The Dietetic Internship Graduate Certificate is a specialized credential for dietetic professionals who have completed the undergraduate coursework to receive a Didactic Program in Dietetics Verification Statement and have applied and been accepted into the University of Saint Joseph Dietetic Internship. The program accepts 14 to 16 qualified Didactic Program graduates per year and is a two-semester program.
The course sequence consists of two courses that have been approved by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and includes 1,200 hours of supervised practicum required to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) registration examination to become a registered dietitian.
The Didactic Program in Dietetics and the Dietetic Internship Program are granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) as the sole accrediting agency for nutrition and dietetics education.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Phone: 312.899.5400 or 800.877.1600 ext. 5400
Application procedure
Applications are available online. Applications should be postmarked by February 15 for fall admission. The University of Saint Joseph Dietetic Internship Program participates in the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) and uses the Computer Matching System (D&D Digital) as mandated by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. A supplemental USJ-DI application must be completed with a $60 application fee paid to University of Saint Joseph-DI, postmarked no later than February 15.
Cost
For full-time students, the cost of the program is based on nine graduate credits per semester. The student must also be prepared to purchase a variety of text and reference materials, a lab coat, health insurance, criminal background check and Hepatitis B inoculation. Students are responsible for transportation to facilities, parking and meals.
Application requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Verification Statement from undergraduate Didactic Program director
- Overall GPA of 3.0.
- Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) $60 fee, includes application, official transcripts, personal letter, three reference letters, and resume. Due by February 15.
- D&D Computer Matching $50 fee
Program requirements (18 credits)
Dietetic interns receive nine credits toward an online master’s of Nutrition at the University of Saint Joseph. Courses may be taken in conjunction with the internship if interns choose a full graduate program in lieu of a graduate certificate program, with permission from the DI director. Scholarships are available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Sample calendar and rotation schedule
| End of August |
Orientation at USJ |
| September - December |
Seminars every other week
Rotations include extended care facilities, hospitals and diabetes centers
|
| Mid December |
Holiday break |
| Mid January - March |
Seminars every other week
Orientation at USJ
Rotations include dialysis units, school nutrition and food service
|
| Mid March |
Spring break |
| March - May |
Community placements |
| May |
Graduation |
The Dietetic Internship Graduate Certificate at the University of Saint Joseph has been accredited since 1998 by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
