Master’s Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) Programs

What is an RDN?

• RDNs are food and nutrition experts who work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, private practice, community and public health settings, sports nutrition, corporate wellness, business and industry, university and medical centers, and research. RDNs have a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program, have completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, have passed a national exam, and continue professional development throughout their career. They can also obtain specialty credentialing in areas such as gerontology, sports, pediatrics, renal, and oncology. Many states also offer licensure for practicing in that state. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics webpage for additional details. 

Employment Prospects

• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified a 7% (faster than average) growth rate in the field from 2022-2032. Texas is one of the top 5 employers of Dietitians and Nutritionists with just over 8000 Registered Dietitians in the state out of over 100,000 nationally. (CDR Registry Statistics). Salary ranges can vary based on geographic location, education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Wage statistics are available from the following sources:
  • Median $70,000/year (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
  • Median $66,450/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics-2022)
  • Median $68,577/year (com-2024)
  • Texas Median $67,629/year (Glassdoor-2024)

• Completion of  an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
• Completion of a minimum of a graduate degree granted by a United States Department of Education (USDE) recognized accrediting agency (or foreign equivalent)
• Completion of an ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship (DI)
• Pass the national board examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information regarding the Registration Examination for Dietitians, refer to www.cdrnet.org.
• Texas also has a state license that many employers require. To obtain licensure, the applicant must hold an active registration from the CDR. Completion of the TWU MS/DI meets the requirements necessary to obtain licensure in the state of Texas. Refer to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website for additional information. For more information about state licensure requirements visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration at www.cdrnet.org/licensure.
• You can find all ACEND accredited DPD programs on the ACEND Program Directory
• Other pathways to become a Registered Dietitian are available. See details on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics webpage or the CDR webpage
  

International students are welcome to apply! We recommend following the ACEND Internship Student Checklist to ensure all criteria are met. Please also visit the TWU Graduate Catalog for International Students and the International Admissions Webpage

• CDR, ACEND, and the TWU Graduate School require foreign undergraduate transcripts to be evaluated by an approved foreign degree evaluation agency. Please ensure the agency that you choose is on both lists for approval.
  • World Education Services (WES) is one of the most common
• For admission into a Dietetic Internship (such as ours at TWU), you will first need a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement
  •  Connect with a DPD Director to find out their process on transcript reviews to provide guidance on remaining course requirements and timeline to completion to obtain a DPD Verification Statement
  • We have a DPD on the Denton campus for those who are located in the central Texas area or are able to relocate. For those unable to relocate, you can find a full list of DPD programs on the ACEND Program Directory.
  • There are a number of in-person and online DPD opportunities available to meet all varieties of learning needs.
  • Once you have obtained the DPD Verification Statement or an Intent to complete the DPD program, you may then qualify to apply to the TWU Dietetic Internship.