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Dietetics Internship Program

Special Note: The Mount Mary College Dietetic Internship program is currently being revised to meet the American Dietetic Association's new 2008 eligibility requirements and accreditation standards.

Mount Mary's dietetic internship (DI) is for students who needs to complete the practice component necessary to meet the requirements for Registered Dietitian (RD) exam eligibility. This generalist internship program provides students with meaningful experiences using entry-level competencies as well as exposure to several specialty areas within dietetic practice, while furthering their education with graduate courses.

The internship begins in late August and continues through late May. Students are expected to work the schedule assigned by the cooperating institutions, which may include early, late, and weekend assignments. The assigned schedule is normally 32-40 hours per week at the facility, with bi-weekly meetings weekdays on campus.

Required assignments and projects will usually require additional time to complete. Access to a computer and the Internet are required to complete some assignments.

The program does not provide for extensive review of prerequisite knowledge prior to or during the experiences. Students who require a review of academic content may wish to contact the Director of the Coordinated Dietetic Program at Mount Mary College for information about an alternate route to becoming a Registered Dietitian.

Upon successful completion of the DI, interns will be issued a Verification Statement and be eligible to apply to take the ADA registration exam. Students are encouraged, but not required, to find work and complete the master's degree on a part- or full-time basis.

Interns are full-time graduate students, and earn 18 graduate credits toward the 40-42 credits required to complete the MS in Dietetics, during the nine-month internship. Nine of these credits are earned by taking the supervised practice courses (DTS 771, 772, and 773). In addition, interns take nine credits of graduate coursework, generally scheduled in the evening and/or on Saturdays, to enhance their knowledge base. Part-time employment is possible during the internship, but work hours must fit around the internship schedule.

The Mount Mary College Dietetic Internship participates in the computer-matching program for internship placement through D&D Digital Systems. Materials for computer matching may be requested from D&D Digital Systems or from your undergraduate program director. The fee is currently $50.00, but is subject to change.

Mount Mary's distinct dietetic internship program is currently granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400.