Students admitted to the CPMA have completed all prerequisite courses. Students then embark on curriculum including both didactic coursework and supervised practice that is planned to meet the 2017 ACEND core knowledge (KRDN) and competencies (CRDN) for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
CPMA competencies outlined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) depict the level of knowledge and skills (competencies) which students graduating from the CPMA should have attained. Current CPMA competencies can be found at https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend. Competencies must be met at a pre-determined level to progress in the program. Following successful completion of both components, the student has earned a Master of Arts degree in Nutritional Sciences and receives a verification of education statement.
The program director will notify the Commission on Dietetic Registration and submit required forms. CDR then notifies the students they may register for the national registry examination. When the student passes the exam, they are credentialed as Registered Dietitian (RD)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). All credentialed RD/RDNs are required to participate in continuing professional education to maintain their credential. Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, is encouraged but not required. The CPMA Program is accredited through 2019 by ACEND.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400
Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Email: acend@eatright.org
Commission on Dietetic Registration
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190 Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone: 800-877-1600, Ext. 5500
Website: http://www.cdrnet.org
Email: cdr@eatright.org
