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Dietetic Internship

Dietetic Internship

Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. The Mississippi State University (MSU) Dietetic Internship (DI) and Master's (MS) program provides supervised practice experience in a variety of nutrition and dietetic practice areas in conjunction with an MSU master's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion with a Health Promotion or Nutrition concentration. Interns usually complete the requirements for the DI and a master's degree within 23 months.

The DI/MS program begins in July with a 5-week, 3-credit graduate Advanced Clinical Nutrition course, which is typically offered online. During your fall and spring semesters, you will take graduate courses in the evening while completing DI-supervised practice experiences Monday through Thursday and a Friday morning class. Your DI rotations offer a wide array of clinical health care, food service, community, sports, and education settings. You’ll work with the support of faculty and preceptors to acquire first-hand experience and broaden your understanding of dietetics. The DI/MS program offers you the choice of completing a majority of graduate degree coursework before the internship begins or finishing coursework and other graduate program requirements after you finish the internship. We encourage you to complete your graduate degree within 12 months of completing the DI. This will afford a minimal time gap between supervised practice and being eligible to sit for the RD exam.

A DI/supervised practice option is available for candidates who have obtained a DPD Verification Statement and have completed a master’s degree. This option requires you to complete the Advanced Clinical Nutrition class (summer), and two Supervised Practice Experience classes (fall and spring), totaling 15 graduate credits, completed in three semesters (11 months).

The MSU DI/MS or DI only options are designed to lead to professional certification through the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Students who complete the program are eligible to take the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam. After passing the RD exam, you’ll be ready to practice in a wide variety of employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, government agencies and private practice.

Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are food and nutrition experts who have met the prescribed criteria to earn this professional credential. Find out about educational and professional requirements, as well as career opportunities. For more information about educational pathways, professional requirements and career opportunities visit https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend /students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students.

Program's Mission, Goals, and Objectives

MSU DI Program Mission

The mission of the MSU DI is to provide education and supervised practice experience which instills in dietetic interns ideals of diversity, citizenship, leadership, and service, to provide an integrative approach to foods, nutrition, and health and prepare interns who are competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists. The program accomplishes this mission through learning experiences in a variety of practice settings with diverse populations, contrasting delivery systems, and research oriented graduate education.

MSU DI Goals

  1. Program graduates will be competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists in a variety of entry level positions in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
  2. Graduates are engaged leaders who work within diverse populations.

MSU DI Objectives

Goal 1: Program graduates will be competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists in a variety of entry level positions in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

  1. At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 17 months (150% of planned program length) (DI)
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    At least 80% of interns complete program) requirements within 36 months (150% of planned program length). (DI/MS)
  2. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation) (DI/MS; DI)
  3. At least 80 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion. (DI/MS; DI)
  4. 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 dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. (DI/MS; DI)
  5. Based on Employer Survey conducted 12-16 months post-graduation, at least 80% of employers will respond that they are very satisfied (5) or satisfied (4) with graduate’s preparation for entry- level practice. (DI/MS; DI)
  6. Based on graduate/alumni survey conducted 12-16 months post-graduation, at least 85% of employed graduates will rate themselves as “prepared” or "well-prepared” for their first position as an entry level dietitian. (based on 5-point scale well prepared – very unprepared). (DI/MS;DI)

Goal 2: Graduates are engaged leaders who work within diverse populations.

  1. Five years post completion of the program at least 25% of graduates will work with diverse populations in service-oriented settings.
  2. Five years post completion of the program at least 25% of graduates will obtain leadership or management positions.

Admission to the MSU DI Program

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the MSU DI program:

  • Completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) with minimum academic requirements as approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Verification statement issued by the DPD Director of your college/university

  • Overall GPA of at least 3.00 (strongly recommended).

  • Nutrition (DPD) GPA of at least 3.25 (strongly recommended)

  • GRE scores are not required however, combined GRE scores above 290 favorably considered

  • Completed DICAS application

  • Student member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  • $35 MSU DI application fee

Upon acceptance to the MSU DI, interns must complete the following:

  • Submit an online application and pay application fees for MSU Graduate School Admission

  • Submit up-to-date immunization records

    • COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Mississippi State University does not require COVID-19 vaccination, but does encourage them. Currently, vaccinations, including COVID-19 and flu, are required for many internship practice sites. Interns participating in the MSU DI must comply with the requirements established by the sites facilitating the internship. They are independently operated entities removed from the university and are entitled to set their own requirements and standards. These requirements are initiated by the host facility not MSU. To gain the required supervised practice experience, interns must comply with the host facilities requirements.

  • Acquire a ServSafe Manager Certification prior to orientation for the DI

  • Purchase malpractice liability insurance

  • Complete and pay for a background check

  • Professional Meetings: Interns are required to become AND student members by the time they enter the DI program. During the DI program, interns are required to attend specific professional meetings, such as the annual FNCE meeting and the Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic meeting.

  • Project: Interns will complete an applied learning (capstone) project and prepare it for presentation.


Further instructions will be emailed upon acceptance into the Dietetic Internship program.

Master of Science

The Dietetic Internship is offered in conjunction with the Master of Science in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion with a concentration in Nutrition, or Health Promotion. Graduate hours earned during the internship apply to specific concentrations.

Prior Earned Master's Degree

A supervised practice/DI option is available for those who have completed a master’s degree and hold a DPD verification statement.

Application Procedure/Computer Matching

The MSU DI participates in the Spring Dietetic Internship Computerized Application System (DICAS).

Required Application Items:

  • DICAS Application
    • DICAS Application - The MSU DI/MS participates in the Spring Cycle and the platform is open for applications from November 15 through February 15

      • To access DICAS please visit https://dicas.liaisoncas.com

      • Fees: $50.00 for the first application submitted and $25.00 for each additional application

      • February 15th is the deadline for submitting the completed online application and fees through DICAS

      • Applicants will be notified of their admission decision by March 1st

      • Applicants must inform the DI director of their decision to accept or decline program admission by March 15th

      • If openings are available after March 16th, we will reopen DICAS and accept new applicants until July 15th

      • The MSU DI Intern Selection Committee reviews and ranks all competed applications. Please see the application scoring sheet for further details .
    • The $35 supplemental MSU DI fee is also due on February 15, 2024. Checks should be paid to the order of MSU DI and addressed to:

      Karen Wilson, Administrative Assistant
      Mississippi State University Dietetic Internship
      P.O. Box 9805
      Miss. State, MS 39762

    Admission and Application to the MSU Graduate School

    Once you have accepted your admission to the MSU DI, apply to the graduate school. Admission requirements and application to the graduate school can be found at https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/admissions.

    Academic and Program Calendar

    Graduate programs follow the MSU Graduate School Calendar found at: https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/graduate-school-calendar.

    The MSU DI follows the MSU Graduate Calendar. Interns are not scheduled for rotations on University Holidays. The FNH 8286 Supervised Practice – 6 credits course includes supervised practice in clinical, community, and foodservice core areas, elective rotations, and a Friday class. Core and elective rotations are scheduled Monday – Thursday 8AM – 5 PM. There is a Friday class from 9AM-11:50 AM. Interns receive their 32-week rotation schedules during fall orientation.

    MSU Dietetic Internship Semester Schedule
    Summer (July) Semester Fall Semester Spring Semester
    FNH 8273 Advanced Clinical Nutrition 3 credits (online delivery) FNH 8286 Supervised Practice - 6 credits FNH 8286 Supervised Practice - 6 credits
    Concurrent Graduate Degree
    Fall, Spring, and/or Summer Semesters/Terms, prior to starting internship, schedule required graduate degree coursework and begin research/creative project Fall and Spring Semesters complete dietetic internship and 6-12 credits of required graduate degree coursework  
      Fall and Spring Semesters complete dietetic internship and 6-12 credits of MS degree required coursework Summer and Fall or Fall and Spring Semesters, after completing dietetic internship, complete required graduate coursework and research thesis/final project

    Graduation and Program Completion Requirements

    Interns complete the requirements for the DI and the master’s degree within 23 months.

    Interns complete the requirements for the DI with prior master’s option within 11 months.

    Supervised Practice/DI Completion Requirements

    • Enroll as an MSU graduate student and meet all requirements (i.e., maintain required program 3.0 GPA, pass preliminary/comprehensive exams, pass thesis defense/capstone project) to maintain satisfactory progress and achievement in the graduate program while concurrently enrolled in the DI
    • Become a student member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
    • Attend professional meetings (i.e., FNCE meeting, Mississippi AND meeting)
    • Complete 1,064 hours of supervised practice
      • Complete all supervised practice rotations with a satisfactory evaluation by the preceptor. A satisfactory evaluation indicates the intern has demonstrated performance equivalent to that of an entry-level dietitian as indicated on the evaluation form.
      • All competencies (CRDNs) for entry-level dietitians must meet or exceed expectations. CRDNs are evaluated and measured on a 9-point scale - Below expectations (1-3), Met expectations (4-6), Exceeded expectations (7-9)
    • Successfully complete projects and assignments associated with rotations, Friday class, and the summer FNH Advanced Clinical Nutrition course assignments
    • Complete all requirements of the DI in 11 months

    Performance will be evaluated on an ongoing basis throughout and at the end of each rotation and course. Satisfactory performance and practice skills must be demonstrated throughout the program as evaluated by each site coordinator or preceptor. Dietetic interns are eligible for graduation from the DI program when assignments are completed satisfactorily, all competencies (CRDNs) for entry-level dietitians must are met, and supervised practice hours are completed.

    Master’s Degree Completion Requirements

    The Dietetic Internship is offered in conjunction with The Master of Science in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion with a concentration in Nutrition or Health Promotion. Graduate hours earned during the internship apply to specific concentration choices. In general, Master’s Degree Completion Requirements concurrent with MUS DI include:

    • Meet with graduate degree advisor to develop a plan of study and schedule classes each semester
    • Schedule 1-2 graduate courses (3-6 credits), offered as evening classes or online delivery, concurrently with the supervised practice course (6 credits) for fall and spring semesters
    • Meet required semester course load to achieve established graduation timeline
    • Demonstrate satisfactory progress in graduate study (i.e., maintain required program3.0 GPA, pass preliminary/comprehensive exams, pass thesis defense/capstone project)
    • Complete 30 hours of graduate coursework for the Nutrition concentration and 33 hours of graduate coursework for the Health Promotion concentration
    • • Complete all academic and administrative requirements to confer MS degree (recommended within 3 semesters or less) after completing the DI. The University policy has a time limit of 8 years for a completing an MS.

    Master's Degree awarded before starting Supervised Practice/DI

    Students who choose to complete the supervised practice/dietetic internship option must have completed a master’s degree prior to the internship start date.

    Prior Learning

    All interns will be assessed for prior learning and given up to 300 supervised practice hours. The prior learning will be assessed by the Director as follows:

    • Previous Work Experience
      Interns must provide a resume and portfolio that contains the learning activities completed in their previous work experience. Credit for competencies met, will be given to the intern based on their resume and portfolio.

    • Prior learning hours will be given on a 1 to 1 ratio.

    Supervised Practice Facilities that Participate in the MSU DI

    The total amount of possible travel will be 33 weeks x 4 days/week. The estimated amount of travel to rotation sites is 11,000 miles. Costs for mileage vary tremendously depending on price of gasoline, miles per gallon of your automobile, etc. Carpooling is encouraged. Estimates of round-trip mileage to the rotation sites from the MSU campus for the duration of the internship, based on the number of weeks at each site are provided in parenthesis.

    Additional travel may be required to attend meetings. You are encouraged to carpool whenever possible. However, please be aware that you need to be at the site when preceptors or staff to whom you are assigned requires you to be there. Preceptors and others may not be able and do not need to change their schedules to accommodate your desire to carpool.

    Fees and Financial Information

    Tuition and financial aid information for graduate students is posted at www.sfa.msstate.edu/cost. Interns are classified as full-time graduate students for both semesters of the Internship. The MSU Office of the Graduate School also has financial and other information at www.grad.msstate.edu. Other fees may include, but are not limited to: living expenses, campus parking permit, textbooks, supplies, health and liability insurance, Academy membership, professional meeting attendance (in-state only), transportation costs to supervised practice facilities.

    Internship fee $2,500.00 (payable in two installments $1,250.00 in Spring semester, $1,250.00 in Fall semester).

    Transportation: Interns must provide their own reliable, sufficiently insured transportation between university and facilities. Some carpooling is possible.

    Financial Aid: Full-time graduate students are eligible for student financial aid: www.sfa.msstate.edu/cost. Contact the MSU Financial Aid office: www.sfa.msstate.edu.

    Estimated Cost to Students

    Fees and Expenses Resident Non-Resident
    MSU Dietetic Internship Program Application Fee, Graduate School application fee, DICAS, D&D matching $210.00 $210.00
    Tuition2 https://www.controller.msstate.edu/accountservices/tuition
    Graduate Tuition 6 (Price per credit hour) $537.002/credit hour $537.002/credit hour + Non-resident fee of $931.50/credit hour
    Other Fees and Expenses2
    Internship Fee $2,500.005 $2,500.005
    MSU Campus Parking Permit $180.002 $180.002
    Estimated cost for textbooks (Appendix), supplies (scrubs, etc.) $500.00 $500.00
    ServSafe Training $180.00 $180.00
    Student Health Insurance3 $1,201.00 $1,201.00
    Professional Liability Insurance4 $24.00 $24.00
    Physical Exam $75.00-$250.00 $75.00-$250.00
    Living Expenses (housing, food, etc.) Amount varies Amount varies
    Interns provide their own living arrangements $$ $$
    Professional Membership/Meetings    
    AND Student Membership $60.00 $60.00
      Meeting Expenses Meeting Expenses
    Professional Meetings: FNCE (required), Mississippi Dietetic Association Annual Meeting (required,)) and Northeast District Dietetic Association Meetings (required)

    Attendance at a Review Course for the Registration Examination     		will be paid from internship fees will be paid from internship fees
    Transportation Amount varies Amount varies
    Background check, fingerprinting, drug testing Amount varies Amount varies
    Interns must provide own transportation between the university and facilities and must carry sufficient automobile insurance coverage for collision and liability. Carpooling with other interns in the same rotation is encouraged.
    1Interns may not schedule additional responsibilities such as assistantships and full-time jobs as they will be working in assigned facilities Monday–Thursday and will have DI class on Friday mornings. Interns will take one graduate class each semester and summer (must take Advanced Clinical Nutrition in summer) in addition to FNH 8286 Supervised Practice Experience.
    2These costs are estimated as average cost, based on the best available information and subject to change or personal difference or needs. Total shown includes tuition, activity fees and do not include course participation fees, special fees, or overload tuition. Additional information is available in the Graduate Bulletin at https://www.grad.msstate.edu/ and at https://www.controller.msstate.edu/accountservices/tuition/ (Prices will increase yearly and may not be correct as of this printing) .
    3This insurance is sponsored through the MSU Student Association. It is a voluntary plan for students and their dependents. Prices may change. Information on student health services and student health insurance is available at www.health.msstate.edu or https://www.healthcenter.msstate.edu/insurance or by calling 662.325.5895.
    4Professional liability insurance is required for Dietetic Interns. One choice for insurance is Proliability, administered by AMBA Administrators, Inc,. Information and registration for this insurance can be found at www.proliability.com. Individual quotes vary but typically range from $24-30 per year for students.
    5Portion of this fee will be utilized to pay for educational opportunities, materials and travel necessary to complete the training competencies of the Dietetic Internship Program.
    6Full time vs. Part time graduate status is dependent on approval and verification of graduate degree on admission into the DI program and per the discretion of the dietetic intern based on desire to qualify for financial aid.

    To learn more about costs to students, please view Tuition and Fees. At MSU, our traditional campus classes continue to utilize a mixture of online and face to face delivery of curriculum. It is important to understand that tuition rates for “Online Education” relate to MSU’s distance education program. This program is designed for students who do not intend to take classes on any one of MSU’s physical campuses.

    Interns need to have access to a computer/laptop and high-speed internet to participate in MSU’s online administration services (Banner) and online learning management platform (Canvas).

    Computers and internet access is available at the MSU Library computer lab if an intern does not have a personal computer and/or access to the internet.

    Scholarships and Financial Aid

    The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Scholarship links for financial assistance can be found at: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students/financial-aid.

    Mississippi State University offers graduate students an array of financial aid opportunities found at: https://www.grad.msstate.edu/funding-tuition. For university Financial Aid see https://www.sfa.msstate.edu/.

    Accreditation, Verification Statements, and Licensure

    The MSU DI/MS is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-0040 ext 5400. More information about accreditation can be found by clicking the visiting ACEND .

    The MSU DI/MS is designed to lead to professional certification through the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Students who complete the DI/MS program or DI with prior MS option are eligible to take the RD exam.

    Students who successfully complete the DI program, including the completion of the master's degree, will receive a verification statement signed by the DI Director. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the DI Director signs the Verification Statement substantiating completion of the program and provides each intern with an electronic copy. An original copy is maintained indefinitely by the MSU DI Program. The DI Director completes and submits the registration eligibility application to CDR via the online Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS). Students are then granted eligibility to sit for the registration examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). As of July 1, 1999, CDR utilizes a computer assisted test (CAT) format. The DI Director provides information and guidance pertaining to the examination during exit week. Extensive information is also available at CDR’s website.

    Board certification does not confer state licensure. Specific licensure requirements vary from state to state, and among territories. Licensure for the RD may also be required depending on the state of practice. The state of Mississippi requires additional state licensure for dietitians practicing within the state. Prior to beginning practice as an RDN Those seeking to become employed as RDNs can learn more about Licensure Statutes and Board Information by clicking on the link state regulations.

    Alumni

    Janice Giddens, a registered dietitian and alumni of the MSU Dietetics program is the Applied International Nutrition Research Fellow in Africa. Her work is featured in this video
    www.eatrightfoundation.org/videos/applied-international-nutrition-research-fellow-janice-giddens

    Additional Resources

    Program outcomes data are available upon request.

    Connect with MSU Dietetics on Twitter | MSU Dietetics on Facebook

Want to know more?
Contact:

Jaqlene Villalpando, MS, RDN, LDN | 662.325.5902