Admissions

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Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Please remember that advisers are available to discuss with you your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines. Applicants should refer to the admission requirements on this page before using the online application tools, which provide basic student information and academic history.  

There are 2 applications you must complete to be accepted into this associate degree program in dietetics:

• Penn State Undergraduate Admissions application form   

• Dietetic Health Care Emphasis application form

To fill out the Undergraduate Admissions application form, you will be asked to create a user ID and password. Please follow the instructions carefully and contact an adviser if you have questions. For your application to be considered complete, you'll need to submit the following items to the Undergraduate Admissions Office in addition to the online application form itself:  

• Official transcript(s) from all high schools and regionally accredited institutions attended
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if applicable
• Application fee ($50) 

Mail to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
Box 3000
University Park  PA  16802

The dietetics application form is a downloadable PDF file (you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader) that you must print, fill out, and mail to the Dietetics Programs Office. 

Mail to:
Dietetics Programs through World Campus
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Mateer Building
University Park  PA  16802

NOTE: If you are a student interested in taking courses before you apply to the degree program, filling out the Undergraduate Admissions application form is unnecessary. However, you must fill out the World Campus online application form and the Dietetic Programs Health Care Emphasis application form before you can begin taking courses. Please contact an adviser if you have questions.    

Before you begin filling out your undergraduate admissions application form, you'll need to sign up at Penn State's Undergraduate Admissions site. You can then begin at your convenience. You are welcome to return at any time to check on the status of your application. Your determination letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed 4 to 6 weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.

Additional Instructions for Completing the Undergraduate Admissions Application Form:

 On the Academic Information page, the number of high school years of study is not required.

• The Guidance Counselor area is not required. Feel free to scroll to the bottom of the page and select "Yes."
• The Activities and Personal Statement are optional but will be read by an admissions counselor.
• Please print the Summary and Review.
• Official high school transcripts or a copy of a GED certificate is required for admission to Penn State.
• You may disregard footnote #2, which refers to the Guidance Counselor Form.

Academic Requirements

There are several requirements for admission to Penn State's associate degree program in dietetics (Dietetic Technician Emphasis).

• Academic requirements
• Preceptor requirements
• Practice site requirements
• Degree versus nondegree status requirements

Once you have familiarized yourself with the requirements for admission, you will be ready to start the application process.

To be admitted to Penn State's associate degree program in dietetics (Dietetic Technician Emphasis), you must possess a high school diploma (with a cumulative grade-point average of C or above) or a GED certificate. You must also provide scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) unless you graduated from high school more than 5 years ago. If you attended college previously, your cumulative average must be 2.0 or higher. If it is lower than a 2.0, you may begin the program as a nondegree student.

Preceptor Requirements

To successfully complete Penn State's associate degree in dietetics (Dietetic Technician Emphasis), you will need to work with a qualified and approved preceptor. A preceptor can help you by:

• evaluating certain assignments
• identifying networking opportunities
• being a professional role model
• discussing professional issues with you

A preceptor must be a registered dietitian (RD) with at least 2 years of work experience in the field. The preceptor must also be employed at the practice site for a minimum of 16 hours per month. If you are not able to identify an appropriate preceptor or professional mentor, please contact us by e-mail or phone (800-252-3592, ext. 5) to discuss your options.

Practice Site Requirements

To complete Penn State's associate degree in dietetics (Dietetic Technician Emphasis), you will need to complete certain courses at an appropriate practice site that meets the following specifications:

• Recommended practice facility type: a hospital or skilled care facility providing for at least 50 clients per meal

• Recommended food preparation facilities: conventional/traditional preparation or cook-chill operations

• Minimum number of professional dietetics staff at the site: at least 1 full-time RD who works at least 16 hours per month at the facility

If you have questions or concerns about your intended practice site, please contact us by e-mail or phone (800-252-3592, ext. 5), and we'll be happy to help assess its suitability.

To identify potential practice sites that meet the requirements for the dietetic technician program, visit the Web site of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Degree versus Nondegree Status Requirements

You may take courses in the Dietetic Technician Emphasis program as a degree student or as a nondegree student. All courses will appear on your transcript, whether you take them as a degree or nondegree student.

As a Degree Student

You are formally admitted to the associate degree program in dietetic food systems management (Dietetic Technician Emphasis). The University's requirements for admission as a degree candidate are generally more rigorous than for admission as a nondegree student.

As a Nondegree Student

You may be awaiting formal admission, you may be trying a course or two before deciding whether a particular program is right for you, or perhaps all you're interested in right now is a few courses for professional development.