Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

The NutraCo-Graceland University Partnership has two pathways for admission. Please note that work or volunteer experience in dietetics is preferred, but not required. The program provides an equal opportunity to all U.S. citizens and permanent legal resident applicants for admission to our program. All application materials are the property of the program and will not be returned.

PATHWAYS

Pathway 1

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent. A Verification Statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is not required. A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 for undergraduate coursework is required. A GPA of 2.75-2.99 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prior completion of anatomy, physiology, basic nutrition, and other health or wellness courses is encouraged. 
• Apply to Graceland University by completing the Graduate Application. The application fee has been waived to eliminate potential barriers. Graceland University does not require the GRE.
• Submit official transcripts to Graceland University.
• Complete the DICAS application process for NutraCo Graduate Program at SOPHAS Express. Submit the required fee of $50 for the first application and $25 for each additional application. Contact customer support directly for any accommodations or assistance at 617-612-2885 or dicasinfo@dicas.org. 
  • Include the following required items in your application for DICAS:
    • Personal Statement of 1,000 words or less. For detailed requirements and scoring criteria, view the Personal Statement Rubric.
    • Resume. For detailed guidance on resume submission, view the Resume  Rubric. 
    • Official College Transcripts. 
    • Three letters of recommendation.
    • There will also be a virtual interview scheduled as part of the selection process. 
• An acceptance to Graceland does not guarantee acceptance into the MS Nutrition and Human Performance Dietetics Concentration program. Students will receive their official acceptance letter after they have been approved by the Program Director through the NutraCo Graduate Program Admissions Form. See the Admissions Rubric for more details on how admission scores are calculated. 
• If financial aid will be utilized, visit Graceland’s Financial Aid site for details on how to complete the required FAFSA forms. Graceland University’s school code is 001866.

Completed Preceptor Qualifications Form for any secured rotations; secured sites are not required for admission but they will help attain a higher score on the Admissions Rubric.

Pathway 2

• Current Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration coupled with any Bachelor’s degree. A Verification Statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is not required. A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 for undergraduate coursework is required. A GPA of 2.75-2.99 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Additional coursework in accordance with departmental requirements may be required. Prior completion of anatomy, physiology, basic nutrition, and other health or wellness courses is encouraged. 
• Apply to Graceland University by completing the Graduate Application. The application fee has been waived to eliminate potential barriers. Graceland University does not require the GRE.
• Submit official transcripts to Graceland University.
• Complete the DICAS application process for NutraCo Graduate Program at SOPHAS Express. Submit the required fee of $50 for the first application and $25 for each additional application. Contact customer support directly for any accommodations or assistance at 617-612-2885 or dicasinfo@dicas.org. 
  • Include the following required items in your application for DICAS:
    • Personal Statement of 1,000 words or less. For detailed requirements and scoring criteria, view the Personal Statement Rubric.
    • Resume. For detailed guidance on resume submission, view the Resume  Rubric. 
    • Official College Transcripts. 
    • Three letters of recommendation.
    • There will also be a virtual interview scheduled as part of the selection process. 
• An acceptance to Graceland does not guarantee acceptance into the MS Nutrition and Human Performance Dietetics Concentration program. Students will receive their official acceptance letter after they have been approved by the Program Director through the NutraCo Graduate Program Admissions Form. See the Admissions Rubric for more details on how admission scores are calculated.
• If financial aid will be utilized, visit Graceland’s Financial Aid site for details on how to complete the required FAFSA forms. Graceland University’s school code is 001866.

Completed Preceptor Qualifications Form for any secured rotations; secured sites are not required for admission but they will help attain a higher score on the Admissions Rubric.

Please Note: The NutraCo-Graceland University Partnership Graduate Program provides an equal opportunity to all applicants (U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident) for admission to our program. All application materials are the property of the Graduate Program and will not be returned. DICAS application fees are non-refundable.

Contact the program director, NAME (EMAIL ADDRESS) for further guidance as needed.