The MHS/RD coordinated program has been launched as a collaboration between the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) and the Dietetics Education Program at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (JHBMC). This MHS option offers students interested in nutrition the opportunity to earn both the MHS degree in Human Nutrition and complete a 32-week dietetic practicum in public health nutrition in preparation for obtaining the RD credential. 

In the dietetics practicum, which follows completion of the MHS course work, students complete the following:

• clinical, and food service rotations at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and the Johns Hopkins Hospital, including the Johns Hopkins Burn Center and the Johns Hopkins Children's Center
• community rotations at sites in the Baltimore area
• a 10-week public health rotation with the USDA, the WIC program, or an individualized rotation developed to suit the student's career interests (e.g., humanitarian assistance, international nutrition, nutrition communications, population research, clinical investigation). 

Following completion of the MHS/RD program at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, graduates are qualified to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

In order to be considered, students would need to indicate their interest at the time of applying for the MHS program in Human Nutrition (Department of International Health). Admission requirements for the MHS/RD include

• Bachelor's degree in related field (i.e. nutrition, health, biology, chemistry, psychology)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• Personal statement
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended 
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal interview

It is recommended that all prerequisites are completed by the time of application.

The MHS/RD program requires additional prerequisite courses, which must be completed at the undergraduate level or higher. Courses and transcripts to meet these requirements will be reviewed and approved by the university and program staff. These include

• Anatomy and physiology (two semesters)
• Organic chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Psychology and/or counseling skills
• Introductory Nutrition

In addition to the tuition requirements for the professional MHS degree, students accepted for the RD must pay a $500 deposit by March 1 of the academic year to secure their place, and pay the remainder of the $7500 RD clinical training fee by September 1. There are some incidental costs specific to the training as well. Additional information on the RD practicum option can be found on the Hopkins Bayview Website.

For information regarding this program contact Dr. Laura Caulfield, Program in Human Nutrition at (410) 955-2786; Ms. Sarah Post, Dietetic Internship and MHS/RD Program Director, at (410) 550-9863; or Ms. Cristina Salazar, Academic Programs Administrator for the Department of International Health, at (410) 955-3734.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, 1-800-877-1600 ext 5400. Website: http://www.eatright.org/

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about the MHS/RD Program