Dietetics
Registered Dietitian
What is meant by Registered Dietitian?
The term Registered Dietitian (RD) is a credential that can be used only by individuals who have completed the following requirements:
- Academic requirements from an American Dietetic Association (ADA) approved Didactic Program in Dietetics such as at Michigan State University.
- Minimum of a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university such as MSU.
- Supervised practice experience from an American Dietetic Association accredited or approved program (Accredited Dietetic Internship or Accredited Coordinated Dietetic Program).
- Successfully pass the national Registration Examination for Dietitians.
When I receive my bachelor’s of science degree in dietetics from MSU, will I be a registered dietitian?
NO. Completion of an ADA Approved Didactic Program in Dietetics, such as at MSU, is only the first step required to become a registered dietitian.
The second step, completion of an accredited/approved supervised practice experience program follows completion of the didactic program and the minimum of a bachelor's degree. See the following description of these programs.
Students need to be aware that receiving an appointment to a supervised practice experience program is competitive, and there are NO guarantees that any one student will receive an appointment.
The third and final step to become a RD is successfully passing the national Registration Exam for Dietitians.
What is a Supervised Practice Experience Program?
You must complete a supervised practice program in dietetics that has been approved or accredited by ADA. There are currently two types of supervised practice experience programs:
- Accredited Dietetic Internship
- Accredited Coordinated Program
What is an Accredited Dietetic Internship?
An Accredited Dietetic Internship provides a minimum of 900 hours of supervised practice. Programs follow completion of at least a baccalaureate degree and ADA minimum academic requirements. Some programs may be part-time, with supervised practice at a minimum of 20 hours per week, and may be completed within a two-year period. Please see the MSU Dietetic Internship Program for more information.
What is a Coordinated Program?
A Coordinated Program provides for the integration of academic requirements with supervised practice within an academic program. Each program is accredited by the American Dietetic Association and culminates in a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. These programs provide for the achievement of knowledge and performance requirements through an integrated program. Typically, students must apply to a Coordinated Program after reaching junior status, and the number of students accepted is limited. MSU does not have a Coordinated Program. Some Coordinated Programs accept students who have already completed a baccalaureate degree prior to the Coordinated Program.
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