Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP)
Steps to Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
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 order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. 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). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited coordinated program at Howard University are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
The Coordinated Program in Dietetics prepares students to obtain the Registered Dietitian (RD) Nutritionist (RDN) credential awarded by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. There are various paths to obtaining the RD/RDN credential, however regardless of the path chosen, there are three required steps as outlined here:
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Complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited US college/university or foreign equivalent and receive a verification statement from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
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Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration's (CDR) dietetic registration exam
Some states require licensure. Upon successful completion of the RDN exam, depending on the state in which the individuals choose to work, licensure may be required. Details about licensure can be found on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics licensure page.
The Coordinated Program in the Dietetics at Howard University is an ACEND-accredited Bachelor of Science Program. The program's curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills to meet the requirements for entry level registered dietitian nutritionists as well as the supervised practice stipulated by ACEND. Graduates of the program are not required to complete a separate internship program. For additional program details, click on the tabs to the left, including the Program Student Manual tab.
Already have a degree? The Nutritional Sciences Department offers a Verification Program for individuals who have a BS Degree and desire to complete the requirements for dietetics registration.
To learn more about this and all other information about the program, contact:
Dr. Katherine Manuel
Dietetics Program Director
Main Office Phone: (202) 250-6772
We invite you to register for a virtual open house, held on the third Monday of every month.
Interim Chair
Dr. Katherine Manuel, Ph.D., RD, LDN, FAND
Phone: (202) 250-6772
How to Apply
To apply for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at Howard University please complete this Application. The application is due May 1st for Fall admission and November 1st for Spring admission.
Once you have completed the application please send it along with all supporting documents to the Program Director .
Please Note: You must have already been accepted to Howard University for eligibility to apply to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics.
Howard University Application Deadlines
To view application deadlines please visit the Howard University Applications Page.
Cost of Attending the Coordinated Program in Dietetics
To learn about the cost of tuition and fees, visit Howard University’s Tuition Page .
The Board of Trustees of Howard University reserves the right to change tuition, fees, and other charges at any time. Additional program-related costs are as follows:
| Required Program Element | Cost ($) |
| Health Insurance Coverage (UnitedHealthCare)* | 2000.00 |
| Books/Supplies/Web Subscriptions | 700.00 |
| Meals during practicums/supervised practice | 300.00 |
| Travel to and from practice sites | 450.00 |
| Professional Lab Fee | 200.00 |
| Background Check | 49.50 |
| Lab Coats | 60.00 |
| Required Student Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Optional: Membership in NOBIDAN) | 58.00-68.00 |
| Graduation Costs (Graduation Fee, Cap and Gown) | 150.00 |
*To see rates for dependents and additional details about available plans, visit UnitedHealthCare's Howard University page at: https://www.uhcsr.com/school-page#schoolPage3
**Costs listed are in addition to the cost of tuition and tuition fees for an undergraduate degree at Howard University.
Program Calendar
The program generally follows the Howard University Academic Calendar .
During the final (spring) semester in the CP, the University calendar is followed with the exception of observed national holidays and the traditional spring break.
Accreditation
The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Phone: 800.877.1600, ext. 5400
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
The next accreditation cycle occurs in 2022. Program outcome data are available upon request.