MS in Nutrition & Dietetic Practice/RDN Program

Program Overview

Thomas Jefferson University's MS in Nutrition & Dietetic Practice/RDN Program prepares students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Emphasizing interprofessional practice, sustainability, and equity, the program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to address health disparities and promote social justice. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to take the national RDN exam and embark on careers in diverse practice settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Thomas Jefferson University MS in Nutrition & Dietetic Practice/RDN Program is a new and innovative graduate program designed to prepare students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Upon completion, graduates will be awarded an MS degree in Nutrition & Dietetic Practice and will be eligible to take the national RDN exam.

Program Mission Statement, Goals & Objectives:

The program's mission is to provide an educational experience that prepares caring, competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists for practice in diverse settings. The program emphasizes interprofessional practice, sustainability, and equity, inspiring graduates to engage in lifelong learning and social justice advocacy.

Program Goals:

• Goal 1: Program graduates will be competent, highly qualified entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who are well prepared to work in interdisciplinary teams and in a variety of practice settings.
• Goal 2: Program graduates will engage in social justice advocacy and activities that promote social, professional, and/or environmental sustainability.

Objectives:

• Goal 1 Objectives:
• At least 80% of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within 2.5 years (150% of the program length).
• At least 90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• At least 90% of alumni survey respondents rate themselves as “prepared” or “very prepared” to be a competent, professional, entry-level, registered dietitian nutritionist in their employment setting.
• At least 90% of alumni survey respondents rate themselves as “prepared” or “very prepared” to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• 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%.
• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 90% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 90% of employers who complete a survey on program graduates report that the graduate “meets” or “exceeds” expectations for entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists in terms of professional knowledge and interprofessional skills.
• Goal 2 Objectives:
• At least 80% of graduate survey respondents report engaging in at least one social justice leadership or active service effort within three years of program completion.
• At least 80% of graduate survey respondents report engaging in at least one effort that promotes social, professional, and/or environmental sustainability within three years of program completion.
The Thomas Jefferson University MS in Nutrition & Dietetic Practice/RDN Program has been granted candidacy for accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Other:

• The program emphasizes keystone aspects of dietetic practice: communication, interprofessional practice, sustainability, leadership, management, and research.
• Students will be trained to look beyond the disease and see the whole person.
• Students will be required to examine the disparities in our healthcare system and consider how RDNs can help combat these inequities.
• The program aims to provide the community with masters-prepared registered dietitian nutritionists who apply critical thinking and evidence-based nutrition information in an ethical, responsible, and collaborative manner.
• The program engages in fair and open conduct that enhances student, faculty, and preceptor morale.