ACEND Accredited Dietetic Internship Program

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must have met all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before-12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree

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 Integrated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics program at Hunter College are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

In some states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. All U.S. states and territories with licensure and certification laws accept the RDN credential for state licensure and certification purposes. – Even though the Certified Dietitian Nutritionist (CDN) license in the state of New York is optional and not required in addition to the RDN certificate to practice, our students often tell us that their start date is pushed back if they don’t receive this certification. For more information about state licensure requirements, visit: https://www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure

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

Hunter’s Dietetic Internship program, within the Department of Nutrition and Public Health, is accredited by ACEND.

For more information on ACEND and accreditation, please contact:

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190 Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone (800)-877-1600-ext-5400
Email: acend@eatright.org
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

The Dietetic Internship Certificate Program runs from the first week of September through the end of May, which includes orientation, a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice, and a weekly dietetic internship seminar during the fall and spring semesters.

Time off for religious holidays/observances can be arranged according to the policy and procedures of the rotation facility and with the approval of the Dietetic Internship Director and the Intern’s preceptor. In addition, students may take up to 3 personal days which must be pre- approved by the Dietetic Internship Director and the Intern’s preceptor.

Note: Duration of the program may be subject to change based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in availability of rotation sites, absence or non-availability of preceptors, or failure of an intern to satisfactorily complete the work and/or time commitment for any rotation, which may result in a substantial delay in program completion.

Master of Science-Dietetic Internship Program

Students enrolled in the MS-DI Program must complete all of the requirements of the Dietetic Internship Certificate, which grants at total of 12 graduate credits along with an additional 24 graduate credits (8 courses) in our MS program. Completion of this 36 credit MS-DI program allows graduates to obtain the verification statement and become eligible to sit for the RDN exam. Students have the option to take these courses during the summer prior to the start of the DI, during the DI fall and spring rotations, and after completion of the DI.

DI Certificate Program

Individuals who have a verification statement from a DPD and have earned a master’s degree by a U.S. accredited college/university can complete the DI Certificate application at Hunter to complete the 12-credit certificate program.

You must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for admission. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Non-refundable $75 application fee. If you are currently a Hunter student and plan to apply to the program the following semester, your application fee may be waived.

Additional criteria may be required depending on the specific MS degree program for which you seek admission. Please review the Admission Requirements listed on the department’s website.

Assess and manage nutritional needs of patients with various medical conditions, provide dietary counseling, educate patients and families.

Salary Range: $72,000 – $114,000

Develop and manage healthy menus, educate kitchen staff and consumers on nutritional aspects of food, create recipes and cooking demonstrations.

Salary Range: $55,000 – $90,000

Analyze trends in food consumption, conduct research on food ingredients and nutrition, provide recommendations for product development and marketing.

Salary range: $58,000 – $95,000

Develop and deliver educational programs on nutrition and health, promote healthy lifestyles in communities, collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Salary Range: $42,000 – $78,000

Oversee food service operations, ensure compliance with dietary regulations, manage staff and budgets, develop nutritional policies and procedures.

Salary Range: $78,000 – $125,000

Write and edit content related to nutrition and health, conduct research, interview experts, create engaging and informative material for various audiences.

Salary Range: $45,000 – $90,000

Develop and implement public health programs to address nutrition-related issues, collaborate with policymakers, evaluate program effectiveness, advocate for healthy food policies.

Salary Range: $50,000 – $100,000

Conduct research on various aspects of nutrition and health, analyze data, publish findings in scientific journals, contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Salary Range: $55,000 – $120,000

Develop personalized nutrition plans for athletes, provide pre-competition, during-competition, and post-competition nutritional guidance, educate athletes on the importance of nutrition for optimal performance.

Salary Range: $48,000 – $100,000

Develop and implement wellness programs promoting healthy eating and lifestyle habits, provide nutritional counseling to employees or community members, track program participation and outcomes.

Salary Range: $50,000 – $85,000