Nutrition and Dietetics

Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The role of food in preventing and treating diseases, such as diabetes, is now well known. More dietitians and nutritionists will be needed to provide care for patients with various medical conditions and to advise people who want to improve their overall health.

Dietetics has been ranked one of the 100 Best Jobs in the US News and World Report Rankings. The median annual wage for dietitians and nutritionists is $60,130.

The field of dietetics and nutrition is growing at a rapid pace. Join our program for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many. Our graduates have a 96 percent registered dietitian exam pass rate, for testers within one year of first attempt, among other Nutrition and Dietetics Programs.

If you pursue the registered dietitian option, an internship is required upon completion of your bachelor’s degree.

• Clinical Dietitian Specialist
• Food Technologist
• Food Broker
• Culinary Medicine Chef
• Nutrition Policy Advocate
• Co-op Extension Agent
• Sports Nutritionist
• Health Educator
• Research Nutritionist

The basic cost of the baccalaureate program in dietetics is that associated with a college education.   Please refer to the cost of attendance calculator located at the University Financial Aid Resources webpage.

Tuition and other institutional fees shall be set by Louisiana Tech University.  Tuition is charged on a sliding scale determined by the number of credit hours carried by the student.  Tuition fee sheets are available from the Registrar’s Office and are available on the Louisiana Tech University at the Current Fees webpage.

Cost of books is difficult to estimate, but usually averages between $300 and $450 per quarter. Students who choose to rent books may spend less than this. Students should be aware that many of the books used in Upper Division FNU courses are used in multiple classes. Thus, the expense of books may be highest during the fall quarter.

Dietetics is a professional program, so there are professional costs in addition to academic costs. These include:

• Liability insurance – Approximately $40/year
• Professional association dues (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics $58, SDA $10) – $68/yr
• Lab coat, scrubs, shoes, patches, name tag – $200
• Field trips/field experience expenses (yearly) – Approximately $250
• Medical testing(TB and drug) and background checks—approximately $100

Cost of Attendance

The Net Price Calculator provides an estimate of the costs associated with attending Louisiana Tech University.  The elements associated with the cost of attendance include, but are not limited to the following:

• Tuition and Fees
• Books, Course Material, Supplies, and Equipment
• Transportation
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
• Living Expenses (Food and Housing)

To calculate your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Net Price Calculator.

 

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Louisiana Tech University is currently granted full accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Location and contact information:
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite  2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800.877.1600, Ext 5400
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

In addition, the program is affiliated with:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Louisiana Tech University Student Dietetic Association

Program outcomes data are available upon request.

The Nutrition and Dietetics Handbook contains the following information:

Description of the Program

• Program mission, goals, and objectives
• Path to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
• Student costs
• Application and admission requirements for program and upper division
• Academic and program course schedule
• Graduation and completion requirements
• Financial aid information

Cost of Attendance

The Net Price Calculator provides an estimate of the costs associated with attending Louisiana Tech University.  The elements associated with the cost of attendance include, but are not limited to the following:

• Tuition and Fees
• Books, Course Material, Supplies, and Equipment
• Transportation
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
• Living Expenses (Food and Housing)

To calculate your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Net Price Calculator.

Louisiana Tech University Dietetics Internship adheres to the Louisiana Tech University academic schedule beginning in July and ending in May.

The Academic Calendar is available on the Registrar’s webpage.

• Our next Dietetic Internship class will begin September 2025 and will be coordinated with the Master of Science program. Expected completion will be by Spring 2027.
• Fall quarter courses are hybrid, and students are not expected to move from their permanent location until November 2025.
• Master’s coursework follows the academic calendar of the university. Specific program calendar will be available in the Dietetic Internship handbook for the September 2025 cohort.
• Undergraduate students are eligible to apply for fall 2025 admittance if they have completed their undergraduate degree by August of 2025.

By completing this internship, dietetic interns will be prepared to become a competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists employed in the field of dietetics.

Program features include:

• Dietetic Internship classes will begin in September and will be coordinated with the Master of Science program. Expected completion will be by Winter or Spring quarter of the following year (5 quarters in total for DI and MS).
• Fall quarter courses are hybrid, and students are not expected to move from their permanent location until November.  Students will need to have a personal computer and reliable internet access for online classes. 
• The official Louisiana Tech University Calendar is observed.  Master’s coursework follows the academic calendar of the university. Specific program calendars and rotation schedules will be available for each cohort.
• Undergraduate students are eligible to apply for Fall admittance if they have completed their undergraduate degree by August (prior to the Sept start).
• Interns complete practicum assignments in one of three geographical areas of Louisiana (Shreveport, Alexandria, or Ruston/Monroe).
• 1,200 hours of supervised practice is combined with graduate coursework. The program encourages diverse experience in preparation for the DI, as such, limited credit will be considered for previous learning experiences.  Previous graduate course credits and degrees will be reviewed by the Graduate Program Coordinator and the Graduate School for transfer credits.
• Interns rotate through a variety of facilities, which may include acute and long-term care, school food services, wellness centers, community nutrition programs, dialysis centers, rehabilitation centers, and private practice to complete clinical, pediatric, renal, school nutrition and management rotations for dietetics.
• Interns are not required to locate their facilities or preceptors in their city.
• Periodic on-campus seminar classes will be scheduled.
• A mandatory RDN exam review course is required during the program. Minimum scores on practice exams are required to earn verification statements to sit for the RDN examination by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

The internship is designed to be completed in approximately 18 months.  Interns completing the requirements of the Dietetic Internship and Master’s Degree, as established by the policies of the Louisiana Tech University DI, will receive a verification statement, which is submitted to CDR for eligibility to sit for the RD exam. Completion of the Dietetic Internship requires successfully passing all the requirements of FNU 592: Internship in Nutrition and Dietetics and completion of MS degree.  Requirements for successful completion of FNU 592 are as follows:

FNU 592: Internship in Nutrition and Dietetics

Requirements for successful completion of FNU 592 are as follows:

1. The ACEND competency requirements must be completed satisfactorily and verified by preceptors or Tech faculty. Verification of performance requirements is documented in the Activity Record.
2. Professional behavior reviews conducted by preceptors/adjunct faculty at the completion of each rotation, scheduled for two weeks or longer, must consistently document that the intern is performing at an acceptable level. The “Progressive Discipline for Student Performance Problems” policy will be adhered to if problems are identified. Interns must comply with the policy and fulfill requirements for successful completion of the program.
3. Interns must fulfill 1,200 clock hours of practice time through practicum requirements in the facilities and/or through other assigned activities.
4. Documentation of completed Activity Record and a portfolio of work must be submitted to the DI Program Director before completion of the program.
5. Participation in RD practice exam class requirements and workshop. Receive a score of 80% or above on comprehensive RD practice exam.
6. Maintain good standing (3.0 GPA or better) and meet all requirements for continuing in the graduate program.

Mission of the Dietetics Program

The mission of the Louisiana Tech Dietetic Internship Program is to prepare dietetic interns to become competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who are employed in the field of dietetics; to provide leadership to their profession and community, while emphasizing research and continuation of graduate studies. 

Goal 1 – Program graduates will be prepared to become competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who complete the program within 150% of program length and who gain employment in the field of dietetics within 12 months of program completion.

• Objective 1: At least 80% of program interns complete program/degree requirements within 27 months (150% of the program length).
• Objective 2: Of graduates who seek employment, 90 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective 3: At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• Objective 4: The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
• Objective 5: Of employers who respond to the Employer Questionnaire, 90% will indicate their employees (former interns) are competent or better in professional areas measured.
• Objective 6: 100% of preceptors who respond to the Supervising Dietitians Evaluation will “agree” interns are prepared for entry-level practice upon completion of the DI program.

 

Goal 2 – Program graduates will be prepared to advance the dietetics profession through advocacy, professional & community engagement, and through support of research.

• Objective 1: At least 80% of graduates who respond to the Post Graduate- DI Program Evaluation will report that they have engaged in advocacy, professional, and/or community activities for the dietetics profession.
• Objective 2: 100% of the students who complete the DI and respond to the Post Graduate- DI Program Evaluation will “agree” they developed competence in using outcomes-based research in practice.

Louisiana Tech University Dietetics Internship adheres to the Louisiana Tech University academic schedule beginning in July and ending in May.

The Academic Calendar is available on the Registrar’s webpage.

• Our next Dietetic Internship class will begin September 2025 and will be coordinated with the Master of Science program. Expected completion will be by Spring 2027.
• Fall quarter courses are hybrid, and students are not expected to move from their permanent location until November 2025.
• Master’s coursework follows the academic calendar of the university. Specific program calendar will be available in the Dietetic Internship handbook for the September 2025 cohort.
• Undergraduate students are eligible to apply for fall 2025 admittance if they have completed their undergraduate degree by August of 2025.

 

Louisiana Tech University participates in a spring application process through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) annually. Applicants must submit their application through DICAS by February 15th to be considered for admittance to the internship in the Fall.

Internship Admission Requirements:

1. DPD Verification Statement or Letter of Intent
2. Minimum undergraduate curriculum GPA of 2.85
3. Completed Louisiana Tech Dietetic Internship Application through DICAS including:
   1. Three recommendation forms (Letters of Recommendation): Two letters must be an academic reference and one must be a work-related reference.
   2. Letter of application/statement of professional goals (Personal Statement)
   3. Personal resume*

*Copies uploaded into ‘Supplemental Materials’ section on application with City Preference form and DPD course list*

Dietetic Internship Program Application Instructions

Costs associated with the program include:

• An estimate of the fees are located in the DI application packet
• University tuition and fees (quarterly)
• Your expenses can also be calculated using the Net Price Calculator below
• Books and resources (will vary by student based on student’s personal library)
• Travel to facilities, to campus, and to district and state dietetic association meetings
• Physical examination, including Hepatitis B vaccinations and TB tests and other facility required health documentation
• Criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening
• RD exam preparation course (approximately $400)
• Computer with a camera to complete coursework and testing, along with access to a reliable internet connection. Costs vary based on location, type of service, and computer selected.

Louisiana Tech University Dietetic Interns are eligible for financial aid as a full-time graduate student. Interns must be admitted unconditionally to the University and maintain a 3.0 GPA or above in order to receive financial aid.

Check the Louisiana Tech University financial aid website for more information.

Remember to check with your state and national organizations for scholarships while applying for DICAS.

Scholarship opportunities are available to Louisiana Tech University Dietetic Interns.  Please contact the Dietetic Internship Director for more information.

Cost of Attendance

The Net Price Calculator provides an estimate of the costs associated with attending Louisiana Tech University.  The elements associated with the cost of attendance include, but are not limited to the following:

• Tuition and Fees
• Books, Course Material, Supplies, and Equipment
• Transportation
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
• Living Expenses (Food and Housing)

To calculate your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Net Price Calculator.

Additional information and requirements to become a registered dietitian nutritionist or a registered nutrition dietetics technician can be found at the following links:

• Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
• Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) or Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR)

Both have career opportunities for you!