Accelerated Coordinated Program
Accelerated Coordinated Program
The mission of the Accelerated Coordinated Program is to provide a combined quality undergraduate and graduate experience of education, leadership, service, and supervised practice using a comprehensive evidence-based program in community, clinical, and food service systems management to prepare master's-level dietetics students for success as entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists, which will allow them the ability to enhance the health and well-being of people and the environment in which they live.
The UK Accelerated Coordinated Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600, ext 5400, https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend.
With this selective entry, accredited all-in-one program you will earn your BS and MS, then complete the necessary supervised practice hours to become eligible to sit for the RD exam! Download and review the Accelerated Coordinated Program Handbook to learn additional details about the program.
Fast Facts
3.5
Years
Undergraduate Coursework
1
Year
Graduate Coursework
7
Months
Supervised Practice
Program Information
Our Accelerated Coordinated Program (ACP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and consists of 2 years of undergraduate and graduate academic coursework and 7 months of supervised practice experience. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, a Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems, and a verification statement that allows them to be eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national registry exam to earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. There is a selective admission process for this program with approximately 14 students admitted per class.
Admission Requirements & Application
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Dietetics program at UK with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum major GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply for admission into the Accelerated Coordinated Program when they reach Year 3 of the program. Click the tab below to learn more about the process, materials, and requirements to apply for the Accelerated Coordinated Program.
Goals and Objectives
- Objective 1- At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3.75 years (150% of the program length).
- Objective 2- Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- Objective 3- At least 80% percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- Objective 4- The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
- Objective 5- At least 80% of employers, over a five-year period who complete the employer survey, will rate ACP graduates at 3 or higher, on a 4-point scale, for preparedness in an entry-level position.
- Objective 1 – At least 80% of ACP graduate survey respondents will report being a member of a professional organization within 12 months of graduation.
- Objective 2- At least 50% of ACP graduate survey respondents will hold a leadership role in a community organization within 12 months of graduation.
All program outcomes data are available on request from the Dr. Liz Combs, ACP Director.
- Academic and Program Calendar
- Earning the RDN Credential
- Apply for a Scholarship
- Tuition and Fees
For more information about the University's academic calendar please visit https://registrar.uky.edu/academic-calendars/university. For information about the Accelerated Coordinated Program Calendar please review the handbook.
After successful completion of the Accelerated Coordinated Program, students earn a BS in Dietetics, a MS in Nutrition and Food Systems, and complete the required supervised practice to receive a signed ACEND verification form that confirms eligibility to sit for the CDR national registry exam to earn the RDN credential. For more information about becoming a RDN and careers in Nutrition and Dietetics, explore the RDN Fact Sheet from ACEND.
The following steps are all included in the UK ACP:
- Completion of the degree requirements for a B.S. in Dietetics and MS in Nutrition and Food Systems.
- Completion of an ACEND®-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, and a foodservice corporation. In the ACP, the supervised practice is connected to the B.S. in Dietetics and M.S. in Nutrition and Food Systems to 14 students each year through application and acceptance.
- Verification of Completion Statement. After successful completion of the Accelerated Coordinated Program (ACP), a student will receive a Verification Statement of Completion that confirms that the student has completed the ACP requirements and is eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam to earn credential of registered dietitian/registered dietitian nutritionist (RD/RDN).
NOTE: Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor's degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement, visit the CDR website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree.
Licensing of Registered Dietitians Nutritionist. Most states require individuals working or engaging in any type of dietetics or nutrition practice to be licensed or certified in the state. Kentucky’s dietitians and nutritionists are under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists. Dietitians are licensed while nutritionists are state-certified. A professional who qualifies for dietitian licensure also qualifies for nutritionist certification. However, the nutritionist credential can stand alone. Practitioners must hold state-issued credentials unless they fall under exemption categories described in the state statute. Once a UK ACP student has proof of successful completion of the CDR exam, they are qualified to apply for Licensure for Dietitians and Nutritionists in the state of Kentucky. Students interested in working in dietetics and or nutrition in another state should learn more about whether their program and the RDN credential will lead to licensure, certification, registration, etc. at the two following links: University of Kentucky Licensure Disclosures by State and https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap
While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap
RDN Fact Sheet
Out of State Educational Activities
The Breeding Smith Edge Fellowship is awarded annually to a Dietetics and Human Nutrition student in the Accelerated Coordinated Program. Students who receive this award have clearly demonstrated leadership skills and entrepreneurial potential.
ACP students are also eligible to apply for scholarships through the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Thanks to generous alumni, donors, and community partners, the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has one of the largest scholarship programs at the University of Kentucky. More information can be found here: https://students.ca.uky.edu/scholarships
In addition to tuition, students may incur expenses for travel, housing, liability insurance, medical exams, drug testing, background checks, verification of student identity (such as for distance learning), uniforms and other program-specific costs. Review the Accelerated Coordinated Program Handbook for more information on estimated fees and visit https://www.uky.edu/financialaid/tuition-and-fees for more information on estimated tuition and fees.
There are minimum technology requirements that should be met. Each UK freshmen is given an iPad with a keyboard and students will be expected to use this for coursework. Students can download required software for free from https://download.uky.edu/. If you have any questions or need assistance, the UK ITS Technological Help Center is available for all supported student technology needs. Contact information for UK's Information Technology Customer Service Center: https://its.uky.edu/ or 859-218-HELP.
*Textbook prices are approximations using the UK Bookstore prices from 2023. This is for all textbooks beginning spring Year 3 of the suggested 5-year plan.
** Room, board and living expenses may vary. Housing in specific areas may be funded by Kentucky Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). AHEC off-site rotation stipends may be $100.00 per week for rent subsidy. Transportation reimbursement (mileage only) will vary. One round trip per month between Lexington and the AHEC Site may be provided. Students are responsible for their own mode of transportation.
*** Membership in AND, KAND, BGAND, and SDNA is required.
Link to UK tuition, fees, policies: https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition-fees
Preparing to Apply
Timeline
View the timeline and required courses for the Accelerated Coordinated Program (complete program schedule is available in the ACP handbook)
TimelineCoursework
Explore details about the courses you will be taking as part of the Accelerated Coordinated Program
CourseworkApply
Learn more about the application process and apply for the Accelerated Coordinated Program
ApplyDisclaimers:
The UK Accelerated Coordinated Program does not accept prior learning experiences for supervised practice hours.
The ACP in Dietetics is accredited by ACEND as an in-person program. Therefore, all accepted students must complete coursework in person, unless a course is exclusively offered through distance learning. If an in-person option is available for a course, ACP Dietetics students are required to enroll in that section. Please note that DHN summer courses required for ACP Dietetics students in Year 3 and Year 4 are offered exclusively online.
Connect With Us
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
204 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-3800
DHN@UKY.EDU
The Accelerated Coordinated Program, in the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of Kentucky, is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) - 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606; (800) 877-1600, ext 5400; www.eatrightpro.org/acend.
