Program Directors

This section provides resources for program directors to help maintain ACEND accreditation. Use the left side navigation to access the ACEND Portal, Application Process and more.

Additional training opportunities for program directors are available.

Popular Resources for ACEND Program Directors

To assist programs on the accreditation process, ACEND offers the following resources:

• ACEND Orientation Handout (PDF)
• Interstate Distance Education Authorization Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Intent to Complete Degree Document (PDF)
• NDTR Webinar: Dietetic Dream Team: How the NDTR Can Support the RDN (PDF)
• CDR Student Competency Plan Builder
• Clinical Skills Student Evaluation Checklists and Suggested Resources (PDF)
• Title IV Training (for free-standing DI programs)
• Crosswalk of ACEND Standards and CDR Registration Examination for Dietetics Study Outline (PDF)

Pass Rate and Other Tools

• Strategies to Improve Pass Rate (PDF)
• Guidance for Determining Quality of Master's Degree (PDF)
• Quality Master's Degree Checklist (PDF)

Faculty and Preceptor Training Materials

• Directions for Using Faculty Preceptor Training Presentation (PDF)
• ACEND Faculty and Preceptor Training Presentation (PowerPoint slides)
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Licensure Statutes and Board Information

The ACEND Accreditation Standards require programs to publish "Information about the requirements and process to become an RDN and NDTR, including education, supervised practice, passage on the CDR credentialing exam, and state certification/licensure, states for which the program meets state requirements for licensure/certification; and how the program fits into the process" (RE 7.3.d). ACEND recommends that programs use the language in the documents below.

• CP, DI and GP Recommended Licensure Language (PDF)
• DPD Recommended Licensure Language (PDF)
• DT Recommended Licensure Language (PDF)
• Licensure Statutes and Board Information by State

Consistent with current requirements of the registered dietitian credential, some states may also require initial dietitian licensure applicants to hold a master's degree as indicated in the linked document below provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND references this document for general informational purposes only.

Legal advice specific to your situation should be sought from a lawyer licensed in your state. ACEND does not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on this document. Statutes, regulations and policies of state licensing agencies are subject to change; this information only reflects published statutes and regulations as of July 1, 2024. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements to obtain a dietetics or dietitian license.

• State Licensing Laws with Masters Required Indicated as of July 1, 2024 (PDF)

For more information and support, contact the ACEND staff member who oversees your state.