Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
DPD graduates are eligible receive a Verification Statement, which verifies that the graduate possesses the knowledge and skills for application to a supervised practice program. Supervised practice programs, or Dietetic Internships (DI), must be ACEND-accredited. Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN ). Upon completion of the supervised practice program and graduate program, the graduate will be eligible to complete the national registration exam, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), and become credentialed as an RDN*. In order to maintain the credential, the RDN must complete continuing professional education requirements. Many states, including Kentucky, require the RDN to obtain a license to practice as a dietitian within the state.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.

View the DPD Mission, Goals and Objectives.

DPD program outcomes data are available upon request from the Program Director, Dr. Abbigail Hickey at abbigail.hickey@eku.edu.

Program Costs
The costs to the student for the DPD program are those which would normally be incurred by an undergraduate at Eastern Kentucky University. Costs would include tuition and housing (see link below), health insurance (if not covered on another policy), campus parking permit ($140 per year), professional liability insurance ($21 junior year), food worker certificate ($7 junior year) and appropriate lab attire ($30). Junior DPD students are required to show proof of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics student membership. The current student rate is $58 per year (June 1-May 31).