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.

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. Students will study nutritional assessment, advanced medical nutrition therapy, food and culinary science, research methodology, healh care regulation and policy, nutrition education, counseling, adn coaching, and will include a research project or thesis.

Experiential learning in state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation, nutrition assessment, standardized patients, and culinary laboratories, is a key component of this program. Employmenet opportunities are expected to increase 15 percent by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and healthcare 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.

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, located at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-5400.

College of Health Professions
School 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

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.