Routes to Become a Military Dietitian

Combined Masters' Degree and Dietetic Internship

The Graduate Program of Nutrition is a two-phased, degree-producing program.

Phase 1 the didactic portion, is approximately 9 months of graduate level coursework and is completed at the Army Medical Department Center and School (AMEDDC&S), Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Phase 2, the internship and research portion, is approximately 12 months long and is completed at one of three locations for Army students: San Antonio Military Medical Center or SAMMC (TX), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (MD), or Madigan Healthcare System (WA). Air Force students will complete their phase 2 training at SAMMC. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition from Baylor University and will be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

The course is offered once each year and begins on, or about, 1 December. However, entry into the military occurs on or about 1 September of each year so the student can attend the service specific Officer Basic Leadership Course (Army) or Commissioned Officer Training (Air Force.)

The GPN program participates in the D& D digital matching program, therefore an applicant must apply for and be accepted (matched) into the Army or Air Force Internship program.

Direct Appointment

A limited number of seats are usually available each year for licensed, Registered Dietitians to join the Army through the masters component portion of GPN. This route includes the graduate coursework and research requirements, but excludes the dietetic internship component. Prior to beginning the graduate program the student would be required to complete the nine week Officer Basic Leadership Course at Fort Sam Houston, TX. Because the availability varies year to year, contact the SP healthcare recruiter to learn more about opportunities. ***Currently this option is not available to Air Force candidates.