Pre-Dietetics
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a credentialed health care professional who uses expertise in human nutrition to promote health and wellness. Becoming a RD/RDN provides a flexible career that allows practitioners to practice in a wide range of medical, community and industry settings. Examples include careers in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition/nutrition education programs, wellness/health promotion, food industry and foodservice.
The educational requirements for graduate study in dietetics are changing. If you are a current UNL student enrolled in the Nutrition and Health Sciences Nutrition and Dietetics option, your requirements will be accomplished through your major. All students choosing to pursue a career in dietetics at UNL from Fall 2019 forward, will follow the requirements as listed in the checklist to the right.
Academic Expectations
Specific admission requirements vary per Future Education Model Graduate Programs (FEMG). You should check program websites to determine their specific admission requirements. A list of accredited Future Education Model Graduate Programs can be obtained at https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/future-education-model-graduate-program. A list of UNL courses that will fulfill the prerequisites for the Future Education Graduate Model Programs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and UNL will be available soon at the program checklist button above.
Suggested academic preparation:
Bachelor’s degree- The majority of programs require that applicants earn a bachelor’s degree along with specific prerequisite courses before starting the professional program.
Students can choose any major offered at UNL to earn the bachelor’s degree and meet perquisites for application into FEMG programs. Several options within UNL’s Nutrition and Health Science major will provide a solid foundation in science and the role of nutrition and exercise in achieving and maintaining health.
Competitive academic record- GPA in all courses, and especially in prerequisite courses will be part of the admission decision.
Professional Degrees
Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN)
Future Education Model Graduate (FEMG) Programs are completed at the graduate level resulting in a master’s degree. In addition, the program provides nutrition and dietetics coursework and supervised experiential learning to meet the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics competency requirements. Following completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration Credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
UNL graduates will have the choice of applying to two FEMG Programs in Nebraska- at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Both programs will start accepting applications in Fall 2020 for entry to these FEMG Programs in Fall 2021. Students can also apply to Future Education Model programs outside of Nebraska.
Entrance Exam
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Many Future Education Model Programs require that students take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Information on the GRE can be obtained at the Graduate Record Examination website.
Application Information
The application process for dietetic nutrition programs varies by school; applicants apply directly to each school or program.
Nebraska Professional Schools
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- (applications accepted Fall 2020 for entry to the program in Fall 2021)
- Omaha, NE
- 402-559-6673
- cahpadmissions@unmc.edu
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- (applications accepted starting Fall 2020 for entry to the program in Fall 2021)
- Lincoln, NE
- 402-413-6286
- heather.rasmussen@unl.edu