In 2017, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) invited colleges and universities to apply to its early adopter demonstration program under the Future Education Model. Logan was among the first 21 applications accepted and is offering one of the first seven new Future Graduate programs in the country. This is a competency-based program that starts with online coursework and culminates with two trimesters of supervised experiential learning rotations in the St. Louis, MO area. When students meet all graduation requirements, they will receive a verification statement to sit for the RD exam.

Whereas a bachelor’s degree was previously required to practice as a dietitian, by 2024 all RDs will need to earn a master’s degree to gain the greater depth of knowledge and skills that the industry needs. The Graduate program includes enhanced competencies to elevate the scope of practice including a focus in disease prevention, genomics, telehealth, behavioral counseling, diet prescription, informatics, and research.

To meet the new requirements, Logan’s program provides a competency based curriculum with an online core coursework, specialized courses, and an integrated supervised experiential learning (SEL) experience at Health Centers located in St. Louis. The MS-AND will bring much-needed medical nutrition therapy and nutrition education to clinics serving patients with many chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity, to name a few.

Logan will prepare students to meet the challenges in the health care system today and in the future, including the need to develop skills working in interprofessional teams while providing opportunities to achieve expanded roles in health promotion, disease prevention, and intervention.

Accreditation

Logan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Logan University is a member of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504, 800-621-7440

Logan University, College of Health Sciences MS in Applied Nutrition and Dietetics is an ACEND-accredited graduate program with full accreditation status.

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics (see www.eatrightpro.org/FutureModel ). The successful completion of all graduate course work and supervised experiential learning will lead to a Master of Science (MS) degree in Applied Nutrition and Dietetics and receipt of a Verification Statement. Program graduates will be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Program graduates should check licensing laws in the state in which they intend to practice. For the State of Missouri, passing the CDR Registration Exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and successful submission of a licensing application and fee will result in licensure (LD) in the State of Missouri.

For further information on ACEND accreditation, contact:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone (800)-877-1600 ext 5400
E-mail: acend@eatright.org
www.eatright.org/ACEND
To learn more, please email Program Director Dr. Theresa DeLorenzo at Theresa.DeLorenzo@vbj4.com