Nutrition - Dietetics

* California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student to meet California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time. 

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C). 

The Dietetic program is accredited through June 30, 2029 by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND can be contacted via email: ACEND@eatright.org , phone: 800/877-1600 ext. 5400, or mail: 120South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995  

To prepare students to meet the Didactic requirements as defined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) in order to be successful nutrition professionals that work in diverse communities and workplaces. The students will also be prepared for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). 

The program prepares graduates for entry-level nutrition careers as a nutrition and dietetic technician, registered (NDTR under plan III) and entrance into a supervised practice program, and/or admitted to postgraduate programs, meeting the minimum requirements for careers as a registered dietitian (RDN). The program prepares graduates who are competent for employment opportunities in diverse communities and workplaces. 

Program Objectives 

1.1 At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within 6 years (150 percent of program length) for full-time students 

1.2 At least 25% of program students complete program requirements within 10 years (150 percent of program length) for part-time students 

1.3 50% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation 

1.4 Within 12 months of graduation, 80% of the graduates that take the DTR exam will pass in the first year of taking the exam 

1.5 25% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised program within 12 months of graduation 

1.6 80% of graduates will be employed or pursue further education in a health-related discipline within 12 months of graduation 

1.7 The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of their first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. 

1.8 Of the programs graduates who apply for supervised practice, at least 80% are admitted within 12 months of graduation.  

2.1 At least 80% of surveys returned by supervised-practice program directors or employers will rate the DPD graduates as “competent” or “extremely competent” in their ability to provide service to culturally diverse communities and workplaces. 

2.2 At least 70% of surveys returned by supervised-practice program directors or employers will DPD graduate as “competent” or “extremely competent” in supervised practice, graduate program, pre-professional program, or entry-level nutrition and dietetics position. 

Program outcomes data are available upon request. 

The pathway to becoming a registered dietitian includes four steps:

• Earn a graduate degree from a USDE-recognized accredited institution or equivalent (this does not have to be an ACEND-accredited program)
• Nutrition-related coursework: complete one of the ACEND-accredited programs [Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), Coordinated Program (CP), or Graduate Program (GP)]
• Supervised practice: complete on of the ACEND-accredited programs for supervised practice (dietetic internship, CP or GP)
• Pass the registration exam for dietitians
• Maintain continuing education units of 75 units every five years.

More information can be found here: https://www.cdrnet.org/rdneligibility.

Students who complete the Cal Poly Pomona Didactic Program in Dietetics (Dietetics Option) have completed one of the steps to becoming either a Registered Dietitian (RDN) or Registered Dietetic Technician (NDTR), having completed the nutrition-related coursework at an ACEND-credited program.   

For all students who wish to have an evaluation of prior work to be considered for DPD competencies, they must request assessment of prior learning for content credit from the DPD director. Assessment of prior learning for dietetics option students is conducted on a case-by-case basis by the program director, with the assistance of the program faculty. Courses from accredited institutions may be considered. Documentation may include official academic transcripts, course descriptions, course syllabi, certificates, position descriptions, projects, and other such materials to sufficiently establish that DPD competencies for a specific course or specific courses have been fully met. Experiences must be considered equivalent in breadth and depth to those provided through coursework.

For more information about cost to students including tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, and typical charges for room and board or housing, please visit: https://www.cpp.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate/current/costs.shtml.