Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) engage people of all ages, cultures, health concerns, and socioeconomic levels to address a range of nutritional needs. RDNs are skilled health care professionals who apply the art and science of food and nutrition at individual, institutional, organizational, community, and population levels.
RIT’s Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition
This program, housed in the Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, has a dynamic curriculum addressing new connections between technology and health. In addition to meeting all competencies for entry-level practice as an RDN by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)–the leading accreditation body for programs in nutrition and dietetics–graduates demonstrate research expertise through the completion of a thesis that includes technology as an aspect of nutrition and dietetics practice.
Program faculty hold doctorates and are Registered Dietitian Nutritionists with professional expertise in a wide range of topics. Following graduation, you will be prepared to practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, universities, research facilities, food and pharmaceutical companies, public health organizations, government agencies, communication and marketing firms, professional sports organizations, commercial food service operations, and corporate well-being units. Completion of the MS degree in dietetics and nutrition meets the course work and supervised experiential learning requirements to sit for the Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist examination.
Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
The following are the steps necessary to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist:
- Successful completion of the MS in dietetics and nutrition degree requirements.
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Credentialing Exam for Dietitians.
In addition to the professional credential of the RDN, a majority of states currently have statutory provisions (licensure/certification) regarding professional regulation of dietitians and/or nutritionists. Information regarding statutes of individual states is provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Accreditation
Pre-Candidate Accreditation Statement
Rochester Institute of Technology has applied to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and is in the eligibility application process for accreditation candidacy for the MS in dietetics and nutrition.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics. These accreditation standards integrate didactic course work with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice.