Program Overview

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Introduction to the Dietetic Internship Program

The Dietetic Internship Program at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences is designed to provide a post-baccalaureate route for students to complete the experiential requirements needed to write the national registry examination for certification as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).

Program Overview

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and is designed for the preparation of entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) through supervised practice in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and food service systems management.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Florida State University's Dietetic Internship (DI) is to provide a post-baccalaureate route for students to complete the experiential requirements needed to write the national registry examination for certification as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). The program is designed to enhance the understanding of, and ability to apply principles of nutrition science and dietetics beyond the baccalaureate or DPD level.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the program is to prepare graduate students who desire advanced academic and professional training to meet the need for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and to become professionals who can seek innovative solutions to the challenges of contemporary society.

Goals and Objectives

The program has two main goals:

1. Graduates will become successful, competent registered dietitians in a timely manner.
2. Graduates will advance the dietetics profession through professional participation.

Objective 1

• The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) is at least 80%.
• At least 90% of employers/supervisors who responded to the survey will express satisfaction with the performance of the FSU DI program graduates.
• At least 80% of program dietetic interns complete the program/degree requirements within thirty-six months (150% of the program length).
• At least 80% of the program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) within 12 months of the program completion.
• At least 80% of program dietetic interns will agree that their Dietetic Internship (DI) experiences provided opportunities to practice core competencies expected of the entry level registered dietitian.

Objective 2

• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• Of graduates in the dietetics profession, at least 80% will participate in a professional organization at the local, state, or national level.

Accreditation

The Florida State University DI Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Program Requirements

To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a student must:

• Earn a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
• Complete a post-baccalaureate degree.
• Complete an ACEND accredited post-baccalaureate dietetic internship (DI).
• Pass the national registration examination for Dietitians.

Areas of Concentration

The program offers two areas of concentration:

• Clinical Nutrition: Eight (8) weeks in specialized clinical facilities, including Metabolic Centers, Cancer Centers, Pediatric Hospitals, Eating Disorder Clinics, and Dialysis Centers.
• Sports Nutrition: Eight (8) to twelve (12) week specialized experience at a sports nutrition facility, including Professional Teams, Collegiate Teams, and Training Centers.

Completion Requirements

The following are required for graduation and completion of the internship:

• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
• Grade of C or better in all required courses and courses applied towards graduation
• Completion of HUN 8945 Supervised Practice with a grade of "S"
• Completion of all ACEND required competencies with a satisfactory score
• Attendance at all internship meetings
• Completion of all other degree requirements

Selection Process

Applicants are selected by a committee composed of the Internship Director, the Didactic Program in Dietetics Director, and faculty members who are registered dietitians (RD). Selection is based on the committee's assessment of some or all of the following criteria:

• GPA
• Statement of purpose
• Previous work/volunteer experiences
• Letters of reference
• Interview

Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP)

The ISPP is an alternate ACEND-accredited distance pathway designed for individuals who currently have a nutrition-related doctoral degree. Upon completion of the ISPP, interns will be qualified to sit for the national board registration examination.

How to Apply to ISPP

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round until all spots are filled. Applicants must submit:

• Transcripts of Nutrition related Doctoral Degree
• Application for Prior Learning Credit towards Program Requirements

Completion Requirements for ISPP

Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis annually until the allotted amount of seven (7) spots are filled. Applicants are selected by the DI Director based on some or all of the following:

• GPA
• Statement of purpose
• Previous work/volunteer experience
• Letters of reference
• Phone or face-to-face interview

Assessment of Prior Learning and Credit toward Program Requirements

Coursework older than six years will not be accepted for transfer credit. The university's policy for acceptance of prior coursework is followed. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Accepting prior experiences as it relates to supervised practice, such as employment in areas such as WIC or Research, is considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the intern's job description and formal written acknowledgement from the work supervisor.