Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP)

Dietetics

Iowa State University ISPP is for holders of doctoral degrees, in nutrition or related fields, who desire to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

The ISPP is a 6-month pathway at Iowa State University to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®). Knowledge will be assessed using Prior Assessed Learning (PAL) and knowledge assessment activities to determine which, if any, Foundation Knowledge Learning needs must be completed prior to starting supervised practice. 

The PAL program is designed to grant credit towards supervised practice hours in specific rotations based on the qualified applicant’s learning/knowledge, as demonstrated through paid work or volunteer experiences. The credit is not for the experience, but is given when an applicant demonstrates an increase in knowledge and learning. Experiences considered for PAL must meet competencies required by ACEND® and must not include experiences undertaken during undergraduate/graduate education or in the process of earning a DPD verification statement. 

ISPP Application

  1. Complete online ISPP application
  2. Pay $100 nonrefundable application fee (via credit card).
  3. After completing the online application, you will receive additional information about how to submit your required documents electronically. If you do not receive an invitation within two business days, contact us.

Timeline

  • Entire application must be submitted at least four months prior to your anticipated start date, for review of application material and interview.
  • Final decision of acceptance will be made within three weeks of submitting all material.
  • You must start the program within 1 year of your initial application date. If you are unable to begin the program within one year, you will be required to re-apply, including resubmitting the application fee.

Required Application Documents

(All files must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format)

  1. Application Essay: 750 word essay about why you desire to become an RDN, what you will use RDN credential for, and how previous skill set/research complements RDN credential.
  2. Prior Assessed Learning application form (This information is used to determine individual supervised practice requirements) and complete a portfolio.
  3. Current CV
  4. Two letters of recommendation
  5. Employer letter of support (if applicable)
  6. International applicants in the US on a visa are required to submit work/employment authorization or provide documentation of OPT status
  7. Transcripts showing doctoral degrees conferred
  8. DPD Verification Statement (if applicable)
  9. Communication (either email or letter) from the preceptor agreeing to precept you and the specific rotation. Sample Preceptor Commitment Letter.
  10. Proposed schedule that includes: facility and preceptor information and rotation dates. Information on selecting your preceptors and facilities can be found by clicking on “facility search” and then searching for facilities by state. Rotation-specific information.
  11.  Additionally, you can also search the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics preceptor database, if you are an Academy member.
  12. Completed knowledge assessment activities (access will be provided in the application course)

Note: Your actual start date is determined by completion of affiliation agreements needed with the facility.

Once you have been accepted into the program, you will receive a link to register via email. Payment in full via credit card is due upon registration.

Program Costs and Requirements

  • Application fee: $100, nonrefundable
  • Program fees: $9,000
    • Additional general expenses: $800 (may include cost of books, supplies, and other program requirements)

Grants and Awards

ISPP students are considered “non-degree seeking” and are not eligible for financial aid. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation provides awards and grants to support individuals with doctorates seeking to become RDNs.

Technology Requirements

For optimized learning experiences, a student-provided personal computer with reliable Internet access is needed. While tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices may allow for some completion of coursework, they are not guaranteed to work in all areas. It is recommended to have access to a Windows or Mac-based computer to complete coursework. Students who need assistive technologies might have different computer and technology requirements. Students are encouraged to check with Student Accessibility Services to determine the requirements for specific technologies needed to support learning in online coursework.

Program Completion Requirements

In order to successfully complete the ISPP and receive the verification statement, interns need to demonstrate their mastery of the required ACEND competencies, complete all required assignments and supervised practice hours. For additional information, please refer to the program handbook.

Program mission, goals, and objectives

Pathway to Become a RDN

Individuals who successfully complete the ISPP program are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become a RDN. Upon successfully passing the CDR credentialing exam, individuals are eligible to apply for state licensure or certification to practice. While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: .