Credentialing
Steps to Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Graduates of Grand Valley State University's AFN program are eligible for accredited supervised practice (dietetic internship) programs and coordinated graduate programs leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
AFN graduates seeking admission to a dietetic internship may participate in the online dietetic internship centralized application process (DICAS) to locate dietetic internships and coordinated graduate programs in dietetics, although not all programs (such as GVSU's Clinical Dietetics program) utilize the DICAS system.
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 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).
Although AFN courses may be offered using distance (online/hybrid) education, students must be present on campus for laboratories, some in-seat classes, and practicum placements. International students will require a student visa to be present in the U.S. to complete the program, as well as to complete supervised practice in a dietetic internship or coordinated graduate program for registered dietitian nutritionist credentialing exam eligibility. The program may not be eligible for international student visas, due to the percentage of hybrid and online coursework.
Please note that RDNs/NDTRs are required to be licensed/certified in some states, although Michigan does not currently require this. A complete listing of licensure/certification requirements by state can be found here: https://www.cdrnet.org/licensure