Program Overview

The Clinical Dietetics coordinated graduate program is a five semester program which results in an awarded Master's of Science degree and a verification statement. Then, graduates are eligible to sit for the national registration examination to obtain their registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential.

The program provides the opportunity for students to build on their broad knowledge and attain deeper comprehension and skill in practice. Specialized knowledge allows RDNs to be more competitive in practice now and in the future. This is a benefit not only to the practitioner, but also for their patients and clients.

Why Study Clinical Dietetics at Grand Valley?

• Experiential learning in state-of-the-art facilities that includes simulation, nutrition assessment, standardized patients and culinary laboratories.
  
• Employment opportunities are expected to increase 15 percent by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Health care professionals with advanced degrees tend to attain a higher profile within their profession.
• By January 2024, a graduate degree and a verification statement will be required to be eligible to sit for the RDN registration examination.
  
• Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400.

Accreditation

The Coordinated Graduate Program at Grand Valley State University is now accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to take students! Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited coordinated graduate at Grand Valley State University are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students.

Location & Format

Classes for the program are a combination of online and in-seat on the GVSU Health Campus, near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile.

• Hybrid
• Online

Coursework

The curriculum consists of 52-55 credits that are hybrid - online with some in-seat meetings, simulation and culinary laboratory experiences. Supervised practice includes clinical, community, food management and area of specialization rotations located in Michigan and surrounding states.

• Nutritional assessment
• Advanced medical nutrition therapy I and II
• Food, culture, and health environment
• Food and culinary science
• Research methodology
• Health care regulation and policy
• Nutrition education, counseling, and coaching
• Master's research project or thesis

Application deadline is January 15 for fall admission or until all seats are filled. Visit gvsu.edu/grad/clinicaldiet and select Admissions Requirements for details. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.

Career Options

Program graduates with their RDN credential are employed in various settings such as clinical, outpatient counseling, community, food service, corporate, school systems, management/leadership, private practice, and sport/athletics.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the university requirements for admission, all students seeking a degree through Track A of the clinical dietetics, M.S. program must also meet the following requirements:

• Grade point average of 3.0 (B) from all undergraduate coursework or a satisfactory score on the GRE. You must submit official transcripts from all previous institutions
• Personal statement of career goals and background experiences, including an explanation of how this program will help achieve educational and professional objectives
• Recommendations: Two professional or academic recommendations received online, addressing the candidate's potential for graduate study completion. You will provide the emails of two references in your account at gvsu.edu/gradapply, and they will be sent a link to fill out for their online recommendation
• Personal interview
• Resume
• Verification statement from an ACEND accredited undergraduate program OR all prerequisite courses completed: General Biology, Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biological Chemistry* or Organic & Biochemistry*, Microbiology with Lab, Basic Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition* or Advanced Nutrition* or Medical Nutrition Therapy*, Community Nutrition, Nutrition in the Life Cycle, Food Production & Kitchen Management or Serve Safe Manager certification. *Class must be completed with a 2.7 (B-) or better.
• Successful completion of all Track A prerequisite courses

Helpful Links

• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• The Graduate School
• Clinical Dietetics Programs
• Health Professions Programs
• FAQ

For More Information

Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics
Jennifer Ford, MA, RDN
Assistant Professor and Program Director
500 Lafayette Avenue NE
Raleigh Finkelstein Hall, 420G
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
[email protected] | (616) 331-5529
gvsu.edu/grad/clinicaldiet