To earn the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential an individual must complete a three-step process. The Messiah University Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics / dietetic intership (MS/DI) is for individuals who have completed step one of the RDN credentialing process. It is a full-time, 1- or 2-year master's degree program, which fulfills steps two and three of the RDN credentialing process. After successful completion of the MS/DI, an individual is eligible to take the national dietetics registration exam. Successful completion of the registration exam earns an individual the RDN credential.
Step one
Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a U.S. regionally accredited college or university and obtain verification that the course work required to begin a supervised practice program has been completed from an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). The Messiah University nutrition and dietetics major curriculum is approved by ACEND as a DPD and enables students to complete this step. For more information about this program see the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Web page .
Step two
Complete a supervised practice experience offered by an ACEND-accredited program. These programs include master’s-level coordinated programs, dietetic internships, and individualized supervised practice pathway (ISPP) programs. Accredited supervised practice programs are offered by health care facilities, community agencies, food service corporations, or educational institutions and are 9-12 months in length, including a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice. (Note: some colleges offer an undergraduate “Coordinated Program” which combines steps 1 and 2. Messiah does not offer this type of program.)
Step three
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023 . For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here
Is the RDN credential necessary?
In recent years, many states have enacted licensure requirements for individuals who wish to practice nutrition care. State licensure standards often require the RDN credential. In Pennsylvania, the RDN credential is required to obtain a state license, though licensure is voluntary. In order to maintain the RDN credential, individuals must regularly evaluate their professional knowledge, skills and needs and document participation in 75 hours of appropriate continuing education every five years.
Additional information
For additional information on dietetics education, contact ACEND at: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, Phone: 312-899-0040 Ext. 5400, acend@eatright.org or www.eatright.org .cdr@eatright.org or www.eatright.org .