3 Program Tracks
for aspiring or practicing RDNs
Online Program
with coordinated internship placements
Program Information
In response to the dietetics industry requiring a master's degree for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) roles by 2024, Viterbo University has been granted approval to offer an online Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics degree. This master degree offers three tracks designed to support the profession.
30-credit hour pathway for the current RDs to advance their expertise and scope of practice.
Dual M.S. degree with a Dietetic Internship for those entering from a didactic Nutrition program. Students who have already graduated from a didactic program in dietetics can also opt to only apply for the Dietetic Internship program. Candidates select from two pathways: a Non-Thesis Clinical (48 credits) or a Thesis (39 credits) emphasis.
63-credit hour direct entry to initial RDN practice track combines the coursework with the dietetic coordinated internship necessary to be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. Since the master’s coursework is fully online, students can complete their coordinated internship anywhere in the country.
Questions about admissions?
Reach out to Magdalen Kellogg with questions mekellogg@viterbo.edu, 608-796-3028
Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - Initial RDN License Prep/Direct Entry
This 63 credit hour pathway is designed for students that require foundational coursework to become a registered dietitian. Further, students will obtain advanced nutrition skills through graduate coursework with an emphasis in their particular area of interest. In addition, this track includes supervised practice, providing students with all experiences needed to take the registration exam to become a registered dietitian.
Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - Dual Master’s with Dietetic Internship
This pathway is designed for students with a degree from an accredited DPD program. Students will complete a dietetic internship and also further their nutritional knowledge and skills through graduate-level coursework. Students will have the option of numerous electives in order to cater their degree to their particular area of interest. Dual Master’s and Dietetic Internship students can choose from a non-thesis clinical focus (48 credits) or a thesis track (39 credits). The clinical focus provides intensive supervised practice hours for students wanting additional patient care experience. The thesis track meets accreditation requirements for supervised practice hours while providing students with experience working one-on-one with a research advisor and conducting their own research.
Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - RDNs
This 30 credit hour pathway was designed to support dietetic/nutrition professionals with the advanced skills, knowledge and behaviors to grow within the field. This is an evidence-based program placing emphasis on disease prevention and management, while offering electives that allow you to focus in areas such as sports nutrition, a systems approach to obesity, nutrigenomics, or one that accentuates your current work. The variety of electives, and subsequent research project, offer you the flexibility to enhance your current practice or develop the expertise in a specific area of personal interest.
Dietetic Internship
Viterbo's Dietetic Internship is open to students who have completed the knowledge requirements as defined by the 2017 Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics' Standards of Education as part of a DPD program and who have completed a bachelor's degree.
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Brooklyn Seiler—Her Future in Focus
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Sarah Prill—Fueling for the Long Run
Sarah Prill has always been interested in foods and cooking, but it was cross-country running in high school that got her focused on nutrition.
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Delany Horton ’18
R.D., Clark County Rehab and Living Facility
The coordinated dietetics program really taught us to learn and to jump in and out of new experiences all the time, so transitioning to my new position here was significantly easier than I had thought It would be.”
Alysaa (Keister) Milsap ’13
R.D., C.D., Edelweiss Behavioral Health LLC
I truly feel that my education from Viterbo prepared me for my career as a dietitian. The various positions I hold demand that I use a variety of knowledge and skills, and Viterbo did an exceptional job of preparing me to do so.”
Angela Riederer
Senior Dietetics Student
The nutrition and dietetics program at Viterbo has been challenging and enjoyable. The faculty pushes me to succeed and are always encouraging. Through the many projects I have completed, I have improved my public speaking and leadership skills. I have also gained great friends through the program that share my passion for health and wellness.”
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Faculty
Kelsey
McLimans
Graduate Program Director, Accelerated Coordinated Masters of Dietetics
Assistant Professor
Nutrition and Dietetics
Maria
Morgan-Bathke
Director, Dietetic Internship Program
Associate Professor
Nutrition and Dietetics