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.
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.
The Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) administers the national registration examination and continuing education process completed by dietitians post-exam.
To earn the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential, individuals must complete the following steps:
- Earn a Master’s Degree and Complete Required Coursework
Complete a minimum of a master’s degree from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution (or foreign equivalent), along with coursework through an ACEND-accredited program (Didactic, Coordinated, Graduate, or International). - Complete Supervised Practice
Fulfill the required supervised practice through an ACEND-accredited program (Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program, Graduate Program, or Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway). - Pass the National Registration Examination
Successfully pass the national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). More information can be found on the CDR website. - Meet State Licensure or Certification Requirements
Many states, including Kansas, require licensure or certification to practice.- All U.S. states and territories with licensure laws accept the RDN credential.
- In Kansas, RDNs must also obtain state licensure.
- Kansas licensure information and application forms can be found at KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing website.
- For licensure requirements in other states, visit the CDR State Licensure Directory
- Maintain Credential Through Continuing Education
After earning the RDN credential, dietitians must complete continuing education to stay current with research, guidelines, and best practices.
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 from ACEND.
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The K-State Dietetic Internship will prepare graduates to be entry-level Registered Dietitians who apply evidence-based practice to provide food and nutrition products and services to meet the needs and support the well-being of those we serve.
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 interns complete program requirements within 1.5 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.