The Master of Dietetics and Nutrition (MDN) is a 2-year clinical Masters program that seamlessly integrates didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning so that upon graduation, the student is eligible to sit for the National Registration Examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The curriculum includes all knowledge and practice skills required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and to obtain a license. With an emphasis on applied medical nutrition therapy, the MDN program employs competency-based education based on the accreditation standards of the Accreditation Council of Nutrition and Dietetics Education (ACEND) Future Education Model.
Students will begin the initial didactic coursework in dietetics and transition into a model of immersive clinical and didactic experiences. Students will complete a graduate project or case study as the final step toward earning a clinical Masters degree, upon completion of all program requirements.
The Master of Dietetics and Nutrition is a joint program of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and College of Education and Human Ecology. The college and school both have rich histories in dietetics education. Medical dietetics in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences was the first program in the United States, created in 1961, to provide coordinated instruction and clinical experiences. The Human Nutrition Dietetic Internship, in College of Education and Human Ecology, has offered interns high-quality training and a broad spectrum of opportunities in personalized nutrition counseling since 1989.
Program Handbook
Accreditation
The Master of Dietetics and Nutrition program is accredited by:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone: 800-877-1600
Program Details
The mission of The Ohio State University Master of Dietetics and Nutrition is a professional degree whose purpose is to produce graduates to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who practice high-quality entry-level practice and obtain advancement to positions of leadership and influence. Graduates will be prepared to think critically, engage in ethical decision-making, provide leadership for nutritional care, practice and manage in a variety of environments, function as active multidisciplinary team members, and continue professional development throughout life.
The MDN is an educational program within a land-grant university offering a liberal education in the field of dietetics supported by diverse faculty and practitioners. Together we are committed to providing a broad based education steeped in the science, arts and humanities; furnishing collaborative and interdisciplinary experiences in a variety of practice settings; and embracing new technology and standards in modeling professional practice.
Program Goal 1. The program will prepare graduates to be competent entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).
- Objective 1. At least 80% of students complete program requirements within three years (150% of planned program length).
- Objective 2. At least 90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- Objective 3. The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
- Objective 4. Employers of graduates will indicate a rating of "competent" for entry level practice for at least 90% of the graduates.
Program Goal 2. The program will prepare graduates to demonstrate a commitment to the dietetics profession.
- Objective 1. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- Objective 2. At least 70% of graduates report involvement in a professional organization.
- Objective 3. At least 80% of graduates will evaluate the program with a score of "very good" to "excellent" as having a structure that adequately prepared them academically and professionally for leadership positions.