The Masters/Dietetic Internship at WVU Hospitals is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics accrediting agency for educational programs. Completing an accredited undergraduate program, graduate program, and dietetic internship is required to be eligible to take the registration examination to become a registered dietitian, effective Jan. 1, 2024. The examination requirements are set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The program is currently accredited through June 30, 2026.

To become a registered dietitian nutritionist, a path of higher education is a must, as well as a dietetic internship from an ACEND-accredited program and passing the national registration examination. The pathway listed below is a common route many traditional students take, but it is not the only path to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

https://www.eatright.org/become-an-rdn

How Do I Become an RDN?
To become a registered dietitian nutritionist, you will need to:

  1. Complete a minimum of a master’s degree granted by a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency or foreign equivalent, and coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited Didactic, Coordinated, Graduate or International program.
  2. Complete required supervised practice/experience through an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program, Graduate Program, or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway offered through an ACEND-accredited program.
  3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR’s website.
  4. Meet requirements to practice in your state. Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes.
  5. Stay up-to-date in dietetics through continuing education. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices.

Dietetics education programs in colleges and universities are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics — or ACEND. As an accrediting agency, ACEND makes sure that students preparing for careers as RDNs are getting the education they need to qualify for taking the national RDN exam.

There are several kinds of accredited dietetics education programs — each offering a different experience and “pathway” to RDN eligibility. Search the ACEND accredited program directory to find an accredited dietetics education program.

Accreditation
Accreditation is necessary because dietetics is a unique profession of such complexity and benefit to the health of the population that it requires a defined educational process based on national standards. ACEND is responsible for setting the national standards for what dietetics students are taught, and for evaluating, recognizing, and publishing a list of education programs that meet these standards.

ACEND accreditation is important to students because:

  • The ACEND educational standards are developed and accepted by practicing dietetics and nutrition professionals nationwide.
  • It means that the programs will provide the knowledge, skills, and/or competencies you need for entry into the dietetics profession.
  • Only graduates from an accredited/approved academic program are able to apply for accredited dietetic internships leading to the registered dietitian exam.
  • Only graduates from an accredited dietetic internship or coordinated program are able to take the registered dietitian exam.

In short, ACEND accreditation signifies quality education for your chosen profession.

(Information courtesy of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)

Accredited Dietetic Internship Program
WVU Hospitals Master’s/Dietetic Internship Program provides for the achievement of performance requirements for entry-level dietitians through 1199 hours of supervised practice and the completion of the exam requirements as set forth by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The program follows completion of an accredited didactic program in dietetics through ACEND and a master’s degree. (Information from the Commission on Dietetic Registration website)

Licensure for Registered Dietitians
As per West Virginia Code, § 30-35-1 (a), “anyone who represents or implies to the public by use of the title ‘dietitian’ or ‘licensed dietitian’ or any other title intended to convey the impression that he or she is authorized to practice dietetics in this state must be licensed.”

See the West Virginia licensure website for information on becoming a provisional licensed dietitian once you have a verification statement from an accredited dietetic internship/coordinated program or licensure if you are already a registered dietitian wanting to practice in the state of West Virginia.

Licensure in other states

https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap

The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and state licensure boards are separate entities. Questions related to licensure must be directed to the credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioner’s specific state licensure board or state agency.

Practice Tips: CDR Certification vs State Licensure: What is the Difference? explores the nuances between the CDR certification – the RDN credential, and state licensure.
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