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Requirements to become a Registered Dietitian

To be eligible for a Dietetic Internship, ACEND accredited DPD coursework and a DPD verification statement are required.

To be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration Exam, the following is required:

• ACEND accredited supervised practice
• A minimum of a master’s degree
• Dietetic Internship Verification statement

The OHIO MSDI program provides interns all required elements to apply to take the entry-level registration examination for Dietetics (the accredited supervised practice experience, Master of Science degree and the internship verification statement).

provides additional details on the requirements and process to become a Registered Dietitian.

State Licensure

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. 

• Registered dietitians in Ohio are required to be licensed to practice dietetics. Ohio state licensure is under the .
• If you plan to practice in another state, the provides additional state licensure information.

Academic Calendar

The OHIO MSDI program follows the ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Academic Calendar for all graduate classes.

• Interns do not have graduate classes during university breaks or official University holidays.
• MSDI supervised practice rotation schedules are independent of the ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Academic Calendar. Interns are expected to work when their preceptors are working, which may include some weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• The OHIO MSID orientation begins approximately 7-10 days prior to the official start of fall classes.
• Rotation schedules are provided on a semester-by-semester basis.
• Interns are not in rotations the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday of Thanksgiving week or December 23 – January 1^st.

Intern Onboarding

Prior to starting the internship, students must pass a background check and a drug screen.  All interns must provide proof of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), current Flu vaccine and complete an approved tuberculosis (TB) test. Some sites require COVID-19, Hepatitis B, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) and Varicella. Interns are responsible for these onboarding costs.

Prior Learning Credit

Interns can apply for prior learning credit by submitting a Prior Learning and Competence Portfolio. Information on this process is provided at orientation. Prior learning credit is limited to 300 hours total, however most interns are awarded approximately 120 hours. No CRDNs will be met through prior learning credit. If potential interns would like their Prior Learning and Competence Portfolio reviewed prior to acceptance into the program, please contact Kim Orben (orben@ohio.edu)

Financial Aid

Students enrolled in the MSDI program are eligible for loan deferments, financial aid and scholarships. Additional financial aid and loan deferment information is available on the Student Financial Aid & Scholarships page. Limited Graduate Assistantship positions may also be available for dietetic interns and are awarded on a competitive basis.

Recent Scholarships awarded to MSDI Alumni:

• Mary Lyell Rogers Memorial Scholarship (2018)
• Margaret Hagerman Dietetics/ Nutrition Scholarship (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
• MSDI Scholarship (2021, 2022, 2025)

Technology Requirements

All courses and rotations have elements that involves technology. This may include, but is not limited to, e-mail, Microsoft 365 applications, and Canvas learning management system. All interns must have a laptop computer capable of running these applications and access to a reliable internet connection.

Transportation Requirements

All interns are required to have a safe and reliable car for transportation to and from internship sites. Mandatory insurance requirements for the state of Ohio are available on the . 

Discrimination & Sexual Harassment

ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ is committed to promoting and supporting a workplace and educational environment where healthy and respectful conduct is the cultural norm. In support of this commitment, ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ethnicity, national origin, national ancestry, sex, status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military service, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or genetic information. ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ’s Equal Employment and Educational Opportunity Policy (40.001) and Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct Policy (03.004) detail prohibited conduct. Should any member of the campus community experience discrimination or harassment based on a protected class status, including sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct, or retaliation due to a protected disclosure or activity, they are asked to contact the Director of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator. Civil Rights Compliance provides links to policies and reporting forms.

Resources Available to Students

ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ resources are available to assist in the promotion of  student success:

• OhioHealth Campus Care
• Counseling and Psychological Services
• The Academic Achievement Center (AAC)
• Alden Library
• Career Services
• The Writing Commons
• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
• Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Student Accessibility Services
• ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Police Department
• Dean of Students
• Student Health Insurance
• Student Travel Registration 

Estimated Program Costs

Note: These estimated costs are for the entire program and include the costs for all 3 semesters of the program.

* Tuition rates reflect tuition at time of publication, current tuition and fees are available on the Office of the Bursar’s website under Athens Graduate Tuition.