Master of Science in Nutrition Diagnostics & Dietetic Internship

Master’s Degree Required

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 order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree.

Coursework & Supervised Practice Requirements

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). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited dietetic internship program at Cox College are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

Licensure Requirements

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.

Applicant Requirements

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Verfication Statement or Declaration of Intent to Complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
• A GPA of 3.0 preferred. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 are still encouraged to apply
• Cox College requires US Citizenship for admissions to the College.

Note: The GRE is not required

How to Apply

Cox College uses a centralized application system to accept student applications. To apply to our program, complete the following steps:  

• Visit the DICAS portal here to get started.
• Complete the four quadrants of the application. Key required elements of the application include the following:
  • • Background and demographic information
    • Coursework and transcripts
    • Supporting information, such as work experience, memberships, achievements, certifications, and signed DPD verification statement (or declaration of intent)
    • Cox College admissions materials, which include a personal statement, and three letters of recommentation.
• Add Cox College MND/DI and submit your application before the match date deadline of February 15th.

Selection Procedure

Selection of the successful applicants is made by a committee composed of the MND Chair, college faculty and internship preceptors who are RDs. Selection of the successful applicants is based on the committee’s assessment of the individual’s potential in the program and potential as a practicing dietitian. The committee will use grade point average (overall, science, MND/nutrition core courses), the personal statement, past work experience (employment in nutrition/dietetics in the past three (3) years is emphasized), and letters of recommendation as well as face to face or video conferencing interviews (conducted for students who are greater than 250 miles from Springfield) to make this assessment. Additional screening/evaluation pieces may be required and have associated fees. This selection process also follows the rules governing the computer matching process used by AND in cooperation with D&D Digital Systems.

• • • Note: Admission to the graduate program in the College does not grant a student admission to the program. ND program applications are reviewed by a selection committee after admission to the graduate program. Program appointments are awarded on a competitive basis through computer matching process used by AND in co-operation with D&D Digital Systems, Ames, IA. Following computer matching appointment, students must pass a criminal background check and drug screen.

Onboarding Requirements after Matching

After matching, the student will be required to complete several steps to get onboarded to the college system and complete the requirements for clinical sites. This is required before program start. We will email a comprehensive list of instructions of all requirements soon after our cohort is set. Requirements include (but are not exclusive) to the following:

• Completed application to the College
• Consent and disclosure form
• Satisfactory background check 
• Negative drug screen 
• Proof of immunizations 
• Submit final transcripts showing successful completion of your DPD degree program 
• Submit DPD verification statement  

The Cox College Nutrition Diagnostics MND plan of study is outlined below.  The program does not award credit for prior learning experiences including coursework and supervised practice hours. 

MND/DI 22 Month Plan of Study

The Nutrition Diagnostics Programs follow the Cox College academic calendar including scheduled breaks for Fall break, Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, and Spring break. The academic calendar is available here.

Our Mission

The Cox College Master’s in Nutrition Diagnostics/Dietetic Internship and Nutrition Diagnostics Dietetic Internship are dedicated to excellence in the preparation of competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists committed to serving their communities, their profession and to transforming the future of nutrition in healthcare.

Our Philosophy

To structure a learning environment to promote critical thinking and inquiry, self-improvement, self-reliance, collaboration and lifelong learning.

Goal #1 – Prepare graduates to become competent entry level dietitians

Goal #2 – Develop skill in the nutrition diagnostic approach to the practice of clinical nutrition

Goal #3 – Prepare graduates to effectively utilize current and pertinent scientific literature in practice as a clinical nutrition practitioner

Goal #4 – Support the need for clinical nutrition practitioners in southwest Missouri and the Midwest region.

Program outcomes data are available on request.

Successful Completion

The ACEND competencies reflect the minimal level of expertise the intern must achieve as stated in the Cox College Master’s in Nutrition Diagnostics/Dietetic Internship Student Handbook. In addition to the minimal level of expertise required by ACEND, satisfactory performance is required in the following if a student wishes to receive a verification statement and graduate degree from Cox College (verification statement granted upon completion of all of the criteria listed below):

• Satisfactory completion of all supervised practice rotations, as evaluated by MND/DI program director, college faculty and preceptors
• Attendance at all required internship/program meetings
• Satisfactory completion of all courses required in the MND/DI plan of study
• Graduate GPA of 2.7 or greater
• Successful completion of all CDRN and program-specific competencies
• Successful passing of Comprehensive Exams
• Completion of all other degree requirements

Successful completion of the program should equip the student with the skills and ability to apply the knowledge in nutrition and dietetics as measured by the Registration Examination for Dietitians. The graduate of Cox College’s Master’s in Nutrition Diagnostics/Dietetic Internship program is prepared to practice in multiple areas of dietetics, including food service systems management, therapeutic clinical practice, and normal and preventive nutrition in a variety of settings. The program concentration and Master’s in nutrition diagnostics will prepare the graduate for an emerging area of clinical practice.

This Dietetic Internship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and is designed to meet the eligibility requirements for the registration examination for dietitians. Education programs and supervised practice programs must be ACEND-accredited. Registered dietitian exam requirements are set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and include:

1. Completion of an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
2. Completion of an ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) (minimum of 1200 supervised practice hours)
3. Effective January 1, 2024, CDR will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the exam. 

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) 

Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400 

Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995 

Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend 

Cox College programs are accredited by the North Central Higher Learning Commission

Cox College’s Nutrition Diagnostics programs that include a dietetic internship will fulfill state educational requirements for professional licensure in the state of Missouri.  However, many states have adopted licensure laws and regulations specifying the minimum credentials required to (1) use various titles, such as "dietitian," "nutritionist," "licensed dietitian nutritionist" or "registered dietitian nutritionist" and (2) provide MNT or other dietetics and nutrition services. Other states take a less protective approach, such as regulating the practice of licensed RDNs and other nutrition service providers and offering licensees the ability to use certain protected titles.  Continuing education may also be required by some states for maintenance of certification/licensure.

Prior to enrolling in Nutrition Diagnostics programs, make sure you understand and review any additional requirements for your intended state/territory, should you plan to relocate after program completion at Cox College.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) provides information on licensure and professional regulation of dietitians here.

The Academy also maintains an active listing of individual states licensure information.  The State Licensure Agency Map and Contact List can be accessed here or by viewing its licensure spreadsheet here.

Our program uses technology to support and enhance learning. The online technical requirements for Cox College can be found here.