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Dietetics

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)


College: College of Nursing and Health Professions

Department: Coordinated Program in Dietetics

Description

The Coordinated Program (CP) in Dietetics at Arkansas State University – Jonesboro is administered by the Dietetics Program in the College of Nursing & Health Professions. The program provides for the achievement of knowledge and performance requirements for entry-level dietitians through integration of didactic instruction with a minimum of 1080 hours of supervised practice as established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The supervised practice experiences occur in foodservice, community and clinical settings.

Students apply for admission to the CP after they have finished the sophomore year. The CP requires two years to complete the didactic instruction and supervised practice rotations. Students must have reliable transportation for travel to various practice sites for the rotations. A Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics is granted to students upon completion of the program.

  • Prerequisites

    Admission Requirements

    Students must apply for admission to the CP by April 1 after they have completed the sophomore year. Class size is limited due to the availability of supervised practices sites and all applicants may not be accepted into the program. A screening procedure is used to select the most qualified students. Letter of application, academic status, reference forms and completed application, including answers to particular questions are used in the selection process.

    CP admission requirements include:

    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale of all college work attempted
    • English proficiency requirements, if foreign born
    • Completion of program prerequisites with a minimum grade of “C” required in all courses
    • Program prerequisites must be completed prior to the start of the junior year.
    • HESI A2 Entrance Exam

    Required prerequisite courses include:

    Area Course Credit Hours Course Title

    English

    ENG 1003

          3

    Composition I

    English

    ENG 1013

          3

    Composition II

    Math

    MATH 1023

          3

    College Algebra

    Biology

    BIO 2203

          3

    Human Anatomy and Physiology I

    Biology

    BIO 2201

          1

    Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab

    Biology

    BIO 2223

          3

    Human Anatomy and Physiology II

    Biology

    BIO 2221

          1

    Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab

    University College

    UC 1013

          3

    Making Connections

    Psychology 

    PSY 2013

          3

    Introduction to Psychology

    Sociology

    SOC 2213

          3

    Principles of Sociology


    Fine Arts

    ART 2503
    MUS 2503
    THEA 2503

     
          3

    Fine Arts Visual or
    Fine Arts Musical or
    Fine Arts Theatre

    Humanities

    ENG 2003
    ENG 2013
    PHIL 1103

          3

    Intro to World Literature I or
    Intro to World Literature II or
    Intro to Philosophy

    Chemistry

    CHEM 1043

          3

    Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry

    Chemistry

    CHEM 1041

          1

    Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry Lab

    Chemistry

    CHEM 1052

          2

    Fundamental Concepts of Organic and Biochemistry

    Nutritional Science

    NS 2203

          3

    Basic Human Nutrition

    Communication Studies 

    COMS 1203

          3

    Oral Communication

    Social Sciences

    HIST 2763
    HIST 2773
    POSC 2103      

          3

    The United States to 1876 or
    The United States Since 1876 or
    Introduction to US Government

    Statistics

    STAT 3033

          3

    Statistics for Health Professions

    Biology

    BIO 2103

          3

    Microbiology for Nursing & Allied Health

    Biology

    BIO 2101

          1

    Microbiology for Nursing & Allied Health Lab

  • How to Apply

    Admission Process

    Apply for admission to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics by April 1 after the sophomore year. Application packet is available on this website.

    Submit the completed application packet to:

    Coordinated Program in Dietetics
    College of Nursing & Health Professions
    PO Box 910
    State University, AR 72467

    Application packet includes:

    • Letter of application
    • Program application
    • Official transcripts of all college work completed
    • Documentation of English proficiency, if foreign born
    • Completed reference forms (three)

    Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Student will be notified of their acceptance into the program by May 15.

    Find the application packet on our department homepage >>
  • Program Costs

    Fees and Expenses

    Tuition and Fees Estimate
    2022-2023

    Student Category Estimated Total Two-Year
    Professional Program Only
    BS Degree Resident $23,330.00
    BS Degree Non-Resident/International $40,000.00

    The above estimates do not include prerequisite or general education courses.
    The above estimates do include dietetics program courses only.


    Housing and Meals Estimate
    2022-2023

    Category Estimated Total Two-Year
    Professional Program Only
    Additional Information
    Campus Housing Five Semesters $12,500.00 Costs vary; many students choose to live off campus
    Campus Flex Meal Plans
    Average Five Semesters
    $9,750.00 Costs vary; many students choose to live off campus


    Additional Program Estimates
    2022-2023

    Category One-Time
    Program Expenses
    Additional Information
    HESI A2 Exam $50.00 Prior to acceptance
    Criminal background check $95.00 Upon program acceptance
    Typhon Group Scheduling System $100.00 One-time fee prior to first semester
    Immunizations $300.00 Prior to Semester 1; includes 1st TB skin test
    CPR Healthcare Provider Certification $50.00 Semester 1
    Scrubs and slip-resistant shoes $150.00 Semester 1
    Student name tag $10.00 Semester 1
    Child maltreatment check $10.00 Semester 1
    Drug screen $45.00 Required by some clinical facilities
    Physical examination $35.00 Student health center; required by some clinical
    facilities
    TB Mask $20.00 Semester 4
    Exam review course $400.00 Semester 5
    Registration examination $200.00 Following program completion
    TOTAL $1,465.00 

    Category Annual
    Program Expenses
    Two-Year
    Program Expenses
    Additional Information
    Academy of Nutrition and 
    Dietetics membership
    $58.00 $116.00 Annual membership
    Books $1,335.00 Semesters 1, 2, & 3
    Books $445.00 Semesters 4 & 5
    Computer ~$500.00 Prices will vary
    Flu vaccine $20.00 $40.00 Costs vary by health insurance plan
    Health Insurance $1,800.00 $3,600.00 High estimate; costs vary by plan
    Lab Coat $30.00 $60.00 White
    Professional travel to state
    association annual meeting
    $200.00 $400.00 Semesters 2 & 5; includes registration, shared travel/lodging & meals
    Project supplies $100.00 $200.00 Class and supervised practice
    Student nutrition and dietetic association membership $20.00 $40.00 Annual dues
    Student professional
    liability insurance
    $25.00 $50.00 Semesters 1 & 4
    2nd year TB skin test $10.00 Costs vary by health insurance plan
    Transportation/parking $550.00 $1,100.00 Costs vary by supervised practice location
    Vehicle insurance $1,800.00 $3,600.00 High estimate; costs vary by plan
    Total $11,696.00

    Resident Non-Resident/ International
    Total Estimate for Two-Year Program
    (including tuition, fees, housing, meals 
    and additional program expenses
    $62,191.00 $78,861.00
  • Additional Costs

     

    One-Time Expenses

     

    Category

    One-Time Program Expenses

    Additional Information

    HESI A2 Exam

    $50.00

    Prior to acceptance

    Criminal background check

    $95.00

    Upon program acceptance

    Typhon Group scheduling system

    $100.00

     

    Immunizations

    $300.00

    Prior to Semester 1; includes 1st TB skin test

    CPR Healthcare Provider Certification

    $50.00

    Semester 1

    Scrubs and slip-resistant shoes

    $150.00

    Semester 1

    Student name tag

    $10.00

    Semester 1

    Child maltreatment check

    $10.00

    Semester 1

    Drug screen

    $45.00

    Required by some clinical facilities

    Physical examination

    $35.00

    Student health center; required by some clinical facilities

    TB Mask

    $20.00

    Semester 4

    Exam review course

    $400.00

    Semester 5

    Registration examination

    $200.00

    Following program completion

    Total

    $1,465.00

     

     

    Annual and Two-Year Expenses

     

    Category

    Annual
    Program Expenses

    Two-Year
    Program Expenses

    Additional Information

    Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics membership

    $58.00

    $116.00

    Annual membership

    Books

     

    $1335.00

    Semesters 1, 2, & 3

    Books

     

    $445.00

    Semesters 4 & 5

    Computer

     

    ~$500.00

    Prices may vary

    Flu vaccine

    $20.00

    $40.00

    Costs vary by health insurance plan

    Health insurance

    $1800.00

    $3,600.00

    High estimate; costs vary by plan

    Lab coat

    $30.00

    $60.00

    White

    Professional travel to state annual meeting

    $200.00

    $400.00

    Semesters 2 & 5; includes registration, shared travel/ lodging & meals

    Project supplies

    $100.00

    $200.00

    Class and supervised practice

    Student nutrition and dietetic association membership

    $20.00

    $40.00

    Annual dues

    Student professional liability insurance

    $25.00

    $50.00

    Semesters 1 & 4

    2nd year TB skin test

     

    $10.00

    Costs vary by health insurance plan

    Transportation/parking

    $550.00

    $1,100.00

    Costs vary by supervised practice location

    Vehicle insurance

    $1800.00

    $3,600.00

    High estimate; costs vary by plan

    Total

     

    $11,696.00

     

     

     

  • Dietetics Curriculum

    Curriculum and degree requirements can be found in the most current Undergraduate Bulletin.

    Visit the bulletins page >>

  • Academic and CP Schedule

    During the junior, senior and summer semesters, students will have holidays consistent with the ASU academic calendar. Individual course syllabi and the Supervised Practice Rotation Schedule will provide additional information about the CP schedule. Policies and procedures specific to the dietetics program including supervised practice rotations will be available in the Dietetics Student Handbook.

  • Graduation / Program Completion Requirements

    Graduation and/or Program Completion Requirements 

    In order to receive a B. S. in Dietetics from Arkansas State University, 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 

    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. 

    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 BS in Dietetics and the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics, which includes academic coursework and supervised practice components. Students must also meet the ethical requirements of the dietetics profession.

  • Careers

    A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential “RD.” He/she may work in a wide variety of employment settings which include:

    • Academia
    • Community and public health
    • Food and nutrition-related business and industry
    • Food service management
    • Healthcare facilities
    • Journalism
    • Private practice
    • Research
    • Sports nutrition
    • Wellness programs

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    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.


"Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited coordinated program at Arkansas State University are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. Anyone who graduates after December 31, 2023 will also need to complete a graduate degree in order to be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN please click here."

Accredited by ACEND

ACENB LogoAccreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400
Http://www.eatrightPRO.org/ACEND 

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics at Arkansas State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400. www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND.