Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (Coordinated Program)

Nutrition plays a vital role in health and disease. There is growing evidence of the role of diet in the prevention, development and treatment of major diseases. To maximize one’s health requires that professionals have a strong understanding of nutrition. The Licentiate in Nutrition and Dietetics (LND) and the Registered Dietitian (RD) credentials are the Puerto Rico and the national recognized credentials in nutrition-dietetics, respectively. The L.N.D., R.D. are marketed as the nutrition-dietetics expert and both credentials are required for employment in the health care industry and preferred for most other employment opportunities in foods and nutrition.

The Coordinated Program in Nutrition Dietetics (CPND) provides the required nutrition and dietetics coursework and more than 1,200 hours of supervised practice within an academic program leading to a bachelor’s degree. Our CPND includes the supervised practice component during your senior year at Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Recinto de Gurabo. An advantage to the CPND is that you are eligible to take the Puerto Rico and the national examination for registration after successfully completion of your BSND degree. The CPND requires that all pre-requisite didactic course work for each supervised practice experience (Foodservice, Community and Medical Nutrition Therapy) must be taken before apply to CPND. Students are required to pass a comprehensive exam with a minimum score of 80%. Upon completion of your studies in the CPND you will also be eligible to become a member of professional organizations.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited coordinated program at Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Recinto de Gurabo are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN please click here.

Recinto de Gurabo

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered. ACEND® serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND® is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Title IV gatekeeper.

Period of Time: 2020-2023 (reduced accreditation term; full accreditation term 2027)

Accredited Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Universidad Ana G. Méndez - Gurabo Campus' Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400. http://www.eatright.org/ACEND.