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Dr. Kiran C. Patel
College of Osteopathic Medicine

NSU's Professional Practice Concentration — also known as the MS-RDN program — prepares students for entry-level careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists through an ACEND-accredited graduate program that meets all requirements for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam. External candidates apply through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS) for locations in Davie/Fort Lauderdale or Tampa Bay/Clearwater. Student cohorts begin once a year in the summer semester.

High Demand Career

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% employment growth for dietitians and nutritionists from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the national average — with a median annual salary of $73,850 as of May 2024. The MS-RDN Professional Practice Concentration is the only track within NSU's M.S. in Nutrition by which students may become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. The program brings together students from varied academic and professional backgrounds to develop collaborative, interprofessional practice skills alongside clinical nutrition competencies. All coursework meets the professional competency and experiential learning requirements of ACEND Graduate Degree Programs (GP).

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Program Logistics

The MS-RDN program selects a limited number of students on an annual basis. Applicants indicate their campus preference at the time of application through DICAS. Offers of admission are subject to seat availability in the Fort Lauderdale or Tampa Bay Regional locations. Students begin classes online at the start of each summer semester and are required to attend in-person events during their first term. As a residential, hybrid program, students must live within a 2-hour drive of their designated campus to fulfill onsite programming and supervised practice requirements.”

Program Overview 

The MS-RDN Professional Practice Concentration requires 67 semester credits, delivered through a hybrid format combining online synchronous classes with regular onsite labs and practicum training. The coordinated curriculum covers a variety of nutritional and behavioral sciences, as well as professional development, interprofessional leadership, counseling, and research. All students take the Applied Nutrition Capstone as a culminating project near the end of the program. Students have up to four years to complete the program. A detailed schedule of the coursework and supervised experiential learning is available at the bottom of this page.

The MS-RDN program coordinates all educational affiliations — students are not required to find their own preceptors or training sites. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates qualify to meet Florida licensure requirements and sit for the national Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam.

Learn More About the M.S.-RDN Program

Special Notice for 2026-27 Admissions Cycle

External applicants are required to apply through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS). This platform streamlines the application process and facilitates document verification.

While applications are processed on a rolling basis, the program will adhere to the following dates for application reviews and candidate decisions:

Deadline

Candidate Decision Issued

Candidate Acceptance Due

October 15

November 1

November 15

February 15

March 1

March 15

April 15

April 22 – Approximately

April 27 – Term Start

 

Come to a Virtual Open House

NSU hosts regular Virtual Open House sessions for prospective MS-RDN students. These free online events are an opportunity to meet faculty, ask questions about the curriculum, admissions process, and DICAS application, and get expert tips for a competitive application.

New session dates are announced throughout the year. To be notified of upcoming Virtual Open House dates, contact Cal Futterman, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions, at (954) 514-0265 or Cf1095@nova.edu.

 

Nutrition and Dietetics Profession

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is the accrediting agency for educational programs to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Accreditation is necessary to ensure that the education and training received by students meet quality assurance standards and ensure that students from an accredited program have been taught the same foundational knowledge requirements. See the ACEND website for more details on this process.

Also, many states regulate the practice of nutrition and dietetics profession. It is important that you know the requirements and implications of your future practice. 

 

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Credential

The professional practice of nutrition and dietetics applies the science of food and nutrition to the health and well-being of individuals and groups. Dietitians are health professionals who translate the science and art of nutrition and food into caring for people's health and well-being. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a food and nutrition expert who has met minimum academic and professional requirements and who has passed the Registration Examination for Dietitians, which is administered by The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Please note that as of January 1, 2024, candidates seeking to take the certification examination for registered dietitians must have at least a master's degree, professional training, and other program elements to qualify. Read more here.

NSU's MS-RDN program publishes the following mission, program goals, and measurable outcomes in accordance with ACEND accreditation standards.

Program Mission

The mission of the professional practice concentration (RDN) is to provide innovative education and training to effectively prepare competent, entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who collaboratively lead nutrition practice to enhance human health and quality of life in the communities they serve.

Program Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Prepare practitioners who can deliver quality nutritional care that is based on academic standards for entry-level dietitians and current research.

Objectives:

  • Program Completion: At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
  • Graduate Employment: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • Registration Exam: At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion. 
  • Registration Exam: The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
  • Employer Satisfaction: 80% of employers who return surveys rate the level of graduates' preparation for entry-level practice at 4 or higher (on a scale from 1 to 5, 5 is the highest).
  • Program Specific: At least 80% of program graduates surveyed after one year report their level of preparation for entry-level practice at 4 or higher (on a scale from 1 to 5, 5 is the highest).

Goal 2: Prepare graduates who champion service to the community and profession through active roles in leadership and interprofessional practice.

Objectives:

  • Program Specific: At least 80% of program graduates surveyed after one year report active involvement in their communities or profession.
  • Program Specific: At least 80% of graduates surveyed after one year report their overall level of preparation to work in interprofessional teams at 4 or higher (on a scale from 1 to 5, 5 is the highest).

Program outcomes are available upon request.

Nova Southeastern University's Master of Science in Nutrition, Professional Practice Concentration is granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) as a Future Graduate Program through December 31, 2029. Graduates of this designated track will be eligible candidates for the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Interested parties may learn more by contacting the program director at iscripa@nova.edu

Contact information for ACEND

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 800-877-1600 X 5400
Email: ACEND@eatright.org

www.eatright.org/acend

Nova Southeastern University's Master of Science in Nutrition, Professional Practice Concentration is granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) as a Future Graduate Program through December 31, 2029. Graduates of this designated track will be eligible candidates for the Commission on Dietetic Registration .

Interested parties may learn more by contacting the program director at spetrosky@nova.edu .

Contact information for ACEND:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 800-877-1600 X 5400
Email: ACEND@eatright.org 
URL: www.eatright.org/acend

For the incoming class of 2026, students must successfully complete 67 semester credits to complete the ACEND requirements and earn a verification statement.

Summer Year 1 (11 credits)

NUT 5000 Foundations of Professional Practice in Nutrition and Dietetics

NUT 5025 Nutrition Across the Lifespan

NUT 5120 Nutrition Advocacy and Interprofessional Leadership

NUT 5200 Nutritional Biochemistry

 

Fall Year 1 (13 credits)

NUT 5100 Global Food Patterns and Health

NUT 5110 Foundations of Community Nutrition

NUT 6200 Evidence-based Research Outcomes in Nutrition

NUT 6400 Nutrition Assessment and Medical Nutrition Therapy

NUT 6405 Clinical Skills Lab I

 

Winter Year 1 (12 credits)

NUT 5130 Nutrition Counseling

NUT 5131 Counseling and Communications Lab

NUT 5170 Management of Food and Nutrition Systems

NUT 8004 Nutrition Practicum I - Community and Population Health

 

Summer Year 2 (7 credits)

NUT 6150 Culinary Nutrition

NUT 6500 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy

NUT 6505 Clinical Skills Lab II

 

Fall Year 2 (12 credits)

NUT 6805 Applied Nutrition Capstone

NUT 7000 Professional Seminar

NUT 8007 Nutrition Practicum II - Leadership/Business/Management

 

Winter Year 2 (12 credits)

NUT 5075 Advanced Practice Principles of Functional Nutrition

NUT 8000 Comprehensive Examination

NUT 8008 Nutrition Practicum III - Client/Patient Services

Please note: This program will accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year and only admits a limited amount of candidates for a summer cohort each year (May start date).

Prerequisite Courses:

Qualifying courses are accepted in semester credits from a regionally accredited school and must have been earned with a grade of at least C (70%). Applicants may submit a request to have an equivalent course approved.

  • Biology

  • Microbiology

  • Human Nutrition

  • Biochemistry

  • Organic Chemistry with Lab

  • Inorganic Chemistry with Lab

  • Anatomy & Physiology with Lab

  • Statistics or Research Methods

Admission Requirments: 

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university

  • Official transcripts

  • Completed application form

  • Non-refundable application fee of $50

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (preferred)

  • Successful virtual interview

Applicants with prerequisite courses in progress and supporting documentation at the time of application may be considered for interview selection. Due to the selective nature of this professional practice pathway, not all applicants are invited to interview. Applications are processed on a rolling basis following the DICAS admissions cycle described above. After reviewing completed applications and required materials, the program's admissions committee makes a recommendation to the dean. All final decisions are made by the dean of Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic MedicineApplication reviews and admissions decisions will follow the timeline outlined below:

  • October 15 – Priority Deadline
    Admission decisions released: November 1
    Acceptance deadline: November 15

  • February 15 – Regular Deadline
    Admission decisions released: March 1
    Acceptance deadline: March 15

  • April 15 – Final Deadline for the 2026 Cohort
    Admission decisions released: On or around April 22
    Acceptance deadline: April 27

Applications submitted after April 15, 2026, will be considered for the 2027 cohort.

Applicants who have attended foreign universities or colleges are required to have their academic credentials evaluated for U.S. institutional equivalence. While there are several credential evaluators, NSU requires agencies that are approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

International students are encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs at (954) 262-7240 or (866) 330-0723, ext. 27240, or email the Office of International Affairs.

Foreign nationals residing outside the United States at the time of application, whose native language is not English, must provide proof of English language proficiency.

Candidates who have completed all pre-requisite coursework and present a well-rounded application demonstrating a commitment to the profession of dietetics and nutrition will be given preference in the selection process.

Candidates who receive an offer of admission are required to complete an Intent to Enroll form and submit a $200 seat deposit by the stated deadline to confirm acceptance, the seat is forfeited.

Accepted students must submit all original transcripts and documents to the Office of Admissions to be fully admitted.  Accepted candidates with missing admission requirements, including the conferral of a pending degree, are in provisional status until all required items are received. Financial aid funds cannot be distributed until this obligation is fulfilled. Delays in this step may also affect a candidate's ability to successfully enter the program.

This is a lockstep, full-time program which begins in the summer term. Students work together in cohort groups throughout the program. There is no part-time or asynchronous option. Successful students can balance academic obligations with personal commitments.

Tuition and Fees page for more information.

Estimated costs are generalized based on credit loads for all students in the Master of Science in Nutrition under universal reporting guidelines. These cover tuition, fees, books and supplies, housing, transportation, loan fees, personal expenses, and health insurance. Students in the professional practice concentration can expect additional program expenses such as:

  • Application fee: $50
  • Background screening and immunization fees: $200
  • Uniforms and white coat: $200
  • ServSafe training: $150
  • Professional memberships: $58/year
  • Conference registrations/travel: variable

The M.S. in Nutrition degree program and all concentrations within the degree have been granted financial aid funding status to qualified students. Please consult the NSU Office of Financial Aid website or speak with a representative if you have any questions.

All students seeking financial aid must complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal, state, and university aid. Early application will offer more options.

  • The NSU Federal School Code: 001509

Generally, to qualify for federal, state, and institutional financial assistance, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate financial need. For some sources of aid, this is not a requirement

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen

  • Have a valid Social Security number

  • Be registered with the Selective Service if male

  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

  • Be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds

  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program

  • Sign the certification statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) stating that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant and you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes

  • Show you are qualified to obtain a college education by having a high school diploma or recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law