Application Process
When are applications due?
The USU MDA has two application review periods: October 1st and January 15th. Applicants who apply by October 1st will be notified of an offer by November 1st. If an offer is not made at that time, an applicant can ask that their application be considered for the next application review period beginning after January 15th. The USU MDA follows the ACEND process and timelines. Applicants should review the ACEND Application Guidance for additional information about the process.
Do I need to find preceptors as part of my application?
Yes, however, because the USU MDA has two application review periods, applicants have until February 15 to find preceptors and submit them. The USU MDA is committed to helping students be successful in finding preceptors and facilities. Students are encourage to reach out to the USU MDA early for guidance on how to be successful in finding preceptors. Attending an open house is also encouraged.
How do I go about finding facilities and preceptors?
The USU MDA has created a list of instructions that includes how many preceptors you need, the types of preceptors and facilities that meet requirements, as well as what information the USU MDA needs from preceptors. Read through the list of appropriate preceptors and facilities so you know what questions to ask and who to contact. We encourage students to create a tracking document where they can list preceptors they have contacted and keep track of contact information, dates, and next steps. It will be helpful to download a copy of the rotation curriculum to send with any emailed request. Attend a USU MDA Virtual Open House to learn more tips.
What does the USU MDA want included in the personal statement?
The USU MDA is looking for well-written personal statements that include all of the components listed in the Application Instructions. Applicants are encouraged to read through their personal statement and ask a professional mentor to review it before submitting their application.
Program Overview
What is a Master of Dietetics Administration?
The Master of Dietetic Administration (MDA) is a professional graduate degree designed to equip students with advanced leadership and management skills tailored for the dietetics field. The MDA program prepares graduates for elevated roles in clinical, community, food service, and entrepreneurial settings within nutrition and dietetics. The USU MDA is a full-time distance master's degree program, and students are expected to complete a minimum of 36-40 practice hours per week and the required courses. Graduates are eligible to take the national credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Is the MDA a dietetic internship?
The Master of Dietetic Administration (MDA) is not a dietetic internship; it is accredited as a Graduate Program or a Future Education Model. It has similar components to a dietetic internship, including 1000 hours of experiential learning in addition to graduate coursework to qualify graduates for the RD Exam.
How long is the MDA program?
The USU MDA is a 1-year program from August to August and completed in three consecutive semesters. The USU MDA program is completed in three consecutive semesters consisting of didactic coursework and supervised experiential learning.
What is a distance program?
A distance program is an educational program that allows students to complete coursework remotely without being required to attend classes in person. These programs use online platforms, video lectures, virtual discussions, and assignments to provide flexibility for students who may have geographic constraints or need a more adaptable schedule.
In the context of the MDA, a distance program means that students can complete their degree without relocating, allowing them to continue building their local network while advancing their education. This distance program often include asynchronous graduate course while completing supervised practice in person.
What is the difference between an MDA and an MS?
A master’s degree in dietetics administration focuses on the leadership, management, and administrative aspects of all areas of dietetics. A Master of Science degree in Nutrition focuses on the scientific and research aspects of nutrition and dietetics. The career path for an MDA includes all areas of dietetics as this program focuses on the application of knowledge into skills in the workplace.
How many total hours is the USU MDA program?
The USU MDA is a one-year program, August to August, completed in three consecutive semesters consisting of didactic coursework and supervised experiential learning (SEL), for a total of 37 credit hours. Students will complete a minimum of 1000 hours of SEL in clinical nutrition, school food service management and community nutrition rotations. The USU MDA is a full-time distance master's degree program and students are expected to complete a minimum of 36-40 practice hours per week and a minimum of two hours per credit in required courses.
How many students are accepted to the USU MDA each year?
The USU MDA accepts up to 50 students each year.
What immunizations are required by the USU MDA?
All dietetics programs require a series of immunizations and vaccinations as required by hospitals for clinical training. Please contact us if you have questions about the required immunizations.
Can I complete the USU MDA part-time?
No. The USU MDA is accredited as a full-time program. It is a rigorous 1-year program. Full time means a minimum of 36-40 practice hours/week are required during the program along with a minimum of two hours per credit in required courses.
Can I complete the USU MDA if I live outside of the United States?
No, not at this time. Student must live in the United States and complete rotations in the United States or U.S. territories.
Curriculum & Training Requirements
What competencies do I have to complete as part of the program?
As you are reaching out to preceptors, some of them may ask what tasks or competencies you must complete as part of your training. The USU MDA uses a competency-based curriculum with specific activities designed to ensure all competencies are met by the end of a rotation. Please share the rotation curriculum with preceptors who want to look at or share with their team.
Do you have a recency of education policy?
Yes. If your DPD verification statement is older than 4 years at the time you apply you will need to update your education. Please refer to the Recency of Education Policy for details on which courses need to be updated. You will need to contact any accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) advisor to arrange to update the current requirements before applying to the program. Updated courses must be completed before starting the USU MDA. You can apply during either of the application review periods. All coursework must be completed before you can start the program.
Can I receive credit for my past work experience?
Yes. Students who are accepted to the program will receive additional information on how to apply for assessed prior learning (APL) credit. If you have questions about your eligibility for APL before you apply, please contact us.
Preceptors & Rotations
Can I complete rotations in multiple states?
Yes, you can have preceptors and rotations in multiple states. Students can live and train in any area of the United States.
Can I complete any of my rotations in the facility where I currently work?
Yes, but you must be careful that you are not performing your regular duties as part of your supervised experiential learning rotation.
I work as a diet tech in the local hospital. Can I complete my food service management rotation where I currently work?
No. The USU MDA requires students to complete the food service management rotation in a school or school district that participates in the National School Lunch Program.
If I live in Utah, can rotations be scheduled close to where I live?
Efforts will be made to schedule your training sites as close to where you live as possible. However, training sites in Utah are spread from Logan to Payson, Utah. Depending on the schedule of the preceptors, the number of students they are willing to take each year, etc., you need to be prepared to commute 45-90 minutes (each way) per day. A car is required during the program. Please refer to the Training Locations page for more detailed information. If you have additional questions, please contact us.
Can an RDN who works part-time be my preceptor?
The expectation is that you will have preceptor supervision for the entirety of your rotation. At no point should you be completing rotation hours without a designated preceptor present. If your rotation involves two part-time dietitians, one must take primary responsibility by submitting the required preceptor forms, serving as the main point of contact for the program, and completing the final evaluation—with input from the co-preceptor. If you have any questions or unique circumstances, please contact the USU MDA Director before submitting your application.
What benefits do preceptor receive for precepting students?
Preceptors can earn up to 3 CPE credits each year of their certification cycle. Your preceptors will also benefit as you will contribute meaningfully to the facility by working on projects that are both educational for you and beneficial to the organization.
Is there compensation for preceptors? Can they be paid for precepting me?
Unfortunately, the USU MDA budget cannot support paying preceptors. However, the facility where you will train stands to gain in non-monetary ways from your work as a student. The projects you undertake during your rotation should be both educational for you and valuable to the facility—timely, relevant, and aligned with its needs. As part of your rotations, you may conduct research to answer specific questions, perform studies for staff or clients, deliver in-service training, and provide nutrition education to various audiences including children and patients. You may also develop newsletters, brochures, and educational materials for patients and customers. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience by serving as a food service manager for two weeks and functioning as an entry-level Registered Dietitian (RD) for two weeks during your clinical rotation.
The school district near me doesn't have a dietitian. Who can be my preceptor?
There should be a Nutrition Services Director or Child Nutrition Program Supervisor or similarly titled professional at the school district. That person can be your preceptor for the food service management rotation. It is not required that your preceptor be a registered dietitian for this rotation.
One of the preceptors I contacted asked for a contract before they will agree to train me. What should I do?
Let the preceptor know that an official agreement will be sent to each facility after you are accepted to the USU MDA. If your preceptor would like to review the affiliation agreement, you can send them the link to the Sample Affiliation Agreement to review. USU also accepts and signs facility specific contracts for sites with their own affiliation agreement. If a facility will absolutely not agree to work with you until an affiliation agreement is in place, please contact us for further help.
What can I do if my spouse is in the military?
Students can complete rotations in any state or territory of the United States. If your spouse is required to move away from the state where you found preceptors and facilities for your program, the USU MDA can help you find new preceptors and facilities in your new area.
Schedules
What order should I schedule my rotations?
Rotations can be completed in any order. Scheduling of your rotations will be done after you are enrolled in the USU MDA program. The schedule of your rotations will be coordinated between you and the facilities and preceptors who have committed to train you. If you receive a Utah placement, the USU MDA will arrange your rotation schedule for you.
Can I schedule breaks or time off during the USU MDA?
Yes, you can schedule time off during the program. Rotations must be completed between mid-August and end by April 30th. Students training in Utah must submit their request for time off to MDA faculty within 4 weeks of accepting their placement in the program. It is expected that you still submit assignments by the course deadlines.
What should I expect during summer semester?
During the summer semester, students will complete their master's project and the last two program courses. There are also pre-graduation assignments that students will complete to prepare them for the RD exam, as well as one-on-one guidance for resumes, cover letters, and interviewing skills.
Financial Information
What is the cost of the USU MDA?
The USU MDA has competitively priced tuition to help students complete their education and start their career. The Full tuition and expenses can be found on our admission criteria page.
Does USU provide financial aid?
Yes, financial aid loans are available through USU for dietetic students who are accepted to the program. The application review and approval process takes about 4 to 8 weeks. Once you are officially accepted into the program, more information on applying for financial aid will be provided.
Career Outcomes
What types of jobs do graduates have?
Graduates of the USU MDA are prepared to work in all areas of dietetics. Some of those positions/practice areas include:
- Clinical nutrition
- Food service director
- Child nutrition Programs
- Public health
- Outpatient counseling
- State health department
- Private practice
- Pharmacological sales
- Corporate wellness