Department of Nutrition

The steps to become an RDN are:

1. Receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program (DPD programs are one way to receive a verification statement)
2. Apply for and complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice dietetic internship or Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway program
3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Please visit https://www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/become-an-rdn-or-dtr/high-school-students/5- steps-to-become-a-registered-dietitian-nutritionist for more information.

Students enrolled in the MS in HND program are not required to pursue becoming an RDN. Career opportunities for non-RDN nutrition professionals do exist. However, students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss the option of becoming an RDN and how the RDN vs non-RDN pathway could impact their future career. To schedule an advising session, please email nutrition@msudenver.edu or call 303-615-0990.

Students with a prior Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement can apply for Dietetic Internships prior to starting or finishing the MS in HND program. Students without a prior DPD verification statement who are pursuing the MS in HND program with the DPD option, can apply to dietetic internships during the last semester of their studies.

For further questions, please email us at gradnutrition@msudenver.edu.

Most Dietetic Internship programs cost money to complete. Students are paying for an experiential learning opportunity while enrolled in a Dietetic Internship program. Costs for Dietetic Internships approximately range from $5,000-$50,000, depending on location, completion of a master's degree along with the internship, etc. Dietetic Internships tied to graduate credit are eligible for financial aid to cover expenses.

Further, it should be noted that most Dietetic Internships are full-time programs which require the student to complete rotations in the field on a full-time, 40 hour a week, basis. Students are not paid for this time.

Dietetic Internships are therefore, unpaid experiences that have a cost. The Department of Nutrition can help you determine strategies for overcoming cost barriers associated with the Dietetic Internship. To schedule an appointment with an advisor to speak more about this, call 303-615-0990 or email nutrition@msudenver.edu. 

Full-time Dietetic Internships typically range from 6-12 months. Part-time Dietetic Internships typically range from 1-2 years in length.

The Department of Nutrition offers many resources for students as they prepare for applying to Dietetic Internships including:

• Individual advising sessions with faculty and staff to review internship application materials (application, resume, personal statement, etc.)
• Workshops to discuss the application process