Frequently Asked Questions About a Registered Dietitian

What is meant by Registered Dietitian?

The term Registered Dietitian (RD) is a credential that can be used only by individuals who have completed the following requirements:

  • Academic requirements from an American Dietetic Association (ADA) approved Didactic Program in Dietetics such as at Michigan State University

  • Minimum of a baccalaureate degree from a US regionally accredited college or university such as MSU.

  • Supervised practice experience from an American Dietetic Association accredited or approved program (Accredited Dietetic Internship or Accredited Coordinated Dietetic Program)

  • Successfully pass the national Registration Examination for Dietitians

When I receive my BS degree in Dietetics from Michigan State University, will I be a Registered Dietitian?
NO. Completion of an ADA Approved Didactic Program in Dietetics, such as at MSU, is only the first step required to become a Registered Dietitian.

The second step, completion of an accredited/approved supervised practice experience program follows completion of the didactic program and the minimum of a bachelor's degree. See the following description of these programs.

Students need to be aware that receiving an appointment to a supervised practice experience program is competitive, and there are NO guarantees that any one student will receive an appointment.

The third and final step to become a RD is successfully passing the national Registration Exam for Dietitians.


Types of Supervised Practice Experience Programs?
You must complete a supervised practice program in dietetics that has been approved or accredited by ADA. There are currently two types of supervised practice experience programs:

  • Accredited Dietetic Internship

  • Accredited Coordinated Program

What is an Accredited Dietetic Internship ?
An Accredited Dietetic Internship provides a minimum of 900 hours of supervised practice. Programs follow completion of at least a baccalaureate degree and ADA minimum academic requirements. Some programs may be part-time, with supervised practice at a minimum of 20 hours per week, and maybe completed within a two-year period.

What is a Coordinated Program?
A Coordinated Program provides for the integration of academic requirements with supervised practice within an academic program. Each program is accredited by The American Dietetic Association and culminates in a minimum of a Baccalaureate degree. These programs provide for the achievement of knowledge and performance requirements through an integrated program. Typically, students must apply to a Coordinated Program after reaching junior status, and the number of students accepted is limited. MSU does not have a Coordinated Program. Some Coordinated Programs accept students who have already completed a baccalaureate degree prior to the Coordinated Program.