Dietetic Internship Graduate Certificate Program

Dietetics intern talking to student-athlete about food and nutrition.

Be one step closer to RDN

Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) – an expert on food and nutrition.

This accredited certificate helps you get there. Build the training, experience and insight you need.

When you finish, you’re eligible to take the registration exam that helps you become an RDN.

Explore our program

Why complete your dietetic internship certificate at Missouri State?

Students paying attention in class.

Be prepared for the registration exam

Want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)? This nine-month program makes you eligible and ready for the final step in that process: the registration exam for dietitians.

Dietetics intern leading a food class.

Check out your career options

Our practicums place you at rural health clinics, hospitals, schools and other community groups. You can even go abroad.

Dietetics interns sitting at informational table during event.

Focus on your preferred area

Lead a new policy or improve health in a small town. When you start this certificate, you’ll choose a concentration area: public affairs or rural health.

Missouri State nutrition and dietetics professor Natalie Allen speaking to dietetics intern and student-athletes about food and nutrition.

Grow under expert support

Your professors give you one-on-one attention and guidance. They’re active in research, clinical practice and community outreach programs.


Take your education to the next level

As you complete this certificate, you'll meet the admission requirements for the nutrition and dietetics master's program. Having a master's degree increases your salary potential and career opportunities.

Out-of-state student? Lower tuition may be available

Full-time graduate students admitted to the nutrition and dietetics master's program who are not Missouri residents, may be eligible for the Missouri Outreach Graduate Opportunity (MOGO) Scholarship. This scholarship provides partial remission of out-of-state tuition.

Accreditation status

The Missouri State University Dietetic Internship certificate program has been granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Questions regarding dietetics education may be emailed to education@eatright.org. Information also is available on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

Accreditation contact info

Coming soon: Graduate degree requirement

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a graduate degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

In order to be approved for the registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, you must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before midnight on December 31, 2023.

For more information about this requirement, go to the CDR website.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information, review CDR’s state licensure requirements.

Stay connected with us

Dietetics news

Loading