Dietitian
A Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a food and nutrition expert who works in a wide variety of employment settings. An RD understands the science of nutrition and is skilled in the art of teaching and counseling. RDs also plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease.
CAREER DESCRIPTION*
- National median salary: $73,850
- National projected career growth: 6%
- Most work healthcare environments
TYPICAL EDUCATION**
- Years of School (including undergraduate): 5.5 years
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- Minimum Entering GPA: 3.0
- Licensure requirements may vary by state
- GRE not required; may be required by some schools
- Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
COMPETITIVE STUDENTS ALWAYS...
- Maintain a competitive academic record
- Shadow professionals in the field, especially in the hospital
- Obtain clinical health care experience
- Participate in volunteer and leadership opportunities
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and service
NEARBY SCHOOLS
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (Clinical)
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln (Community)
- Iowa State University
Prerequisites vary by program. Students are responsible for ensuring all entrance requirements are met.
Most schools prefer science classes to be taken in-person versus online.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER’S (UNMC) PREREQUISITES
Biological Sciences (minimum credits: 12)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| BIOL 1020 Principles of Biology & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | ENGL 1150 by placement |
|
OR BIOL 1450 Biology I & Lab |
5 | F, S, M | High school Biology and Chemistry |
|
AND BIOL 2440 The Biology of Microorganisms & Lab |
4 | F, S, M | High school Biology and Chemistry |
|
AND BIOL 2740 Human Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab |
4 | F, S, M | High school Biology and Chemistry |
| BIOL 2840 Human Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | BIOL 2740 |
|
OR BMCH 2400 Human Physiology & Anatomy I & Lab |
4 | F, S | N/A |
| BMCH 2400 Human Physiology & Anatomy I & Lab | 4 | F, S | BMCH 2500 |
Chemistry (minimum credits: 14)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| CHEM 1140 & 1144 Fund of College Chemistry & Lab | 5 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 |
| CHEM 2210 & 2214 Fund of Organic Chemistry & Lab | 5 | F, S | CHEM 1140 and 1144 or 1190 and 1194 |
| CHEM 3650 & 3654 Fund of Biochemistry & Lab | 4 | F, S | CHEM 2210 and 2214 or 2260 and 2274 |
ORCHEM 1180/1184 General Chemistry I & Lab |
4 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 or CHEM 1140 and 1144 |
| CHEM 1190 & 1194 General Chemistry II & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 and CHEM 1180 and 1184 |
| CHEM 2250 Organic Chemistry I | 3 | F, S, M | CHEM 1190 and 1194 |
| CHEM 2260 & 2274 Organic Chemistry II & Lab | 5 | F, S | CHEM 2250 |
| CHEM 3650 & 3654 Fund of Biochemistry & Lab | 4 | F, S | CHEM 2210 and 2214 or 2260 and 2274 |
Nutrition (minimum credits: 9)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| HEKI 3090 Applied Nutrition | 3 | F, S, M | N/A |
| KINS 4050 Exercise and Sports Nutrition | 3 | F, S, M | HEKI 3090 |
| MNED 477 Nutrition in the Management of Chronic Disease | 3 | S | HEKI 3090 and BIOL 2840 – course is taught online at UNMC (can be taken as a non-degree seeking student) |
Psychology (minimum credits: 3)
| Course | Credits | Semester |
| PSYC 1010 Introduction to Psychology | 3 | F, S, M |
Additional Information
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. No grade below “C-” will be accepted.
- Due to accreditation, AP and Dual Enrollment credit are not accepted.
- Interested students may reach out to Dr. Corrine Hanson at ckhanson@unmc.edu
*Data and information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Data and information from UNMC
Last update: 9.2025