Program Costs
Detailed information regarding the cost of obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University may be found in the undergraduate bulletin at www.astate.edu/registrar/, which includes tuition, fees, room and board.
Additional estimated costs for students enrolled in the CP include the following:
Books - approximately $350 - $500 per semester
Lab coat - $30
Student name tag - $10
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual student membership - $50
ASU annual student dietetic membership - $10-$20
Professional student liability insurance - $25
Travel and vehicle insurance - Students must travel to supervised practices sites, some of which are located in Jonesboro area or within a 75-90 mile radius of Jonesboro. Students must furnish their own transportation to and from these facilities and assume all costs and liability involved with this travel. Vehicle insurance is required, the cost of which varies by plan.
Professional expenses - Some meetings may be available locally; however, travel and accommodation expenses for state and national professional meetings should also be budgeted. Registered Dietitian Examination is about $200.
Immunizations - available at Student Health Center for approximately $300, which includes Hepatitis B vaccines (series of 3 doses), TB skin test, Tetanus and MMR.
CPR certification - approximately $25 - $40
Student health insurance - The Student Health Center offers students the opportunity to purchase health insurance provided by a reputable insurance company, if no insurance coverage is available under a family policy. The cost is approximately $650-$700 annually. Call 870-972-2054 or visit http://www.astate.edu/a/student-affairs/health-care/index.dot for more information.
Drug screen – approximately $25, if required by clinical facility
Criminal background check – approximately $48, if required by clinical facility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
The Registered Dietitian is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of food and nutrition. To become a Registered Dietitian, you are required to meet eligibility requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics and pass a national registration examination.
What is a Coordinated Program (CP)?
This program coordinates supervised practice experiences with the didactic (lecture/classroom) instruction during the professional program in the junior and senior years of study. It is a two year full-time program with a “Clinical” concentration. Class size is limited due to the availability of supervised practice sites; all applicants may not be accepted into the program.
When are program applications due?
Applications must be submitted by April 1 after the sophomore year. Students will be notified of their acceptance status by May 15.
How many students are admitted into the program each year?
There are 15 slots available. Any student who is not accepted into the CP may consider other majors either within the College of Nursing and Health Professions or another College on campus. The student may also choose to reapply the following year.
Can a student work full-time while in the program?
It is extremely difficult to work while completing the Coordinated Program. If students must be employed, hours should be scheduled during the evenings or on weekends only. Students must be available to fulfill all didactic and supervised practice requirements.
Can a student with a non-dietetics degree be admitted to the Coordinated Program?
If a student has a degree from a U. S. accredited college or university in a field other than dietetics, he/she must have their college transcript evaluated by the Program Director. The Director will identify the courses the student would need to complete to meet the dietetics requirements in order to apply for admission.
Graduation and/or Program Completion Requirements
In order to receive a B. S. in Nutritional Science from Arkansas State University that signifies completion of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, a student must:
- Complete all didactic course requirements with a grade of C or above in all dietetics courses
- Successfully complete five supervised practice rotations
- Complete all general education and university requirements pertaining to the major
- Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Have no outstanding financial or other program obligations
Based on the ACEND benchmark for program completion (within 150% of the time planned for completion), this would equal a period of three years once a student is accepted into the two year (includes two summers) Coordinated Program.
Program Delay/Interruption
If progress in the CP is interrupted for health or other reasons, the student must meet with the program director to discuss the circumstances and options for program completion. This situation may take the student outside of the benchmark window.
If the student withdraws from the university, he/she must apply for readmission to the program. Readmission status will be dependent upon space available. See the undergraduate bulletin (www.astate.edu/registrar/) for additional information.
Verification Requirements
Verification of completion of the CP at Arkansas State University will be given to all students who successfully complete the academic coursework and supervised practice components of the program and who meet the ethical requirements of the dietetics profession.
