With the Future Education Model (FEM) Now Mandatory, All ACEND Master’s Include the Experience You Need

The path to becoming a registered dietitian is evolving. For decades, aspiring RDs followed a predictable route: complete undergraduate coursework, apply to highly competitive dietetic internships through a matching process, and then sit for the registration exam. Today, there’s a streamlined alternative that’s reshaping nutrition and dietetics education. The future of RDN career preparation is here.

With the final roll-out of FEM taking place just last year, there’s still some confusion about what that means for nutrition and dietetics grad students. It’s simple: you no longer have to look for FEM-compliant programs. Today, you can be 100% sure that every ACEND-accredited master’s program has the practice hours you need to become an RDN built in.

This represents a fundamental shift in how future registered dietitians are trained. Developed by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), FEM integrates academic coursework with hands-on supervised practice into a single graduate program. This approach aims to strengthen competencies, improve accessibility, and better prepare practitioners for the evolving demands of healthcare, wellness, and nutrition research.

If you’re considering a career as a registered dietitian, understanding FEM is essential. This guide explains what FEM is, how it differs from traditional pathways, its benefits and challenges, and how to determine if it’s the right choice for your education and career goals.

What Is the Future Education Model (FEM)?

The Future Education Model (FEM) is a unified, competency-based educational pathway that integrates didactic coursework and supervised experiential learning for nutrition and dietetics students. Rather than completing academic requirements first and then applying separately for a traditional dietetic internship, FEM students earn their master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics while simultaneously accumulating the supervised practice hours required for RD eligibility.

Traditional programs require students to finish a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), graduate with their degree, and then enter a separate, highly competitive post-graduation dietetic internship to complete required practice hours. Only after finishing the internship can they sit for the RD exam.

FEM programs take a different approach. Students in FEM programs complete all requirements for RDN eligibility within a single graduate program, usually over two years. The supervised experiential learning (SEL) replaces the traditional internship and runs concurrently with academic coursework throughout the degree program.

Upon graduation from an accredited FEM program, students have fulfilled both the master’s degree requirement and the supervised practice hours needed to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration examination. There’s no separate internship application, no competitive matching process, and no gap between finishing coursework and beginning supervised practice.

FEM vs Traditional RD Pathway

Understanding the differences between dietitians and nutritionists, and the various educational pathways, helps prospective students make informed decisions. Here’s how FEM compares to the traditional route:

Key Features and Benefits of FEM Programs

FEM programs offer several advantages that make them appealing to prospective registered dietitians, particularly those making career changes or seeking more flexible educational options.

Integrated Learning Experience

FEM programs blend coursework with hands-on, real-world training throughout the degree. Students don’t wait until after graduation to begin supervised practice. Instead, they apply classroom learning immediately in clinical, community, and foodservice settings. This integration helps students develop competencies more effectively and see the practical applications of their academic work.

Competency-Based Education

The curriculum is designed around detailed competencies and performance indicators that students must demonstrate through both academic and practical work. These competencies cover:

• Foundational nutritional sciences and biochemistry
• Food safety and sanitation
• Management in food systems
• Community and public health nutrition
• Clinical nutrition assessment and intervention
• Leadership and professional communication
• Research methods and evidence-based practice
• Cultural competence and health equity

Greater Access for Career Changers

A bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics isn’t required for FEM admission. Any bachelor’s degree typically qualifies students to apply to FEM master’s programs, provided they’ve completed key science and nutrition prerequisites. This lowers barriers for professionals entering nutrition from non-nutrition backgrounds. You don’t need a degree in dietetics to pursue this pathway.

Work-Life Integration

Many FEM programs offer remote or online coursework, allowing students to continue working while pursuing their degree. Some programs allow supervised practice at facilities near the student’s home, increasing accessibility for working adults and those with location constraints or family obligations.

Streamlined Pathway to RD Eligibility

All requirements for RDN eligibility are met within the FEM curriculum. Students avoid the competitive post-graduation internship matching process. Upon program completion, graduates are immediately eligible to sit for the RD exam. This streamlined approach is usually faster and can be more affordable than the traditional route.

Program Flexibility

FEM programs vary in their structure and support. Some guarantee supervised practice placements and handle all coordination with preceptors. Others require students to secure their own preceptors with varying levels of program support. This flexibility allows programs to serve different student populations, though it’s essential to understand what support your specific program provides.

Academic Structure and Requirements

FEM programs follow ACEND’s accreditation standards while offering flexibility in how they deliver education and organize supervised learning.

Foundational Prerequisites

Before entering a FEM program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and generally complete core science and nutrition courses. Common prerequisites include:

• General biology with lab
• General chemistry with lab
• Organic chemistry
• Anatomy and physiology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Introductory nutrition
• Food science with lab
• Statistics
• Food service management

Some programs also require psychology or sociology courses. Prerequisite requirements vary by program, so check with each school for its specific requirements.

Integrated Curriculum Structure

Courses and supervised learning run concurrently throughout the degree. Supervised experiential learning (SEL) replaces the traditional internship and is interwoven with academic classes. Rather than completing all coursework before beginning practical experience, students engage in both simultaneously.

A minimum of 1,000 to 1,200 supervised experiential learning hours is required. These hours cover:

• Clinical nutrition (hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care)
• Foodservice management (institutional settings, healthcare facilities)
• Community nutrition (public health departments, schools, community programs)
• Elective rotations (sports nutrition, private practice, specialized populations)

Competencies and Performance Indicators

ACEND sets detailed competencies for nutrition and dietetics practice. Students must demonstrate mastery of these competencies through both coursework and practice settings to graduate and earn eligibility for the RD exam. The competency-based approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for professional practice regardless of which FEM program they attend.

Preceptor and Faculty Standards

Programs must demonstrate that faculty and preceptors are credentialed professionals capable of guiding students through experiential learning. FEM programs have procedures to track competency achievement and program effectiveness. Preceptors are typically registered dietitians or other qualified professionals who supervise students during their practice hours.

Admission Requirements

FEM programs are graduate-level programs, and admission is competitive. While specific requirements vary by program, most FEM master’s degree programs require:

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any major accepted with prerequisites)
• Minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher (varies by program)
• Completion of prerequisite science and nutrition courses
• Some programs require or prefer a DPD Verification Statement

Application Materials

• Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3 from academic or professional sources)
• Personal statement detailing interest in nutrition and career goals
• Resume or CV with education and relevant experience
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• GRE scores (required by some programs, waived by others)

Interviews and Additional Requirements

Many programs require an interview, which may be conducted in-person, by phone, or via video. Some programs also look for volunteer experience, work experience in healthcare or nutrition settings, or demonstrated commitment to the field.

For applicants with prior learning or those who already hold a master’s degree in a related field, some programs may waive specific requirements or offer accelerated pathways. It’s worth asking programs about these possibilities if they apply to your situation.

FEM Program Examples

Several universities across the United States now offer FEM programs. These programs vary in format, allowing students to choose options that fit their circumstances:

Fully Online Programs

• University of New England (UNE)
• Southeast Missouri State University
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Samford University

Hybrid Programs (Combination of Online and In-Person)

• Logan University
• North Carolina Central University (NCCU)
• University of Central Missouri
• University of Rhode Island

In-Person Programs

• Rush University
• University of North Florida
• Bradley University

Specialized Programs

• U.S. Army-Baylor Master’s Program in Nutrition (military-focused)
• University of Minnesota (public health nutrition emphasis)

This is not an exhaustive list. The number of accredited FEM programs continues to grow. For the most current list of ACEND-accredited FEM programs, visit the ACEND website and search their program directory.

Student Experiences: Benefits and Challenges

Understanding both the positive aspects and challenges of FEM programs helps prospective students set realistic expectations.

The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.

Positive Experiences

Students appreciate the streamlined path FEM provides, especially those making career changes or seeking flexible, online learning solutions. The ability to complete both academic and supervised practice requirements in a single program eliminates the stress and uncertainty of internship matching.

Many FEM programs are praised for guaranteeing practice placements or supporting local preceptor searches, which ease logistical burdens. Students with families, jobs, or other commitments value not having to relocate for an internship.

The integrated approach fosters consistent application of knowledge throughout the program. Students report that applying classroom concepts immediately in practice settings deepens their understanding and helps them develop clinical reasoning skills more effectively.

Challenges and Concerns

Some students report difficulties finding local preceptors, particularly in programs that require students to secure their own practice sites. Requirements and support vary widely by program, so it’s essential to understand what your chosen program provides.

There’s an ongoing debate in the field about whether FEM’s flexibility and broad prerequisites might dilute educational depth compared to traditional undergraduate DPD programs. Some preceptors and experienced RDs express concerns that FEM graduates may not receive the same level of clinical rigor if supervised practice isn’t robust.

Cost concerns persist despite FEM’s potential affordability advantages. Graduate education is expensive, and questions about return on investment and accessibility for economically disadvantaged students remain valid considerations.

Addressing the Controversies

It’s worth noting that FEM programs must meet the same ACEND accreditation standards as traditional programs. All FEM graduates must pass the same Commission on Dietetic Registration exam to become registered dietitians. The competency-based approach ensures graduates meet established professional standards.

That said, program quality varies. Research programs carefully. Look at pass rates for the RD exam, student satisfaction, preceptor support systems, and how the program structures supervised learning. Talk to current students and recent graduates if possible.

Is FEM Right for You?

FEM programs work well for some students but may not be the best fit for everyone. Consider these factors when deciding:

FEM May Be Ideal If You:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nutrition field and want to become an RD
• Need flexibility to work while completing your degree
• Want to avoid the competitive internship matching process
• Prefer to stay in your current geographic location
• Value a streamlined, integrated educational experience
• Want to complete your education in a predictable timeline

Traditional Pathway May Be Better If You:

• Already have an undergraduate degree in dietetics with DPD verification
• Want to complete a bachelor’s degree first at lower tuition rates
• Prefer separating academic learning from supervised practice
• Are interested in specific traditional internship programs with unique specializations
• Have concerns about securing your own preceptors in FEM programs

Questions to Ask FEM Programs

When evaluating FEM programs, ask:

• What percentage of students complete the program on time?
• What’s the first-time pass rate for the RD exam?
• Does the program guarantee supervised practice placements, or must students find their own?
• What support does the program provide for securing preceptors?
• What’s the total cost of the program, including all fees?
• Are there opportunities for graduate assistantships or scholarships?
• What format is the coursework (entirely online, hybrid, in-person)?
• How is supervised practice scheduled (block rotations, concurrent with classes)?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FEM the same as a coordinated program?

FEM is similar to coordinated programs in that both integrate academic coursework with supervised practice. The main difference is that FEM specifically refers to graduate programs developed under ACEND’s Future Education Model standards, whereas coordinated programs can be at the undergraduate or graduate level. Both eliminate the need for a separate internship application.

Do I need to apply for an internship with FEM?

No. One of the primary benefits of FEM programs is that supervised experiential learning is built into the program. You don’t apply separately for a dietetic internship or go through the DICAS matching process. Your supervised practice hours are completed as part of your master’s degree requirements.

Can I do FEM if my bachelor’s isn’t in nutrition?

Yes. Most FEM programs accept students with bachelor’s degrees in any field, provided you’ve completed the required prerequisite science and nutrition courses. This makes FEM particularly attractive for career changers. Check with individual programs for their specific prerequisite requirements.

How long does FEM take to complete?

Most FEM programs are designed to be completed in about two years of full-time study, though timelines can vary based on part-time enrollment or program structure. Some programs offer part-time options that take longer. The integrated nature of FEM often makes it faster overall than completing a traditional pathway, where you might spend months between graduation and starting an internship.

Is FEM more affordable than the traditional pathway?

FEM may be more affordable overall due to combined tuition and reduced relocation needs. You pay one program’s tuition rather than separate tuition for a master’s degree and an internship. You also avoid potential relocation costs and the financial gap between finishing your degree and starting an internship. That said, graduate education is expensive regardless of pathway, so compare specific program costs carefully.

Are FEM graduates as prepared as traditional pathway graduates?

FEM programs must meet the same ACEND accreditation standards as traditional programs. All graduates must pass the same Commission on Dietetic Registration exam to become registered dietitians. The competency-based approach ensures FEM graduates meet established professional standards. Program quality varies in both FEM and traditional pathways, so research specific programs carefully.

Can I complete FEM online?

Many FEM programs offer fully online coursework, making them accessible to students across the country. However, supervised experiential learning hours must be completed in person at approved practice sites. Some programs allow you to complete these hours where you’re located, while others require practice in a specific geographic area.

How do I find accredited FEM programs?

Visit the ACEND website and use their program search tool. You can filter by program type (Graduate Programs) and look for programs that offer the integrated model. Program listings include contact information, accreditation status, degree offered, and whether distance education is available.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Nutrition Career?

The Future Education Model offers an innovative pathway to becoming a registered dietitian. Whether you’re a career changer seeking accessibility, a recent graduate seeking a streamlined route, or a working professional seeking flexibility, FEM programs offer options that fit diverse needs. Research accredited programs carefully, ask the right questions about preceptor support and program outcomes, and choose the pathway that aligns best with your goals and circumstances. Your journey to becoming a registered dietitian starts with understanding all your options.

The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.

2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.

Dr. Lena Voss, RD, PhD

Dr. Lena Voss, RD, PhD, is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritional Epidemiologist with over 18 years of experience in evidence-based nutrition. Holding a PhD from the University of Copenhagen, she specializes in dietary interventions for metabolic health and sustainable eating. Dr. Voss has published in leading journals like The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and contributed to global wellness programs

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