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 2.8 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:

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 specific costs, in addition to university tuition and fees, are estimated below.

• Books - approximately $350 - $500 per semester
• Supplies for projects (class and practicum) - $200
• Lab coat - $30
• Scrubs (2 sets recommended) and slip resistant shoes - $150
• Student name tag - $10
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual student membership - $50
• Student Nutrition and Dietetic Association - $15 - $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.
• Immunizations - available at Student Health Center for approximately $300, which includes Hepatitis B vaccines (series of 3 doses), TB skin test, Tetanus and MMR.
• Annual Flu vaccine - $20
• 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 $47, if required by clinical facility
• Child maltreatment check - $10
• iPad rental - $50
• Registration examination review course - $385
• Registration examination - $200

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

Visit the bulletins page >>

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 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.

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:

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.