About the Dietetic Internship

Kansas State University has a rich legacy of excellence in dietetics education, spanning more than a century. As one of the oldest and most respected programs in the nation, K-State has consistently provided the foundational coursework required to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). We take pride in our ability to evolve alongside the dynamic field of dietetics, preparing students to meet the ever-changing demands of healthcare and nutrition.

RDs are—and will continue to be—the leading experts in evidence-based practice and medical nutrition therapy. K-State’s commitment to innovation and quality education is reflected in the evolution of our programs. In 1970, we launched one of the first Coordinated Programs (CP) in the country, integrating academic coursework with supervised practice. Over 1,500 students graduated from the CP during its 50-year history.

In 1996, K-State pioneered the first online dietetics program, expanding access to students worldwide. For many years, we offered two accredited undergraduate pathways: the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), which focused on coursework, and the Coordinated Program (CP), which combined coursework with supervised practice.

In response to the profession’s shift toward requiring a master’s degree for entry-level RDNs beginning in 2024, K-State transitioned its undergraduate CP into a graduate-level Dietetic Internship (MSDI). Thanks to the strong foundation and partnerships built over decades, this transition was seamless. Today, we continue to offer our undergraduate DPD while elevating the supervised practice component into a subplan of the Master of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health. This structure allows students to efficiently progress from undergraduate studies into graduate-level supervised practice, preparing them for the Registration Examination for Dietitians in a timely and effective manner.

Accredited in 2023, the MSDI represents the next chapter in K-State’s legacy of leadership in dietetics education.

Our Philosophy

The K-State dietetics program is based on the belief that dietitians are uniquely qualified to provide the latest evidence-based information and guidance in nutrition, encompassing health promotion, clinical nutrition, and management of nutrition services and foodservice systems.

The faculty believes students must understand the importance of the following in dietetic practice:

Appropriate and timely decision-making based on knowledge, judgment and application of research;
Effective management of resources to achieve organizational goals;
Utilization of human relations techniques in attainment of objectives;
Demonstration of leadership in problem-solving and recognizing needs for future change;
Commitment to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics;
Assumption of responsibility for self-direction, evaluation, and continued personal and professional development; and,
Advocacy of sound nutrition practices enhancing the well-being of the public.

The MSDI at K-State strives to prepare graduates to become successful dietetic practitioners. Every effort is made to prepare students for professional practice in our service-oriented, information-based society. The importance of quality and service is emphasized, as client needs and expectations must be the central focus of innovative dietetics practice. Dietitians must use on-going self-evaluation, embark on lifelong learning, and adhere to a personal and professional code of ethics.

Credentialing and Careers in Dietetics

The requirements to become credentialed as a registered dietitian (RD) involve the following steps:

Coursework: Students must complete a degree which meets the ACEND Foundation Knowledge Requirements (KRDs).
**The Bachelor of Science in Dietetics offered by Kansas State includes coursework that meets these requirements.
Graduate Level Coursework: As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become an RD.
**The K-State Master of Science Dietetic Internship (MSDI) combines the graduate level academic requirements and the supervised practice requirements into one program.
Supervised Practice: Students are required to complete a supervised practice experience in an ACEND accredited program. The supervised practice occurs after the didactic coursework and must provide a minimum of 1,000 hours of learning experience.
**The K-State Master of Science Dietetic Internship (MSDI) combines the graduate level academic requirements and the supervised practice requirements into one program.
Credentialing Exam: Once coursework and supervised practice experiences are complete, graduates are eligible to sit for the national Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists. This national examination is administrated by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Successful completion of this exam allows the individual to use the initials RD after their name, indicating that they are credentialed as a Registered Dietitian.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Professional licensure for dietitians varies by state. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

Registered Dietitians work in various settings including hospitals and other health-care facilities, community/public health programs, nonprofits, food and nutrition-related business and industries, and research. You can learn more about credentialing and career possibilities here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Mission Statement

Program Goals and Objectives

As an ACEND-accredited program, the Kansas State University MSDI follows a comprehensive Program Evaluation Plan (PEP) to ensure ongoing achievement of program goals and objectives. Each objective is assessed at least annually, and the results are reviewed by the Dietetics Program Leadership Team and the Dietetics Program Advisory Committee.

These reviews inform both short- and long-term strategies for program improvement, incorporating feedback from, interns, preceptors, and graduates. The goal is to continuously enhance program operations and curriculum to meet evolving professional standards and student needs.
Program Goal #1: Program graduates will be successful on the RD exam and in obtaining entry-level employment in the field of dietetics.

Objectives:

At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 5 years (150% of planned program length). (RE 2.1.c.1.a)
Of graduates who seek employment, at least 75 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. (RE 2.1.c.1.b)
At least 80 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion. (RE 2.1.c.1.c.1)
The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. (RE 2.1.c.1.c.2)

Program Goal #2: Program graduates will be prepared to function within the RD scope of practice to meet clients’ food and nutrition needs.

Objectives:

At least 80% of employers responding to surveys will rate their satisfaction with the graduate’s preparation for entry-level professional practice as “meets expectations” or “exceeds expectations”. (RE 2.1.c.1.d)
At least 80% of employers responding to surveys will rate graduates’ ability to utilize evidence-based information to meet consumer needs as “meets expectations” or “exceeds expectations”.
At least 80% of employers responding to surveys will rate graduates’ ability to demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior as “meets expectations” or “exceeds expectations”.
At least 80% of employers responding to surveys will rate graduates’ teamwork and collaboration to meet consumer needs as “meets expectations” or “exceeds expectations”.
At least 80% of program graduates responding to surveys will “agree” or “strongly agree” that their educational experience prepared them for entry-level professional practice.
At least 80% of preceptors responding to surveys will “agree” or “strongly agree” that students are prepared for entry-level practice.

Note: Program outcomes data are available upon request.

Please contact the MSDI Director, Dr. Kelly Whitehair.