The University of Nevada, Reno announced on May 15 that its College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources has launched an online Master of Science in nutrition dietetics specialization program. This new initiative aims to address the nationwide shortage of registered dietitian nutritionists by offering a streamlined pathway for working professionals seeking advanced credentials.
The demand for dietitian nutritionists is expected to exceed the number of new graduates by as much as 44%, highlighting a significant gap in the healthcare workforce. As of January 2024, aspiring registered dietitians must earn a master’s degree, complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised training, and pass a national credentialing exam. The university’s new program integrates coursework with clinical training over an 18-month period.
“We created the integrated training so that all the competencies required for supervised practice are built into the internship, creating a more seamless learning experience that reduces disruption for working adults,” said Karon Felten, lecturer and director of the Dietetic Internship Program. “Students must complete the online master’s coursework and hands-on internship before we can verify their eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam, which qualifies them as registered dietitian nutritionists.”
Through partnerships with hospitals and community organizations across Nevada—including Renown Regional Medical Center and Veterans Affairs medical centers—the program offers students exposure to various areas such as clinical care, pediatrics, food service management, eating disorders treatment programs and WIC services. The department’s Dietetic Internship Program has operated since 1990 and maintains full accreditation through 2032.
Graduates have consistently achieved high first-time pass rates on their credentialing exams—about 92% compared to national averages in the low-to-mid-60% range—and go on to serve in critical roles within state health systems like Women, Infants and Children (WIC), SNAP-Education programs and Veterans Affairs Nutrition Services. Some alumni also pursue entrepreneurial ventures or specialize in sports nutrition.
Felten said flexibility is central: “We’ve built flexibility into the program to meet students where they are… Some complete our online master’s degree alongside the integrated internship while others come with a graduate degree or finish their master’s elsewhere while interning with us.” Students report that this approach helps them transition from academic work directly into professional practice without career interruption.
Mohit Mittal—a recent graduate—said: “That’s when things changed… We started seeing meaningful improvements in managing my parents’ conditions and overall well-being.” Amanda Thurston added: “By the end of the program I felt confident walking into a patient’s room… using an evidence-based approach to develop care plans.” Both graduates now work as practicing or soon-to-be-credentialed dietitians serving local communities.
Felten concluded: “We train our students to think beyond hospital walls… so they can meet people where they live their lives.”