The Top Dietitian Schools in the United States
The best dietitian schools will offer training and hands-on experiences so that their students can successfully navigate the work place. There are over one hundred dietitian programs at universities across the United States. There are two types of programs that the American Dietetic Association approves as a course of study. The first is a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). This program teaches the academic portion necessary for a student to become a dietitian. After the student completes this program, the student must complete an internship and then will be eligible to take the test to become a registered dietitian. The Coordinated Program of Dietetics (CPD) incorporates the internship into the course of study and provides the student with clinical hours. After the student completes the program, she can take the test immediately without completing an internship.
Kansas State University has an excellent undergraduate degree program in dietetics. Kansas State offers both a DPD program and a CPD program. Both of these programs meet the requirements of the American Dietetic Association. Additionally the program works with specific colleges to accept credits from a two-year dietetic degree. The program will accept 30 students a year.
The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey offers an undergraduate degree program. This program is unique because it can be completed entirely by independent study. In order to apply to this program you must already have completed a dietary technician program and be a registered dietary technician. This program focuses on community service work for dietitians and nutrition therapy. This is an excellent program for those who wish to pursue their education while continuing in their career at home. The program accepts 35 students a year.
The University of Pittsburgh offers an excellent master's degree program for those who wish to receive a master's in dietetics. The graduate program currently accepts 25 students a year. In order to apply, applicants need be a registered dietitian with American Association of Dietetics or they need to have obtained an undergraduate degree in nutrition. Additionally they offer a CPD program for undergraduate students.
The University of Washington-Spokane offers an excellent CPD program. This program is a five-year program with the internship/clinical portion taking place after the senior year. This program has been endorsed by the American Dietetic Association and by the American College of Sports Medicine. This gives the graduates an edge in the nutrition and exercise field. They will more fully understand how exercise and diet work together in promoting overall health. The program currently accepts 20 students a year.
Florida International University offers several programs to students wanting to pursue a career in dietetics. It offers both the DPD and CPD programs to its undergraduate students. Additionally it offers master's of science, master's of public health, and doctorate degrees. This makes it a good choice for students who are more interested in pursuing the clinical or scientific side of being a dietitian. This program accepts 20 undergraduate students a year.
Clayton College of Natural Health offers a Bachelor of Science and a Master and Doctorate in Holistic Nutrition.
Ashworth University offers a Nutrition, Diet and Health Science program.
