-1200 hours of unpaid experience, frequently tuition required) following successful completion of DP requirements and receipt of a Verification Statement from DP program director.
3. Passage of the RD exam - administered nationally
The registered dietitian (RD) credential is recognized nationally, enabling graduates to practice the art and science of the nutrition care process throughout the United States. Graduates are providing food and nutrition services in private practice settings, health care institutions such as teaching hospitals and extended-care facilities, community nutrition sites, child care centers, school lunch programs, corporate food companies, physicians' offices, and specialized programs for eating behavior and weight management.
Students who have earned a bachelor's or graduate degree in another discipline may apply credits and earn a nutrition and dietetics degree along with a verification statement authorizing their entry into a supervised practice program, such as an accredited dietetic internship program. A minimum of 12-15 didactic program courses must be taken at the University of New Haven for a student to receive a verification statement from the director of the program.
The undergraduate nutrition and dietetics program is also associated with the master of science program in human nutrition, enabling qualified students to complete graduate study concurrently with the undergraduate program.
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