Registered Dietitian To Be (RD2B)

The RD2B track in the Master of Professional Practice in Dietetics (MPPD) is a 30-credit, full-time, 12-month, distance, non-thesis Master’s degree program that combines didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning to train future Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Students complete a minimum of 1000 hours in experiential learning in didactic and during on-site supervised experiential learning rotations. If you have either graduated from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) with a verification statement or are in the process of completing your DPD, the online MPPD program may be the right choice for you. Our online format allows you to take classes at your convenience and complete your supervised practice in Iowa or anywhere in the US – where you are already established or would ultimately like to work.

Please note that 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 MPPD program (RD2B track) at Iowa State University are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. Upon successfully passing the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN, MPPD graduates are eligible to apply for state licensure or certification to practice. While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.

Learn more about the educational pathways to becoming an RDN at Iowa State University.

Opportunities for dietetics practitioners are limited only by your imagination. Learn more about some potential job opportunities for a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Application Information

Now accepting applications from nationwide students only for the RD2B track. Application closes February 1, 2025.

    Program Mission

    The mission of the MPPD is to prepare competent graduates to practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) for emerging roles in diverse settings, to promote human health and well-being and improve quality of life.

    Goal 1

    Graduates will integrate foundational knowledge and experiential learning as competent entry-level RDNs, possessing skills necessary for success in emerging roles in diverse settings to meet employment needs.

    • Program completion: “At least 80% of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within 1.5 years (150% of the program length).”
    • Employer satisfaction: At least 80% of the responding employers of the program graduates will agree that the graduate exhibits skills related to those of competent entry-level RDNs.

    Goal 2

    Graduates will possess skills to contribute to the pool of competent RDNs across the US.

    • “At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.”
    • “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%.”
    • Graduate employment: “Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% of the responding graduates are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.”

    Program outcomes data is available upon request.

    Online Program Readiness

    Since all coursework is completed online, it is our expectation that all students will be able to perform every task on this pre-program technology needs assessment checklist (PDF). In addition, you will need to have access to a computer, scanner, printer, and the internet throughout the program.

    Applicants are assessed for their ability to be successful in this distance, graduate program and in the dietetics profession. To evaluate your level of readiness for an online program, please check out the following resources.

    1. What makes a successful online student?
    2. Are you ready to be an online learner?
      a. Online learning readiness rubric
      b. Online Learning Readiness Survey
    3. Try out the online learning orientation tool.

    Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access 

    The Master of Professional Practice in Dietetics (MPPD) program is committed to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access, fostering diversity and cultural humility in our graduates.  Faculty and staff will model Iowa State University’s principles of community and be accountable in creating a respectful, purpose-driven community. Our approach to fostering the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access relies on recruitment, accountability, community, and education as described below:

    Each student will be placed within a Community of Practice throughout the program as a means of collaboration, building support, and engage in peer mentoring.

    Faculty, staff, and students take responsibility for their actions.

    Practice in accordance with the Nutrition and Dietetics Code of Ethics.

    Market our program to all Didactic Program in Dietetics, including those at historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic serving institutions, and Native American Pacific Islander serving institutions.

    Each student completes an Intercultural Development Inventory and an Intercultural Development Action Plan to work toward becoming a culturally competent professional.

    Honest self-reflection is encouraged and promoted among students.

    Integrate the social, political, and commercial determinants of health as well as systems thinking methods that consider individual, policy, systems, and environmental change strategies to address the root causes of health disparity in our society.

    Provide students with the skills and tools needed to be effective equity change makers.

    Accreditation

    The Iowa State University MPPD (RD2B track) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®)

    120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190,
    Chicago, IL 60606-6995;
    800-877-1600, ext 5400.
    https://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND

    Accreditation