Dietetic Internship
Graduate Certificate Program
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Welcome to the Dietetic Internship
Graduate Certificate Program
The mission of the Graduate Certificate Dietetic Internship Program is to prepare dietetic interns to function as self-directed, accountable, entry-level registered dietitians (RD) or entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). The program seeks to develop graduates who are committed to professional involvement, leadership and service.
The program will prepare graduates to be competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.
- At least eighty percent (80%) of program interns complete program/degree requirements within 18 months (150% of the program length).
- Of graduates who seek employment, eighty percent (80%) are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related field within 12 months of graduation.
- Eighty percent (80%) of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least eighty percent (80%).
The program will provide an experience that promotes satisfaction among graduates and employers.
- A minimum of eighty percent (80%) of employers will be satisfied with the graduate preparation level for entry-level practice.
- A minimum of eighty percent (80%) of graduates will be satisfied with the program experience.
Dietetic Internship outcomes are available for request.
For more information including program costs and completion requirements read through the Dietetic Internship Program Handbook.
About the Program
Dietetic Internship Graduate Certificate Program
The Department of Allied Health Sciences offers a verification statement to students upon successful completion of the Dietetic Internship (DI) curriculum listed below. The DI curriculum has been granted full accreditation status until June 30, 2028, by Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995; 1.800.877.1600 extension 5400).
The DI program is a post-baccalaureate certificate program of study. That includes a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice at affiliate healthcare institutions. The DI provides a verification statement to the student upon successful completion of the program which qualifies him/her to sit for the National Registration Examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) administered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Commission on Dietetic Registration. The DI program selectively admits 14 students per year utilizing D&D Digital Computer matching process. Up to seven students are pre-selected and seven are matched through the matching process and the DICAS application system.
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Dietetics Program at Nicholls State University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership
We offer a master’s program that is 100% online and can be completed in conjunction with the DI program. The MS program is a 36-credit program and we accept up to 9 credits of MS or DI hours. The program can be completed in 12-18 months and the tuition is approximately $4,000 per semester. Please click on the link above for more information or contact sherry.foret@nicholls.edu.
Sample Schedule for students enrolled in DI and MS:
SUMMER |
| FALL |
| SPRING |
| FALL |
|
DIET 510 | 3 | DIET 502* | 3 | DIET 505* | 3 | DIET 506* | 3 |
DIET 511 | 3 | DIET 503* | 3 | DIET 504* | 3 | AHSC 500* | 3 |
DIET 512 | 3 | DI – Rotation | 3 | DI – Rotation | 3 | DIET 513 | 3 |
| 9 |
| 9 |
| 9 |
| 9 |
Program Information
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Interested in the Dietetic Internship Program? Send us a message!
Thanks for your interest in learning more about Nicholls State University’s DI program. Please fill out the form below if you’d like to learn more about our program or are interested in applying, and we will be in touch!
The DI program selectively admits 14 students per year utilizing the DICAS application portal and D&D Digital Computer matching process in the spring. D & D Digital Systems, Suite 301, 304 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010. Phone # 515-292-0490.
Admission requirements include completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A DPD verification statement or declaration of intent must be presented upon application. GPA requirement for acceptance is 3.0 overall and a preferred GRE of 340 (DPD GPA x 20 + Verbal + Quantitative). GRE may be waived with a satisfactory GPA.
Nicholls students and graduates are eligible to apply for pre-select. Please contact sherry.foret@nicholls.edu if you would like to apply for pre-select. Applications are due at the beginning of the spring semester.
Semester 1: DIET 520 Dietetics Preprofessional Practice I (3-0-20)
Semester 2: DIET 521 Dietetics Preprofessional Practice II (6-0-40)
Semester 3: DIET 522 Dietetics Preprofessional Practice III (6-0-40)
Dietetic Internship Program Handbook
For more information including program costs and completion requirements read through the Dietetic Internship Program Handbook
Dietetic Internship Program outcomes are available upon request.
“The Nicholls State Dietetic Internship allowed me to find my love for community nutrition and better prepared me to serve as a leader in my community as an advocate for community health. The internship as a whole was a well-rounded experience that reinforced my undergraduate studies and empowered me to practice confidently. The DI instructor, preceptors, and coordinator supported me as an intern and set me up for success.” – Amanda Gibson, Dietetic Intern Class of 2018
“I am originally from India (Asia) and I came to the USA back in 2015. Coming from a different background and culture, it was really hard to find the bridge which can connect me not only with other cultures but also help me to understand the medical system in the USA. Nicholls Dietetic Internship was that bridge for me. I am very happy that I have decided to move from California to complete my dietetic internship in Nicholls. It has helped me to make myself culturally competent and informationally sound in the field of dietetics as it is very crucial to become a successful nutritionist. All rotations and preceptors were unique in one or other way which was a big help to me. A piece of advice I would like to give to future intern is, keep your mind open to grab and learn new things from your internship. It will definitely help you to make your dietetic internship experience unforgettable.” – Jigna Shah, Dietetic Intern class of 2019
“My experience throughout the Nicholls State Dietetic internship program has shaped me into the confident, successful dietitian that I am today. I received constant support from my instructors and preceptors over the course of the internship as well as preparing for my registered dietitian exam. Because of the program at Nicholls, I felt confident when preparing for my exam and all throughout the job application process” – Claire Chiasson, Dietetic Intern class of 2020
“The Nicholls State Dietetic Internship is not only challenging and helping me grow as a future RD, but it is also a lot of fun! The Director and Instructor, Sherry and Ashley, are both extremely helpful and care about the success of the interns. Despite the challenging COVID-19 times, they make sure the interns are able to have the most normal and educational experience possible. The program includes a variety of different learning experiences such as case studies, in person clinical and food service experiences, community based projects, as well as an assortment of other learning tools that set us up for success!” – Paige Gorges, Dietetic Intern class of 2021
“Nicholls State University’s Dietetic Internship has prepared me to become an outstanding dietitian! Since the program is clinical focused, the clinical instructor was a great addition in helping me truly grasp the clinical aspects of dietetics. Because of this unique addition to the program, I was confident during my staff relief and feel well prepared to work as a future clinical dietitian. My experience throughout the internship has been amazing and I am so thankful for all the instructors and preceptors who made this experience so fun and unforgettable!” –Annie Kennedy, Dietetic Interns Class of 2022
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