Overview of the Dietetic Internship Program

Established in 2010, Cedar Crest College's highly competitive, community-focused dietetic internship program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates of the program will earn a verification statement demonstrating that they have met the competencies established by ACEND. The program's comprehensive curriculum will prepare graduates for entry-level practice as a registered dietitian. 

Program Highlights

• Enrolls 30 interns annually
• Offers an Onsite and Distance Track option
• Delivers identical education curriculum to both onsite and distance interns
• Meets the mandatory supervised practice hours to prepare for entry-level practice as outlined by ACEND of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy)
• Offers two concentration options in community nutrition or diabetes nutrition education
• Provides hands-on orientation with simulated practice experiences (scheduled in August before the Internship begins)
•  Offers three pathways to complete an ONLINE graduate program*:
• Master in Nutrition
• Modular Master of Science
• Master of Science in Integrative Exercise Science
• After successful completion of the Dietetic Internship, interns will be eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) RD exam* and a passing score enables credentialing as a registered dietitian-nutritionist. See How to Become an RDN.

*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).  This requirement will go into effect for all students applying for acceptance into the Program for the 2023 Internship Cohort. 

In addition to RDN credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an RDN. For more information on state licensure, please visit www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure

Accreditation Status

The Cedar Crest College Dietetic Internship Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND is the specialized accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists. ACEND protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of dietetics programs as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The contact information for ACEND is:

Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 800/877-1600 ext. 5400
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
Website: eatrightpro.org/ACEND