Accredited Dietetics Programs in Illinois

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND^®) is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) or nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered (NDTR).

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Graduates of these programs who are verified by the program director are eligible to write the CDR registration examination for dietitians. Note that after January 1, 2024, a Master's degree will be required to write the CDR registration examination for dietitians.

Pathway: Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GP)

Graduate-level, competency-based dietitian nutritionist program that integrates coursework and at least 1,000 hours of experiential learning for RDN eligibility.

Pathway: Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP)

Bachelor's and graduate level — dietitian coursework and at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice for RDN eligibility (combined program).

Pathway: Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) + Dietetic Internships (DI)

Dietetic Internship: Post bachelor's — at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice only for RDN eligibility (must complete DPD and at least a bachelor's degree before entry). Some programs offer a graduate degree in conjunction with supervised practice.

Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered

Graduates of these programs who are verified by the program director are eligible to write the CDR registration examination for dietetics technicians.

Option A: Nutrition and Dietetics Technician Programs

Associate's degree level coursework and at least 450 hours of supervised practice for NDTR eligibility.

Option B: Didactic Programs in Dietetics Programs

Bachelor's and graduate level – dietitian coursework only, through pathway III leads to NDTR eligibility without having to meet additional academic or supervised practice requirements. Students who complete a DPD could continue their education to become an RDN.