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:

1. Completion of the degree requirements for a B.S. in Dietetics and MS in Nutrition and Food Systems.

2. 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.

3. 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

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.

Learn More

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 2022. 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.