Nutrition and DieteticsB.S.

Beginning January 1, 2024 a minimum of a master’s degree is required to take the RDN exam. To adapt to industry changes and prepare you for success, Messiah University offers a Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics that includes a Dietetic Internship (MS/DI). This program is available to students who complete the Messiah University B.S. in nutrition and dietetics and to students with a B.S from other colleges or universities who have completed the course requirements for applying to a dietetic internship through a program accredited by ACEND.  

Streamline your success – 5-year pathway to eligibility for the RDN exam

Messiah University offers the opportunity to complete a bachelor's, master's and Dietetic Internship in a 5-year timeframe. While the MS/DI in nutrition and dietetics and the B.S. in nutrition and dietetics remain separate programs, they are designed to offer a clear pathway allowing students, who meet criteria, to move directly and seamlessly into the MS/DI program.

• Choice of 1 year or 2 year completion track allowing for completion of program in less time than completing master’s and Dietetic Internship separately.
• The program has been granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which qualifies students to take the national registered dietitian nutritionist exam.
• A cohort learning model helps students develop meaningful relationships with one another as they progress through the program.
• Explore your faith as it relates to your career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at a nationally ranked, accredited Christian University of academic distinction.
• 35 graduate credits and a minimum of 1000 supervised practice hours in professional work settings to include medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition which includes a special focus experience in food insecurity and food and nutrition management. services. 
• Messiah University's regional network of organizational partners offers a wide range of placements for our interns. Rotations placements are provided for you. 
• A variety of experienced preceptors for professional mentoring and networking.
• Shared graduate coursework with athletic training graduate students provides opportunity for inter-professional education experiences.

Many Messiah Nutrition and Dietetics graduates become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). The RDN credential is required for many nutrition jobs, especially those related to health care. Most states require a state license or certification to practice medical nutrition therapy and the RDN credential is the most common way to meet state licensing requirements. The criteria for obtaining the RDN credential are:

• Complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree and course work accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). 
• Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program (often called a dietetic internship) at a health care facility, community agency, food service corporation or educational institution. Beginning January 1, 2024 a minimum of a master’s degree will be required to take the RDN exam, so most supervised practice programs are linking with or adding a master’s degree. 
• Pass the national RDN examination, which is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain the credential.

Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Messiah University nutrition and dietetics major are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs. Messiah also offers an academic verification program for students who already have a bachelor’s degree and wish to take only the additional courses needed to apply to a supervised practice program, and an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship. For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students.

Graduates who do not begin ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs after graduation are employable as dietetic technicians in health care institutions and businesses, nutrition counselors in community nutrition programs and food service managers in health care institutions, schools and industry. Completion of the Messiah University nutrition and dietetics major qualifies graduates to take the national nutrition and dietetics technician, registered (NDTR) exam. Additionally, graduates may choose to continue their education by applying to graduate school in areas such as nutrition science, public health, nutrition education or international nutrition.

For additional information on dietetics education contact ACEND at: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 ext. 5400 or https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend  

As a nutrition and dietetics major at Messiah University, you’ll be able to:

• Work in our state-of-the-art nutrition and dietetics lab suite as well as our biology, chemistry, microbiology and nursing simulation labs.
• Learn how to apply science principles, communication techniques and management strategies to improve the nutritional status of individuals and communities.
• Develop nutritionally sound meals, menus and meal plans that promote health and disease management and meet client/patient's needs. 
• Practice counseling and education techniques to facilitate behavior change and enhance wellness for diverse individuals and groups. 
• Take courses such as Advanced Food Science and Technology, Nutrient Metabolism and Research Methods, Medical Nutrition Therapy, and Nutrition Education and Counseling.
• Work alongside faculty to design and conduct a research project related to food and nutrition. In the past, students have completed projects in researching nutritious plants that will grow in harsh environments, intuitive eating among university students, supplementation on athletic performance, and eating behaviors in a children's after school program.
• Apply to supervised practice programs or master's degree programs, including Messiah’s own Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI).
• For additional information on dietetics education contact ACEND at: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 ext. 5400 or http://www.eatright.org/

The mission of our program is to prepare students for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist and for other careers related to food and nutrition. Graduates will serve and lead with excellence as they provide food and nutrition services grounded in current evidence and biblical principles.

Click here to see our program goals and objectives.

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As a graduate of the nutrition and dietetics program, you will be equipped to:

• Provide nutrition education in wellness settings such as fitness centers, food banks and community health programs

• Assist with the management of food service operations in health care facilities, restaurants or schools

• Assist registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in providing medical nutrition therapy in hospitals and nursing homes

• Pursue graduate education in nutrition education or public health

• Apply to ACEND-accredited dietetic internships (required in order to become a registered dietitian nutritionist)

Graduates who successfully complete dietetic internships and pass the national Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Exam are equipped to:

• Provide medical nutrition therapy in hospitals, nursing homes, health clinics and businesses

• Provide nutrition counseling and education in grocery stores, fitness centers, colleges and universities and businesses

• Manage food service operations in health care facilities, schools, food banks and businesses

• Help develop new food products and educate consumers as an employee of a food company

For more information on career planning for the nutrition and dietetics program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center. 

Messiah’s Career and Professional Development Center places students in a variety of nutrition and dietetics hands-on learning experiences. A few examples include working in:

• Food service organizations
• Dining facilities
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Community health organizations