Jump-start your Journey to Become a Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN)

The online M.S. Applied Nutrition program at UNE recently matured in the candidacy process with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND^®) as the program develops an exciting new pathway for students to earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.

An excerpt from the approval document: 

“The University of New England has applied to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND^®) to open an innovative program preparing students to lead careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDN).

As a result of demonstrated leadership in education, ACEND^® has accepted UNE’s application to be a part of an exclusive cohort of programs. And awards the program candidacy in the process of accreditation under the new “Future Education Model Accreditation Standards” established by ACEND^®.”

– Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

Dr. Angelina Maia, Adjunct Faculty

Following the news of candidacy acceptance, we met with Dr. Angelina Maia, RD to answer the top questions about how this helps interested students become a Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN).

How can this new program help students? 

Joining an exclusive cohort of graduate programs accredited under the new “Future Education Model” established by ACEND^® and receiving acceptance as a candidate program means students may begin to complete prerequisite courses through UNE and begin planning their application to the RDN focus area. As the previous director of the RDN focus, I’m thrilled to help students prepare their best application for this exciting new program!

We’re also excited to launch a suite of prerequisite and clinical graduate courses beginning with Applied Anatomy and Physiology (APN 505) – giving students the opportunity to take the next step in becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN). As we progress through the ACEND^® candidacy application process, students can complete APN 505, APN 510, and APN 515 to satisfy the curriculum requirements for admission to our future RD/RDN program. 

P R E V I E W

APN 505: Applied Anatomy & Physiology

This course teaches students essential functions and structures within the human body with a targeted focus on metabolism and human nutrition. Which are critical components of treatment and diagnosis in nutrition care setting. 

Learn More: Clinical Graduate Courses in Nutrition

Who can enroll? 

This course is available for any student interested in learning more about the relationship nutrition plays in the functions and structures of the human body with an integrative approach to learning. 

APN 505 may be of particular interest to students motivated to earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) credential but did not earn their bachelor’s degree in the field of nutrition. For these students, this course meets an admissions prerequisite requirement. 

Note: Enrolling does not require students to be currently enrolled in an existing UNE Online program. 

When can I start? 

The Spring 2020 courses begin Wednesday, March 4, 2020, with several start times offered throughout the year. Simply contact our enrollment experts to get started or learn more about this course.  

What’s the course structure? 

The course is offered 100% online and gives students the flexibility to complete at a pace suited to their schedule. The lectures and discussions don’t require students to sign on at specific times and are designed to be completed in 8 weeks. For added benefit, we pair each student with a personal support coach to help answer any technical or registration questions. 

What happens after completing APN 505? 

Completing APN 505 helps satisfy admission requirements for entering any RD/RDN graduate program, at UNE or otherwise. And this course is an introduction to our new suite of clinical graduate course offerings that prepare students for future RDN programs offered from UNE, following accreditation approval.  

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND^®) remains the top accrediting agency for education programs preparing students to begin careers as registered dietitians. ACEND is committed to ensuring quality nutrition and dietetics education exists in an effort to advance the practice of the profession. As a result of UNE’s dedication to innovative, experiential learning and student success, we are proud to offer a curriculum that has earned the reward of candidacy approval as we move toward accreditation. 

ACCESS NUTRITION GUIDE