The Kent State University Master of Science/ Dietetic Internship Program is designed to provide interns with experience in:
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Clinical nutrition management
- Community dietetics
- Business
- Food service management
- Elective (U.S. or international option)
Throughout the program, interns are provided with the resources and experiences needed to develop the skills necessary to become competent Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Emphasis is placed on intellectual, technological, and professional development while fostering ethical and humanitarian values.
A wide variety of experiences are offered at
- Medical centers
- Community sites
- Food service operations
- Businesses
Clinical rotations are designed to provide hands-on experience in medical nutrition therapy, allowing interns to utilize knowledge of nutrition science, biological science and pathophysiology of disease gained in the classroom. Community experiences provide active participation in nutrition intervention in the outpatient setting, while enhancing the skills needed to practice in culturally and socially diverse environments. Business rotations enable interns to translate knowledge of management theories into practice. The dietetic interns actively participate in the supervision of food service delivery at a variety of settings in the Food Service Management rotations. Clinical Nutrition Management rotations foster the development and utilization of management practices in clinical settings. For the Elective experience, interns work with the internship director to create an individualized practice experience to fit their interest areas. The KSU Dietetic Internship Program received approval by ACEND, the accrediting body of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as of July 2015 for an International Elective Option, which would be an additional expense to the intern. Throughout the program, in both classes and professional practice experiences, emphasis is placed on identifying and utilizing nutrition resources and research for professional development.
The program is completed in 21 months and follows the Kent State University Academic Calendar. Interns are expected to complete both the Master of Science in Nutrition and the Dietetic Internship requirements. Upon completion of the 21-month program and all degree requirements, graduates will receive the verification statement documenting completion of the internship requirements and will be eligible to write the registration exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). In addition, program graduates will have completed the requirements for the Master of Science degree and will receive the Master of Science in Nutrition from the University. Attainment of the RDN credential also establishes the eligibility for licensure from the State Medical Board of Ohio. KSU intern graduates moving outside of Ohio will be advised to check with individual state licensure boards for RDN licensure requirements for that state.
Intern Requirements
Upon completion of the KSU 21-month Dietetic Internship Program, with a leadership concentration and all degree requirements, graduates will receive a verification statement documenting completion of the internship and will be eligible to complete the exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).
In addition, program graduates will have completed the requirements for the Master of Science degree. The Internship Program is developmentally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutritional Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.
Please Note: 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 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program at Kent State University are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
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.