Meredith M.S. in Nutrition Students Finish Strong

Meredith College’s Master of Science in Nutrition students have reason to celebrate this spring. Graduates of the program have been “matched” to dietetic internships at institutions including Meredith College, UNC-Greensboro, East Carolina University, Vanderbilt University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Massachusetts General, Cleveland Clinic, and New York Presbyterian.

In the nutrition world, a college or university’s match rate is a powerful indicator of a graduate nutrition program’s strength. Meredith’s match rate has been 100%, or close to it, for many years. For context, nationally the average match rate hovers around 50-60%. Meredith’s performance suggests that its students are exceptionally well-prepared.

Getting matched to a dietetic internship is a critical component of becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Students first complete an ACEND®-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics academic program. Next they complete a supervised practical experience in an accredited Dietetic Internship program or Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP). Doing so can be challenging because of the limited number of accredited programs available for matching. Only after completing the internship can they take the exam to become credentialed as an RDN.

According to Tracy Smith, graduate program manager for nutrition, Meredith’s strong reputation attracts highly-qualified students, who then benefit from the College’s personal approach to education.

“I truly believe that our student-centered approach and one-on-one advising and counseling sets us apart from the other larger institutions that do not have as much success with their match,” said Smith. “I hear from prospective Master of Science in nutrition students quite often about how they were unaware of the importance of clinical experience or strong recommendations.”

Meredith’s dietetic internship is also thriving. To date, all of the traditional pathway and site preceptor pathway spots have been filled; the remaining ISPP spots will be determined in coming weeks.

Given the limited number of dietetic internship slots available across the country, when Smith talks to students who are considering Meredith’s program, she said the College’s exceptional match rate is a powerful draw.

“If you want to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, Meredith will get you there,” said Smith.


Learn more about Meredith College’s graduate programs in nutrition.

Melyssa Allen

News Director
316 Johnson Hall
(919) 760-8087
Fax: (919) 760-8330

allenme@meredith.edu