BS in Nutrition and Dietetics - Community Nutrition
Program Overview
The University of Cincinnati's Nutrition & Dietetics - Community Nutrition major prepares students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) or Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTRs). The program meets the requirements set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) and also provides foundational coursework for graduate studies in health-related fields. Graduates can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and various other settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The University of Cincinnati Nutrition & Dietetics - Community Nutrition major provides a foundation in nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, health promotion and wellness. The program combines science and behavior and will transform you into an expert in food and its vital role in our overall health and the management and prevention of disease. The Community track allows you the flexibility to concentrate your studies on learning more about community-based intervention programs and wellness solutions. You will learn to develop programs that create changes in knowledge, attitudes, behavior and health outcomes for individuals and groups. Coursework in public health in addition to clinical nutrition courses prepares students interested in a variety of careers as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in healthcare facilities and community and public health settings. The Nutrition & Dietetics – Community Nutrition major is your first step to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist. Completion of the curriculum meets the academic requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND). Many states require additional licensure to practice as an RDN.
Careers:
Nutrition & Dietetics professionals work in a variety of settings:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Schools
- Supermarkets
- Private practice settings
- Eating disorder centers
- Academia
- Research
- Health departments
- Business corporations
- Health clubs The degree’s curriculum also fulfills prerequisite coursework for graduate education in almost any health-related professional program.
Available credentials:
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): Must complete the didactic coursework in dietetics (Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics - can be in the Community Nutrition or Sports Nutrition track), an accredited post-baccalaureate dietetic internship, and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for RDNs. This credential enables the RDN to perform nutrition risk assessments and prescribe medical nutrition therapy to remediate or prevent disease. For those who choose to obtain the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential, the average salary is about $72,000 and the career options are diverse and flexible. In 2024, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) will also require a graduate degree to take the national registration examination for RDNs.
- Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR): Must complete the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics (can be in the Community OR Sports Nutrition track) and then you can take the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for NDTRs. This credential enables a NDTR to work in partnership with the RDN to screen, evaluate and educate patients on topics related to nutrition.
- Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM): Can take the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers credentialing exam after completing the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics (can be in the Community or Sports Nutrition track). This credential recognizes experts in managing dietary operations.
