The Dietetic Internship (DI) Program allows accepted dietetic interns to discover and strive to achieve their full potential, both personally and professionally in their path to obtaining the Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist credential from the Commission on Dietetics Registration. The DI is a 10-month, full time program where students attend supervised practice rotations in various clinical, food service management, community nutrition (SNAP-Ed), sports nutrition and enrichment sites, supplemented by class days on campus twice monthly. The program accepts up to 16 interns yearly during the spring match. Interns will apply through DICAS (Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service) at https://dicas.liaisoncas.com and then participate in the D&D Digital Match process (https://www.dnddigital.com/). A supplemental USJ-DI application including $60 fee must be completed through the DICAS application and is due February 15 of each application year. USJ does have a preselect process where students completing the undergraduate degree or Master’s degree at USJ can apply early through DICAS, and if accepted, can withdraw from the match. The details of the application process and admission criteria can be viewed in the DI Handbook.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration mandates that a Master’s degree must be completed prior to an applicant registering for the CDR exam to become a Registered Dietitian as of 1/1/2024. The USJ DI program has offered a combined online MS in Nutrition with or without a concentration in Sports Nutrition since 2018 which runs during the internship year and is required for those not already possessing a Master’s at the start of the internship. The MS in Nutrition coursework begins the May prior to the start of the DI, which begins in August, and finishes the following summer. Once the Master’s Degree is complete, the DI Verification statement is awarded and the intern will be approved to register for the CDR (Commission on Dietetics Registration) exam and once passed, can officially become a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist.
The DI Program has received continued accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and includes 1000 hours of supervised practice experiences with a minimum of 700 hours in professional work settings; a maximum of 300 hours in alternate supervised practice settings such as simulation, case studies, and role play. The ACEND 2022 Core Competencies are the basis on which the program curriculum and learning activities are built upon within the context of the mission and goals of the program. Details of this process can be viewed in the DI Handbook.
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 312/899-0040 x 5400
Email: ACEND@eatright.org
URL: www.eatright.org/ACEND
Cost
The program is full time and based on 9 credits per semester, in addition to online MS courses if completing the MSDI. The student must also be prepared to purchase recommended texts, a lab coat, health and auto insurance, required health exams and immunizations, background check and drug testing. Students are responsible for transportation to facilities, parking and meals. Details of program cost can be viewed in the DI Handbook. Tuition information can be viewed here: https://www.usj.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/tuition-fees/ . Scholarships are available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Application requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics
Verification Statement from undergraduate Didactic Program Director
Overall GPA 3.0
Application completed through the Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application System (DICAS) with fee of $50 for first program, $25 for each additional program (application includes official transcripts, personal statement, three reference letters, verification statement or letter of intent to complete from DPD director, and resume. https://dicas.liaisoncas.com
Supplemental Application to USJ and $60 fee (payment link provided within DICAS)
D&D Computer Match registration fee $50
If applicant does not have an MS degree at the time of program start, one must agree to complete the combined MSDI program due to CDR requirement of a Master’s degree completed in order to sit for the CDR exam.
Program requirements (18 credits)
Dietetic Interns receive nine credits per semester and 18 credits will transfer to the combined MSDI program for USJ students. Courses are taken in conjunction with the internship, beginning the May before the internship begins and ending the summer session after the DI program is complete. Once graduates receive degree conferred Master’s transcripts, the Verification Statement for the Dietetic Internship will be provided and the intern will become eligible to register for the CDR Exam through Pearson Vue.
Fall Semester NUTR 550 - Dietetic Internship
Spring Semester NUTR 551 - Dietetic Internship
Sample calendar and rotation schedule
| Mid May |
Begin MS online if in combined MSDI |
| Late August |
DI Orientation Week on campus |
| September - mid-December |
Long Term Care and Clinical Rotations
|
| Mid January - March |
Orientation, Food Service Management, Sports Nutrition |
| Mid March |
Spring break
|
| March - May |
Community Nutrition and Enrichment Rotations
|
| May |
Exit Day |
| Summer |
Complete on-line MS degree if enrolled in MSDI |
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