What is the Coordinated Master's Program in Dietetics?
Program Description
The Coordinated Master’s Program in Dietetics is an in-person master’s program that provides students with a dietetics degree based on the scientific foundations of nutrition. Our program provides students with a path for building the abilities needed to understand evidence-based research, develop culturally responsible nutrition care, and promote leadership in the field of dietetics. The CMPD provides well-rounded coursework and supervised practice experience, by way of a dietetic internship, in Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, and Food Service Management, to prepare students for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) examination to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.
Accreditation Status
The Coordinated Master’s Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190 Chicago, IL 60606 (312-899-5400). Further information is available at Eatrightpro.org/ACEND.
Program Mission and Vision
The CMPD program mission is to prepare entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists for careers to improve the health of individuals and communities through optimal nutrition practices. The vision of the program is that all graduates will possess critical thinking skills to provide evidence-based nutrition care and education to individuals and groups.
Program Goals and Objectives
Goal 1 - The program will prepare graduates to provide evidence-based nutrition services to individuals and groups
Objective 1. Over a 3-year period, 100% of program graduates will have completed a nutrition-related research project.
Outcome Measure: Program Director will confirm completion of research project through review of departmental graduation records.
Objective 2. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
Outcome Measure: Program Director will confirm graduate place of employment through graduate survey and LinkedIn profiles.
Objective 3. Over a 3-year period, at least 80% of CMPD graduates will be considered “well prepared” by their employer for entry-level practice and provide evidence-based care and/or education in nutrition and dietetics or related fields.
Outcome Measure: Program Director will assess employer opinions of graduate preparation for entry-level practice via employer survey.
Goal 2 - The program will prepare graduates for successful completion of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) registration exam for dietitian nutritionists
Objective 1. At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within four years (150% of the program length).
Outcome Measure: Program Director will monitor students’ progress twice yearly through review of departmental graduate records.
Objective 2. At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
Outcome Measure: On a semi-annual basis, Program Director will compare Registration Examination for Dietitians reports from Pearson VUE to cohorts of recent program graduates.
Objective 3. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
Outcome Measure: On a semi-annual basis, Program Director will compare Registration Examination for Dietitians reports from Pearson VUE to cohorts of recent program graduates.
Objective 4. Upon completion of the Coordinated Master’s Program in Dietetics, at least 80% of graduates will “agree” or “strongly agree” that the program was effective in preparing them for the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists.
Outcome Measure: Program director will assess graduates’ opinions of exam preparation via graduate survey.
Program outcomes data is available upon request.
Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with the CMPD
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
In addition, the CDR requires that individuals also complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
The CMPD at Colorado State University provides you the opportunity to satisfy many of the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), including:
- ACEND accredited didactic program requirements
- Master’s degree requirement
- 1000 hours of supervised professional practice (accredited dietetic internship)
Upon graduation from the CMPD, students must then pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration registration examination for registered dietitian nutritionists.
In most states, graduates must also obtain licensure or certification to practice. The State of Colorado does not have licensure for dietitians/nutritionists. Information regarding state licensure in other states is available at: https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap
There are several paths to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), more information about these pathways is available at Eat Right Pro – 5 Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
What past CMPD graduates say about the program
- The CMPD program was integral in fostering my evolution from student to professional. Each internship rotation provided an immersive work experience allowing me to hone my skills as a dietitian under the direction of experienced dietitians in the field. The knowledge and connections gained during my internship directly resulted in job opportunities in clinical and community dietetics and nutrition counseling. Anne K., MS, RDN, Extension Specialist in Nutrition, Colorado State University
- The CMPD exposed me to the vast and unique world of dietetics opportunities. It allowed me to explore less traditional pathways where I could combine my personal and professional interests to find a fulfilling and impactful career that positively influences the health of Colorado communities. Rakia R., MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Nutrition Education, Nourish Colorado
- The CSU CMPD was pivotal in my education to become a dietitian. Not only did the coursework and internship teach me the clinical skills I needed to provide high quality nutrition care to patients, but they also gave me leadership experience I needed to progress into a management role. In my role today, I still think back to certain courses and certain experiences during my internship to help guide my decision making. Andrea L., MS, RDN, Clinical Nutrition Manager, Cheyenne VA Health Care System