Arkansas Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

Arkansas faces the nation’s most severe nutrition and health challenges that demand qualified professionals. With 18.9% of households experiencing food insecurity—the highest rate in the United States—and nearly one in four children lacking access to healthy food, the need for nutrition experts has never been greater.

Compounding these challenges, Arkansas ranks as the 5th worst state for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, with 36.4% of adults classified as obese and over 307,000 diagnosed with diabetes, plus an estimated additional 70,000 undiagnosed cases.

Arkansas’s nutrition programs leverage the state’s urgent health needs to provide unparalleled hands-on experience. Students work directly with communities experiencing the nation’s highest rates of food insecurity and diet-related disease, gaining expertise in addressing complex, interconnected health challenges. Clinical rotations span diverse settings from rural health clinics serving underinsured populations to specialized diabetes centers managing the state’s chronic disease epidemic.

Compare programs in Little Rock

Choosing the Best Nutrition Program for You

Quick Program Selection Guide

Choose Arkansas State University for online flexibility and affordable completion.

ASU’s 100% online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics offers exceptional value at $282 per credit hour with transfer acceptance up to 90 credits, multiple start dates annually, and ServSafe certification inclusion. Ideal for working professionals or students needing geographic flexibility while maintaining industry-relevant skills training.

Select Harding University for faith-based education and no-GRE graduate training.

Harding’s online Master of Science in Applied Dietetics Practice integrates Christian values with ACEND accreditation, requires no GRE for admission, and offers 1106 supervised learning hours completed in local settings. Perfect for students seeking values-based education with flexible experiential learning arrangements.

Consider University of Arkansas for comprehensive campus-based training and diverse specializations.

UA offers both ACEND-accredited Human Nutrition and Dietetics for RDN preparation and innovative Food, Nutrition and Health programs with unique courses like culinary nutrition and sports nutrition. Ideal for students seeking traditional campus experience with cutting-edge curriculum options.

Choose smaller institutions (Ouachita Baptist, University of Central Arkansas, Henderson State) for personalized attention and specialized focus.

These programs offer intimate campus-based learning with strong faculty mentorship, ACEND accreditation, and comprehensive preparation for RDN certification with emphasis on practical experience and real-world applications.

Types of Degrees

Bachelor’s Level Programs

Arkansas State University: Offers 100% online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (120 credits) emphasizing food science, nutrition therapy, and meal planning with ServSafe certification and flexible transfer options.

University of Arkansas: Provides two distinct bachelor’s options:

• Human Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND-accredited for RDN preparation)
• Food, Nutrition and Health (broader foundation with culinary nutrition and sports nutrition focus)

Ouachita Baptist University: Features comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with strong science prerequisites and practical experience emphasis.

University of Central Arkansas: Offers ACEND-accredited Bachelor of Science in Dietetics with interdisciplinary curriculum and multiple career pathway preparation.

Henderson State University: Provides Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with Dietetics concentration emphasizing medical nutrition therapy and foodservice management.

Master’s Level Programs

Harding University: Offers specialized Master of Science in Applied Dietetics Practice (49 credit hours) with online delivery, 1106 supervised experiential learning hours, and competency-based curriculum integrating Christian principles.

Admission Requirements

Entrance Exam Policies

Arkansas programs show mixed approaches to standardized testing:

• ACT/SAT Required: Most undergraduate programs (ASU, UA, Ouachita Baptist, UCA, Henderson State)
• No GRE Required: Harding University’s graduate program
• Graduate Programs: Focus on GPA and prerequisite completion rather than standardized tests

GPA Requirements and Academic Standards

Undergraduate Programs:

• Arkansas State University: Minimum 2.0 GPA for admission
• Henderson State University: Minimum 2.75 GPA (3.0 GPA for verification statement)
• University of Arkansas: Competitive admission standards
• Other programs: Generally accessible with standard admission requirements

Graduate Programs:

• Harding University: Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement with bachelor’s degree and prerequisite completion

Prerequisite Requirements

Most programs require strong science foundations:

• Chemistry and Biochemistry coursework
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Nutrition Science fundamentals
• Mathematics and Statistics preparation

Cost Analysis

Public University Advantage

Arkansas State University: Exceptional online value at $282 per credit hour with up to 90 transfer credits accepted, significantly reducing total program cost and completion time.

University of Arkansas: In-state public university pricing with comprehensive campus resources and ACEND accreditation ensuring professional recognition.

University of Central Arkansas and Henderson State: Competitive public university rates with personalized attention and strong career preparation.

Private University Investment

Harding University: Premium pricing justified by faith-based education integration, no-GRE admission, online flexibility, and comprehensive supervised learning arrangements.

Ouachita Baptist University: Private institution investment with small class sizes, personalized faculty attention, and strong preparation for professional credentialing.

Return on Investment Considerations

All ACEND-accredited programs provide excellent ROI through:

• RDN exam eligibility leading to professional licensure
• Strong employment prospects in growing healthcare field
• Diverse career pathways in clinical, community, and food service settings
• ServSafe certification adding immediate industry value

Program Formats & Scheduling

Comprehensive Online Learning

Arkansas State University: 100% online delivery with multiple start dates annually, providing maximum flexibility for working professionals and geographic constraints.

Harding University: Online graduate program with local supervised learning arrangements, combining flexibility with practical experience requirements.

Campus-Based Programs

Traditional campus programs offer:

• Hands-on laboratory experiences and research opportunities
• Direct faculty mentorship and peer collaboration
• Access to specialized facilities and foodservice operations
• Comprehensive science foundations with laboratory components

Transfer-Friendly Options

Arkansas State University: Accepts up to 90 transfer credits, allowing students to complete degrees efficiently while maintaining program quality and accreditation standards.

Specialization by Career Focus

Clinical and Medical Nutrition

University of Arkansas: ACEND-accredited Human Nutrition and Dietetics with comprehensive medical nutrition therapy, nutrition assessment, and clinical practice preparation.

Henderson State University: Emphasis on medical nutrition therapy and foodservice management with practical skills development.

Food Science and Culinary Applications

University of Arkansas: Innovative Food, Nutrition and Health program featuring unique culinary nutrition and sports nutrition courses for diverse career preparation.

Community and Public Health Nutrition

Multiple programs address:

• Community nutrition programming and implementation
• Public health applications and disease prevention
• Health promotion across life stages
• Dietary counseling and behavior modification

Food Service and Management

Arkansas State University: ServSafe certification inclusion preparing graduates for food service industry roles.

Henderson State University: Foodservice management emphasis with practical operations experience.

Faith-Based and Values Integration

Harding University: Unique integration of Christian principles with evidence-based nutrition practice, emphasizing community health and wellness from values-based perspective.

Program Comparison Table (the basics)

Institution	Degree	Concentration	Format
Arkansas State University	BS	Nutrition and Dietetics	Online
Harding University	MS	Applied Dietetics Practice	Online
University of Arkansas	BS	Human Nutrition and Dietetics	Campus
University of Arkansas	BS	Food, Nutrition and Health	Campus
Ouachita Baptist University	BS	Nutrition and Dietetics	Campus
University of Central Arkansas	BS	Dietetics	Campus
Henderson State University	BS	Family and Consumer Sciences (Dietetics)	Campus

Job Market: Arkansas is Ideal for Nutrition Careers

• Critical demand: Arkansas’s status as the nation’s most food-insecure state drives urgent need for nutrition professionals
• Diverse settings: Opportunities span major medical centers, rural clinics, schools, community health programs, and diabetes prevention initiatives
• Competitive compensation: Nutritionists in Arkansas earn an average of $56,082 annually ($26.96/hour), with dietitians earning $32.70/hour and experienced professionals reaching $63,285 annually
• Advanced education requirement: Starting January 2024, aspiring dietitians must obtain a master’s degree for RDN credential, increasing professional value and marketability
• Lower cost of living: Arkansas offers better work-life balance with nutrition salaries covering living expenses more effectively than high-cost states

Essential Skills & Employer Expectations

Arkansas employers across healthcare systems, government agencies, and private companies are actively seeking qualified nutrition and dietetics professionals. Based on current job postings, here’s what they’re looking for, organized by key skill sets and competencies.

Core Clinical Competencies

Medical Nutrition Therapy & Assessment Skills

What Employers Want: The ability to conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments, develop individualized care plans, and provide evidence-based nutrition interventions.

Key Employers & Compensation:

• Compass Group (Morrison Healthcare) – $60,000-$110,000 annually: Seeks RDs to provide medical nutrition therapy including nutrition assessment, diet modification, and patient education in acute care settings
• ARcare (Conway & Jonesboro) – Competitive salary: Requires expertise in Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training (DSME/T) for comprehensive patient care
• East Arkansas Family Health Center – $58,000-$83,082 annually: Focuses on therapeutic nutritional care plans and patient counseling across diverse populations
• Mercy (Rogers) – Competitive benefits package: Emphasizes evidence-based practice skills and multidisciplinary collaboration for clinical care

Specialized Disease Management

What Employers Want: Advanced knowledge in managing specific conditions through nutrition intervention.

Key Employers & Compensation:

• DaVita (Springdale) – Competitive package with performance rewards: Requires completion of Competency Assessment for Renal Dietitians (CARD) with 80% score for specialized kidney disease nutrition
• Arkansas Children’s Hospital (Little Rock) – Full-time benefits: Seeks expertise in pediatric nutrition across all age groups from newborns to adults, with specialization in allergy/immunology clinic work
• Gentiva Hospice (Batesville & Russellville) – Comprehensive benefits plus mileage reimbursement: Focuses on maximizing nutritional comfort for hospice patients

Technology & Documentation Skills

Electronic Health Records & Software Proficiency

What Employers Want: Advanced computer skills and ability to navigate healthcare technology systems efficiently.

Key Employers & Requirements:

• All Major Healthcare Systems consistently require proficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic medical records, and diet office systems
• DaVita specifically mandates functional proficiency with company-specific applications within 60 days
• Ben E. Keith Company (Lowell) – Full benefits plus profit-sharing: Requires expertise in Menu Trac software installation and updates for healthcare accounts
• ARcare emphasizes electronic health record documentation following the Nutrition Care Process

Nutrient Analysis & Data Management

What Employers Want: Technical skills in nutrition analysis programming and data interpretation.

Key Employers:

• Compass Group (Unidine) – $45-$50/hour: Requires expertise in nutrient analysis programming alongside clinical skills
• State of Arkansas (Little Rock) – $45,010-$65,265: Seeks ability to research demographic data and evaluate program effectiveness through statistical analysis

Communication & Education Abilities

Patient & Family Education

What Employers Want: Exceptional communication skills to educate diverse populations on nutrition and lifestyle modifications.

Key Employers & Focus Areas:

• East Arkansas Family Health Center – $58,000-$83,082: Emphasizes counseling individuals and groups on healthy eating habits and nutrition monitoring
• ARcare locations prioritize patient education on nutrition and lifestyle strategies, including telehealth delivery
• CommonSpirit Health (Sherwood) requires excellent customer service skills while counseling patients, families, and caregivers

Professional Training & Mentorship

What Employers Want: Ability to train staff, mentor interns, and conduct educational programs.

Key Employers & Compensation:

• State of Arkansas (Little Rock) – $45,010-$65,265: Requires passion for educating Child Nutrition professionals through online and in-person training modules
• Ben E. Keith Company – Comprehensive benefits: Seeks ability to train dietary managers, administrators, and conduct quarterly meetings across healthcare accounts
• Morrison Healthcare positions emphasize training and mentoring patient services staff and dietetic interns

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

Federal & State Regulation Knowledge

What Employers Want: Deep understanding of healthcare regulations, food safety standards, and compliance requirements.

Key Employers & Requirements:

• State of Arkansas (Little Rock): Requires knowledge of USDA programs including National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and related federal initiatives
• Ben E. Keith Company: Seeks expertise in federal, state, and company regulations with ability to assist in Recovery Audit Contractor audits
• All Healthcare Facilities require adherence to HIPAA regulations, JCAHO standards, and state health regulations

Food Service Operations Management

What Employers Want: Understanding of food systems management and operational oversight.

Key Employers & Compensation:

• Ben E. Keith Company – Full benefits plus profit-sharing: Requires comprehensive food service management including menu development, equipment evaluation, and sanitation inspections
• Unity Health (Newport) – Day shift schedule: Focuses on menu preparation for patients and solving food service problems
• Lifepoint Careers (White Hall) – Comprehensive benefits: Emphasizes menu approval, modified diets, and dietary services department oversight

Specialization Areas & Advanced Credentials

Pediatric & Specialized Populations

Advanced Degree Preferences: Master’s degrees preferred for specialized roles.

Key Employers:

• Arkansas Children’s Hospital – Master’s degree preferred: Requires knowledge across all age groups with specialized focus on allergy/immunology patients
• Unity Health requires expertise in care across neonate, infant, childhood, adolescence, adult, and geriatric populations

Diabetes Education & Chronic Disease Management

Specialized Certifications: CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) preferred.

Key Employers:

• ARcare (multiple locations) prefers CDCES certification for diabetes self-management education and training roles
• East Arkansas Family Health Center focuses on managing clients’ dietary restrictions and chronic conditions

Geriatric & Long-Term Care

What Employers Want: Experience with elderly populations and long-term care regulations.

Key Employers & Compensation:

• Claxton Dietetic Solutions (Arkadelphia) – $30-$34/hour: Prefers geriatric experience for long-term care facility nutrition services
• Healthcare Services Group – $33/hour starting with $2,500 retention bonus: Focuses on long-term care facility nutritional services with regulatory compliance

Interdisciplinary Collaboration Skills

Team-Based Care

What Employers Want: Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Key Employers:

• Mercy emphasizes collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and participation in performance improvement projects
• Arkansas Children’s Hospital requires active participation in medical team rounds and nutritional case studies
• CommonSpirit Health focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration to identify patients at nutrition risk

Salary Ranges by Employment Sector

Healthcare Systems (Highest Paying)

• Clinical Dietitians: $58,000 – $110,000 annually
• Specialized Roles: Up to $110,000 with sign-on bonuses up to $10,000
• Hourly Clinical Positions: $45-$50/hour

Government Positions (Stable with Benefits)

• Nutritionist Consultants: $45,010 – $65,265 annually
• Dietetic Specialists: $29,046 – $42,117 annually

Private Practice & Consulting

• Contract Dietitians: $30-$34/hour
• Part-time Specialized Roles: $33/hour starting with retention bonuses

Corporate Food Service

• Healthcare Consultants: Competitive salary with profit-sharing plans

Education & Licensure Requirements

Universal Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or related field from ACEND-accredited program
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Arkansas state licensure through Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board
• CPR certification (required by most employers)

Preferred Advanced Education

• Master’s degrees preferred for specialized positions (Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Mercy)
• Additional certifications like CDCES for diabetes education roles
• Continuing education requirements maintained through CDR format

Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities

Technology & Food Service Management

Nutrition professionals can transition into roles involving:

• Software implementation and training (Ben E. Keith Company)
• Healthcare technology integration (electronic health records)
• Quality assurance and program evaluation

Education & Training

Opportunities exist in:

• Government program administration (State of Arkansas)
• Professional development and training coordination
• Corporate wellness and consultation services

Business & Operations

Nutrition expertise opens doors to:

• Food service distribution and sales
• Healthcare administration and management
• Policy development and regulatory compliance

Market Outlook

Arkansas employers are competing for qualified nutrition professionals by offering:

• Sign-on bonuses up to $10,000
• Relocation assistance packages
• Retention bonuses up to $2,500
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and retirement matching
• Professional development support and continuing education allowances
• Flexible scheduling options including telehealth opportunities

The strong demand across multiple sectors—from acute care hospitals to government agencies to private consulting—demonstrates the versatility and stability of nutrition careers in Arkansas, with clear pathways for advancement and specialization based on individual interests and career goals.