Degree Requirements for Nutrition and Dietetics Majors, and DPD Verification Statements
To graduate from Lehman College, a minimum of 120 earned credits is required, Academic Standards | Lehman College Catalog (cuny.edu).
To graduate from the DPD and receive a DPD Verification Statement, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 and a minimum C- grade is required in all courses required for the major. This grade requirement applies to all courses listed in the Lehman Nutrition Programs Suggested Course Sequencing document. For more information regarding course requirements and curriculum, please refer to the DPD Student Handbook.
Note: Students may graduate from Nutrition and Dietetics major without receiving a DPD Verification Statement if they don’t comply with the following rules for obtaining the Verification Statement. The College has no time frame nor age to complete the degree requirements. However, ACEND’s goal is that students should complete the DPD within 2 years (150%) of the program length.
So, you are interested in the field of Dietetics! The pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist includes the following steps:
- Complete the required course work in an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
- Obtain an master's degree (effective January 1, 2024).*
- Complete supervised practice in an ACEND accredited Nutrition and Dietetic Internship program or ISPP. *
- Take and pass the RD Exam, CDR.net | RD Exam
* Steps 2 and 3 can be done simultaneously at some programs.
Lehman College is an ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship. Graduates who successfully complete the DI program at the Lehman College are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
For students who wish to complete a master's degree and an internship, Lehman offers a MS Nutrition program with courses that coincide with the Lehman DI. Review the information on this site to see if Lehman is the dietetic internship for you!
More information about educational pathways to become a RDN
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. More information about state licensure requirements
Lehman College Nutrition and Dietetics major is an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). It fulfills the Academic Requirements for the Certified Dietitian Nutritionist (CDN) certification. In addition to the DPD coursework, the certification requires supervised practice experience and an examination. See New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, for more information, NYS Dietetics And Nutrition:License Requirements
For more information regarding licensure, please refer to the DPD Student Handbook.
Other States: Interpretation of statues may vary. Individuals should review their state licensing statues and regulations to understand the specific requirements to obtain a dietetics or dietitian license. See the state licensure map for more information, Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Nutrition and Dietetic Technician Registered (NDTRs) are credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). NDTRs provide assistance to RDNs and work under the supervision of an RDN. Requirements to become a NDTR include the following:
- Complete a bachelor's degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited or approved by Accreditation Council for Education of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Completion of the required Core Knowledge Assessments (KRDNs), as well as PSY or SOC 166 (or equivalent).
- Obtain a signed DPD Verification Statement from the DPD Program Director.
- Pass the CDR-administered Dietetic Technician Registration (DTR) examination.
For more information, please see the Commission on Dietetic Registration's website.
