Application for Future Education Model
The ACEND® Standards Committee has developed standards and competencies for a new model for education in nutrition and dietetics with the purpose of advancing the profession and protecting the public.
The ACEND Board released the Future Education Model (FEM) Accreditation Standards for Graduate Programs (GP) in Nutrition and Dietetics.
The ACEND Board voted to reformat the FEM Accreditation Standards, which were released on November 1, 2021 for voluntary adoption with mandatory adoption on June 1, 2022 by programs that are following the demonstration program standards. ACEND hosted a webinar on the reformatting to the FEM Accreditation Standards. ACEND recorded a webinar on the reformatted FEM Accreditation Standards that provide an overview of the FEM Accreditation Standards and highlight the changes to the Standards and the requirements for implementing the Standards. The recording and slides are provided.
Demonstration Program Application
ACEND invites applications from organizations interested in sponsoring a nutrition and dietetics program that would be accredited under the ACEND Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for Graduate Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics as an early adopter demonstration program.
ACEND is no longer accepting applications for the Future Education Model Bachelor's Degree or Associate Degree Programs, if your program has started an application or was interested in one of these programs, please contact ACEND.
Applications for the demonstration programs will be accepted for review on a rolling basis.
- Information about the Demonstration Program Application Process
- Demonstration Application for Future Model Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics
Programs seeking eligibility as a demonstration program must submit a digital copy of the eligibility application at least 18-24 months in advance of the planned enrollment of the first class of students.
The application must be submitted electronically as one PDF file.
Webinar on Application Process, FAQ and Crossmap of the 2017/2022 RDN Competencies with the FEM Standards
ACEND has received many questions about the Future Model and has compiled a Frequently Asked Questions document with the most commonly asked questions and ACEND's response to each download PDF of Frequently Asked Questions.
Talking Points About ACEND Standards for Administrators and Students
ACEND developed talking points to help programs discuss Future Education Model demonstration programs to administrators and students.
ACEND Decision Calendar
The ACEND Board follows the decision calendar for Future Education Model program reviews. If you have questions, contact ACEND. Please note that the Fall 2022 site visit schedule is full; applications received in Spring 2022 will have site visits scheduled after January 1, 2023.
Rationale for Future Education Preparation of Nutrition and Dietetics Practitioners
ACEND has collected data in multiple projects with stakeholders and is testing a new model for education of nutrition and dietetics practitioners.
Join the Academy
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