Clinical Dietetics, M.S.
Clinical dietetics is a systematic approach to treating medical conditions, complex disease processes and their associated symptoms through medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) uses and applies advanced nutrition knowledge, MNT, and the nutrition care process to promote health and prevent disease.
Visit the program website for more information.
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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.
- As of January 2024, a graduate degree and verification statement
are required to be eligible to sit for the registration examination
for the RDN credential.
- 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.
Application Deadlines
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.
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.
Format:Coursework
The hybrid curriculum consists of 52-55 credits with classroom, 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
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
For general requirements for graduate admission, visit Grand Valley State University’s admission section of the online catalog.
Admission into the clinical dietetics program has additional requirements, which are available on this page.
If you have additional questions, please contact our graduate admissions office.
Helpful Links
For More Information
College of Health ProfessionsSchool of Interdisciplinary Health
Clinical Dietetics
Clinical Dietetics Coordinated Graduate Program
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