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.
Interns are full-time graduate students, and earn 18 graduate credits toward the 40-42 credits required to complete the M.S. in Dietetics, during the nine-month internship. Nine of these credits are earned by taking the supervised practice courses (DTS 510, 511, and 512). Interns take an additional nine credits of additional 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 should be limited and must fit around the internship schedule.
Mount Mary’s DI is unique in that interns’ rotations are arranged based on areas of interest and career goals. Students may select a generalist track or an emphasis in counseling or professional writing.
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 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 Program in Dietetics 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.
Mount Mary Internship Admission Requirements and Procedures
Dietetic Internship Application from ADA
Dietetic Internship Waiver and Recommendation Form from ADA
Dietetic Internship Application Checklist
