Perceptions of Non-university Affiliated Dietetic Internship Program Directors Regarding Education Requirements to Obtain a Master’s Degree as an Entry-level Dietitian

Authors

Abigail Sullivan, Central Michigan UniversityFollow
Roschelle A. Heuberger, Central Michigan UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: The Commission on Dietetic Registration announced that entry-level eligibility requirements to become a registered dietitian would increase to include obtaining a Master’s degree. The objective of this study was to explore perceptions of non-university affiliated dietetic internship program directors regarding proposed education requirements. Methods: Directors participated in a phone survey of structured questions related to the topic. The population of focus was non-university affiliated dietetic internship program directors. Results: Program directors expressed viewpoints of positive, negative, and mixed regarding the increase in education requirements. Diversity and autonomy were among concerns expressed by program directors. Conclusion: The research found that this subset of stake holders remains conflicted with the decision by the Commission on Dietetic Registration that a Master’s degree would be the entry-level requirement to become a registered dietitian.

Author Bio(s)

Abigail Sullivan, MS, RD, LDN is a corporate consultant dietitian in Chicago. An avid reader, she enjoys researching topics related to the role of the dietitian as it relates to global food security and disease prevention.

Dr. Roschelle Heuberger, PhD, RD is the Director of Graduate Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics at Central Michigan University. She completed her doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She is the Chair of the Michigan Dietetic Educators and Preceptors and sits on the Board for the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society of Nutrition.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2017.1670

Recommended Citation

Sullivan A, Heuberger RA. Perceptions of Non-university Affiliated Dietetic Internship Program Directors Regarding Education Requirements to Obtain a Master’s Degree as an Entry-level Dietitian. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2017 Jan 01;15(3), Article 9.