What can I do with the AFN degree from GVSU?

As an accredited program, graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Food and Nutrition are immediately eligible to sit for the credentialing exam for Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTR). Dietetic technicians are employed in clinical, community and food service settings and serve less complex, less acutely ill patients compared to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) level of practice.

After completing the AFN program, graduates are also immediately eligible to enter graduate-level dietetic internship programs and coordinated graduate programs, which lead to eligibility to sit for the RDN credential and employment.

AFN is a Secondary Admit program. What does that mean?

The Applied Food and Nutrition program is competitive, requires admission to GVSU, completion of a secondary application, and corresponding materials. 

Secondary admission means that before a student can begin the program, they must complete a specific set of courses at or above the required GPA level, plus apply and be admitted following a competitive application review process. Prerequisites are typically completed in the first and second years as an undergraduate. Once a student is on track to complete the last of these requirements, the next step is to submit a secondary admission application. Admitted undergraduate students complete their third and fourth years within the AFN program. Applicants may apply while courses are in progress, so students should plan to submit their application prior to the February 15 deadline for full consideration.   

A College of Health Professions Student Service Advisor can guide you through the planning and application process. We encourage all students interested in the AFN program to reach out and schedule an appointment with the CHPSS office.

Why are there practicum courses in the undergraduate AFN program?

Although undergraduate dietetics programs are not required to include experiential learning, we believe that hands-on experience is the best way to build student skills and confidence. Therefore, there are three practicum courses embedded within the AFN program, which allow students opportunities to job shadow dietitians and nutrition managers in all areas of practice. Additionally, AFN students will practice their skills in culinary medicine in our foods lab and the GVSU Sustainable Agriculture farm, and in clinical nutrition and nutrition counseling in our Simulation Center.