Program Overview

University of Maryland College Park Dietetic Internship Program

The University of Maryland College Park Dietetic Internship Program is a 44-week full-time program located in the Baltimore-Washington area. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and emphasizes nutrition informatics, clinical nutrition, and community-based experiences.

Program Overview

• The program is designed to provide strong clinical and community training through ten diverse supervised practice rotations.
• The tuition cost is $8,550 plus personal expenses.
• The program is accredited to accept up to 12 selected interns in each yearly cohort.
• The program sponsors include the University of Maryland College Park, the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, and University Dining Services.

Program Highlights

• Ten+ supervised practice rotations across clinical, community, and food service management settings in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
• Strong clinical nutrition training in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
• Community nutrition experiences in schools, public health programs, and nonprofit organizations.
• Food service management rotations focused on developing leadership, operations, and systems management skills within a variety of institutional settings.
• Emphasis on Nutrition Informatics: the integration of nutrition, information, and technology to improve practice efficiency, reach underserved populations, and enhance digital tools and communication strategies.

RDN Credential

• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides information on the requirements and pathways to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.
• Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
• Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program at the University of Maryland are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.

Verification Statement, Registration Exam, and Licensure Disclosure

• Interns must achieve all competencies identified in the Accreditation Standards for Nutrition and Dietetics Internship Programs established by ACEND.
• Program graduates will receive a verification statement enabling them to register for the CDR exam to earn the registered dietitian nutritionist credential.
• In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.
• Licensure is required to practice in the state of Maryland and Washington, DC.

Accreditation

• The University of Maryland College Park Dietetic Internship has been granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
• The UMD dietetic internship is accredited through December 31, 2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are the Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) required?: No, the GREs are not required.
• What kind/level of computer skills are needed?: Candidates should have standard ability to use Microsoft Office suite and an interest in learning more.
• For remote/hybrid rotations and class days, what technology requirements are needed?: For any remote rotations or class days, you will need access to a computer, the internet, and you will need to be proficient in utilizing web-based video-conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet.
• Are phone or in-person interviews possible?: All interviews are conducted via Zoom.
• Are the interview dates flexible?: No, the dates are set by the program.
• Am I considered a University Maryland student?: Interns are University of Maryland Outreach Students and eligible for select university services.
• How much time does the internship require of an intern per week?: It is expected that most weeks will involve 32-40 hours (excluding travel) for supervised experience and class days.
• How often do interns meet together?: Interns generally see the rest of the internship class once a week at class days.
• Are meals provided at the rotations?: Some food service rotations provide meals, but otherwise meals are not typically provided.
• Is parking provided at the rotations?: Parking at many facilities is free. The program pays for parking on UMCP campus.
• Can I come visit the program?: You may contact the Program Director if you would like to set up a visit.
• When are the Virtual Open Houses?: Our Virtual Open House dates will be listed on the main internship home page.
• How are the program's preceptors selected?: The program's preceptors are selected based on their willingness to take interns and skill level in their area of practice.
• Are the preceptors always the same for all interns?: For some rotations the preceptors are the same for all the interns, but for others they are not.
• Do interns have a say in their sites?: Site determination is made by the internship director who takes into account many factors.
• Are there any required assignments for interns prior to the program starting?: Yes, there are a limited number of summer assignments.
• Are there exams or tests throughout the year?: There are either oral and/or written quizzes with some lectures/rotations.
• What are the job opportunities after graduation from the program?: As noted above, most of our facilities are providing supervised practice experience as it is their hope to be able to hire our interns once they graduate from the program.
• Are there any medical or other requirements when the intern enters the program?: Yes, all interns must have the following medical documentation:
  • Immunization records for MMR or titers documenting prior vaccination;
  • Record of negative QuantiFeron or Tspot for Tuberculosis prior to program start;
  • Record of tetanus shot – Tdap in past 10 years;
  • Record of Chicken Pox/ varicella vaccination plus blood test to document vaccination is still effective;
  • Record of hepatitis B vaccination;
  • Health screening by primary care provider;
  • Flu shots, which are obtained after the start of the program;
  • Most clinical sites also require proof of COVID-19 vaccination (initial and booster).
• Are intern policies and procedures available?: Yes, all intern policies and procedures are listed.
• Can I do my internship part-time?: No, not at this time. We are accredited to be a full-time program.
• Can I work at one of my facilities and still get paid while I am there as an intern?: Yes and no. You can work after internship hours are over (weekends and evenings). You CANNOT be paid for the hours you spend as an intern.
• Does the program evaluate and award credit for prior learning experiences, such as coursework or supervised practice hours?: The University of Maryland College Park Dietetic Internship does NOT give credit or reduce supervised practice hours for previous work or volunteer experiences.