College of Health Sciences
MS/ DI Integrated Nutrition
The University of Memphis MS Integrated Nutrition combined with dietetic internship is an ACEND accredited, intensive 12 month curriculum combined with supervised experiential learning. All requirements to fulfill both the MS and dietetic internship (DI), must be completed before graduation. The program begins in late May of the first year and finishes the following May. The program is a minimum of 39 credit hours. The didactic curriculum focuses on preparing you for progression through supervised experiential learning to prepare you for a role as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in a variety of areas of practice including clinical, community,women’s health, pediatrics, corporate wellness and more! The supervised experiential learning ( internship / rotations) aspect of the program focuses primarily on adult nutrition, however we also have specialty elective focus tracks in pediatrics, sports, community, corporate wellness, collegiate nutrition or clinical nutrition at a variety of healthcare sites throughout the Memphis area. An applied project (outcomes based) is required for program completion along with successful completion of all ACEND dietetic internship competencies.
Rotations start at the same time as your first semester of classes. Our courses are provided online and in-person (hybrid). You will complete 1 day of course work in person usually each week and then spend the remainder of your time completing up to 30 hours of supervised experiential learning in a practice setting located within the greater Memphis area. By completion of the program you will have completed over 1000 hours of supervised practice as well as the completion of the MS degree. You will have been prepared to work as an entry level RDN and you will receive a dietetic internship Verification Statement. You will have everything needed to prepare you to successfully take and pass the RDN exam!
The State of Tennessee requires RDNs be licensed, as do most other states. While state interpretations of statutes may vary , it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND- accredited academic program alone does not qualify and individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state’s licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found HERE.
You will be given instructions about licensure prior to graduation. If you are unable
to complete the program in 16 months, extensions may be granted.
To view the University's Academic Calendar, please visit the USBS webpage. For a timeline of our program, click here.
The Credentialing Process to Becoming a Registered Dietitian
1. Completion of a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a U.S. regionally-accredited university or college and DPD coursework approved the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).*
2. Completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency or a foodservice corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate students. The University of Memphis Integrated Nutrition Master's Program /Dietetic Internship is an ACEND accredited supervised practice program.
3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
4. Complete 75 hours continuing professional educational requirements every five years to maintain registration.
*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). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited [program type] program at [Institution name] are eligible to [apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program/apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN].
Accreditation
The University of Memphis MS/DI integrated nutrition program is fully accredited by ACEND through Dec. 31, 2031.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered.
ACEND® can be contacted by:
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Phone: 800/877.1600, ext. 5400
Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL, 60606-6995
ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Title IV gatekeeper for ACEND accredited free-standing Dietetic Internship programs located in hospitals, county boards of health, other health facilities and school systems. This recognition affirms that ACEND meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs. USDE can be contacted by:
Phone: 1.800.USA.LEARN (1.800.872.5327)
Mail: U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, D.C., 20202
The ACEND accredited free-standing dietetic internship program and its governing organization/institution may use ACEND accreditation to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs of the Higher Education Act as amended. For DT, DPD, CP and GP programs which are located in higher education institutions, ACEND may not be used to establish Title IV eligibility. Title IV does not apply to programs outside the U.S. or its territories.