Didactic Program in Dietetics Certificate
Complete the required nutrition coursework to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
The Department of Nutrition at Simmons University offers programs that prepare you to sit for the national credentialing examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Our Certificate in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), fulfills the nutrition coursework component to become an RDN. This program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Not sure which nutrition program is right for you? Explore academic pathways to become an RDN.
Simmons’ DPD Program
You can complete the DPD on its own or combine it with our Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion to meet the master’s degree requirement for RDN credentialing. Some MS courses contribute toward the DPD requirements.
Additionally, Simmons offers an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) program, which fulfills the supervised practice component required for RDN credentialing. Together, the DPD, MS, and DI programs fulfill all requirements to sit for the RDN exam.
- You can complete the DPD in one to two years, depending on your previous coursework in the sciences and nutrition.
- Transfer courses are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Email [email protected] with your proposed courses (course name, course number, institution, and course description).
- If you’re pursuing an MS at the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutritional Science and Policy, you may apply for the joint MS/DPD program with Simmons.
"[While at Simmons], I made a lot of friends who are dietitians working in functional medicine nutrition, with successful practices. Being able to network with them and understand the end game was really helpful." – Kerri Axelrod ’22
What Will You Learn as a DPD Student?
As a Simmons DPD student, you will gain a strong science foundation through a combination of advanced courses in public health nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, biology, chemistry, and advanced food science, as well as clinical dietetics.
You will learn how to improve the eating behaviors, health, and quality of life of our culturally diverse population. You'll investigate the theories and best practices of food nutrition and health — and develop an appreciation of the relationship between nutrition and dietetics and other disciplines.
What Are the Next Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
Graduates of the Simmons DPD program are eligible to apply to an MS degree program, including Simmons’ Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion.
If you complete the master’s degree and DPD program, you’ll be eligible to apply directly to our Dietetic Internship (DI) program. Simmons graduates are consistently placed in their top choices.
We have partnerships with the dietetic internship programs at:
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Hebrew Rehabilitation
- Wellness Workdays (distance dietetic internship)
- Be Well Solutions (distance dietetic internship)
These partnerships allow you to apply early to prestigious internship programs.
Our graduates achieve excellent RDN exam pass rates and are highly sought after by leading healthcare organizations nationwide. Many also go on to establish successful private nutrition practices.
Attend an Information Session
We encourage you to attend an information session to learn more about the programs that we offer. A member of the nutrition faculty will be available to answer questions. You can also email [email protected].
What will your experience be like?
Alumnae Allegra Egizi and Chantelle Arentsen reflect on their experiences in the nutrition program at Simmons.
Our Faculty
The faculty in the Nutrition Department are nationally known in their area of expertise. Each has years of practice experience in their areas of teaching. They have served in state government boards and national committees, and won national awards.
They are dedicated educators committed to the success of our students. Each student will have a faculty advisor in nutrition who will provide individualized guidance for coursework selection and career planning.
Lisa Brown
Professor, Nutrition Co-Chair, and Director of the Dietetic Internship Program
Teresa Fung
Professor, and Ruby Winslow Linn Endowed Professor, Nutrition Co-Chair, and Director of Didactic Program in Dietetics
Jacqueline Beatty
Assistant Professor
Sharon Gallagher
Professor of Practice and Assistant Director of the Dietetic Internship Program
Yara Gholmie
Assistant Professor
Kathrina Prelack
Associate Professor
Elizabeth Colavito Siu
Associate Professor of Practice and Director the Masters Program
Urshila Sriram
Assistant Professor and Director of General Education
Kate Walker
Assistant Professor of Practice and Nutrition Clinical Instructor of DIP
Highlights of Simmons Nutrition Programs
97%
Simmons Dietetic Internship Program RDN Exam Pass Rate
Simmons graduates consistently surpass the national pass rate average on the Registration Exam for Dietitian Nutritionists. The national average is 88%.
100+ Years
History of Nutrition Education at Simmons
Simmons’ history of nutrition education spans more than a century, highlighted by our department’s many contributions to nutrition science, health, and wellness.
Spotlight on Didactic Program in Dietetics Students and Alums
What's the Difference Between Nutritionists and Dietitians?
What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)? The job titles sound similar, but the roles are in fact quite distinct. The difference between the two lies in their education and training.
Kerri Axelrod ’22DPD Explores Connections between Nutrition and Mental Health
Kerri Axelrod ’22DPD completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics Certificate at Simmons, and now offers nutrition counseling through her private practice, Kerri Axelrod Wellness, where she focuses particularly on the connection between gut health and mental health.
Dietitian Dasha Agoulnik ’19DPD Wins Pitch Competition for Vegan Protein Powder
What made you choose to pursue your degree/major? I have always been interested in how our bodies work. I did my undergraduate degree in biology at UMass Amherst and thought I may be a doctor. I like understanding the biochemistry...
Contributing to a Healthier Community: Brittany Barrett '18C Finds Passion in Nutrition
Congratulations to Brittany Barrett '18C, named Outstanding Student from the Colorado Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics! We spoke with Brittany about her passion for nutrition and how Simmons prepared her for her professional journey.
Drinking for Two: Simmons Alums Author Recipe Book for Expectant Mothers
Diana Licalzi ‘17C, MS, RDN and Kerry Criss ‘18C, MS, RDN tell us about their recently published book, Drinking for Two: Nutritious Mocktails For The Mom-To-Be.
Inspiring Change: Julianne Pondelli '18C Takes Nutrition to the Ice
We joined Julianne in the rink and learned how her unique approach to coaching empowers her students. To her students, Julianne Pondelli '18C is much more than a skating coach—she’s a source of support and refuge in the rigorous sport...