Dietetic Internship

The Dietetic Internship Program (DI) is an 11-month 'post baccalaureate' certificate program that begins in mid-August and finishes in June.  The DI program strikes a balance between rigorous supervised practice training and evidence-based didactic learning opportunities.  Service learning and community outreach experiences are facilitated and encouraged.  Students who successfully complete the DI program earn 36 graduate credits and receive a verification statement signed by the DI Director.   Upon completion of the program exit paperwork is  processed and submitted to the Commission on Dietetic Registration for the student to be granted eligibility to apply for the national registration examination for dietitians.

Mission

The Dietetic Internship Program prepares graduates to deliver evidence-based nutrition care and dietetics services to improve the health of Oregonians and individuals living throughout the United States.  Program faculty and preceptors foster the pursuit of excellence by dietetic interns through the provision of a wide array of experiences in professional leadership, didactic opportunities and practice to be carried forward into their professional careers.

Program Goals and Outcome Measures

Goal I — To provide evidence-based didactic and experiential education to interns in preparation for eligibility to apply to take the national Registered Dietitian (RD) exam

Outcome Measures

• 90% of interns enrolled in the DI program will meet graduation requirements and receive the verification statement for eligibility to take the national registration examination within 15 months from entry into the program. 
• 75% of interns enrolled in the Combined DI/MS program will meet graduation requirements and receive the verification statement for eligibility to take the national registration examination within 36 months from entry into the program.
• 100% of interns will demonstrate the ability to use and apply ADA’s Evidence-based Analysis Library; the Nutrition Care Process and Model; and the International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology upon completion of the program. 
• 90% of graduates will pass the national RD examination on initial attempt.

Goal 2— To prepare graduates for entry-level dietetics practice throughout Oregon, the Northwest region of the US, and beyond

Outcome Measures

• 80% of graduates will obtain employment in dietetics within 1 year of graduation.
• 50% of graduates will practice in Oregon or the Northwestern region of the US within 5 years of graduation.

Goal 3 — To foster professional leadership and specialty practice skills in graduates         

Outcome Measures

• 50% of graduates will report on follow-up surveys that they have obtained a leadership position in their place of employment, volunteer organization and/or local, state or national professional organization within 5 years of graduation.
• 25% of graduates will report on follow-up surveys that they have obtained one or more specialty certification(s) from the Commission on Dietetic Registration within 5 years of graduation.
• 95% of graduates will maintain membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• 50% of employers will rate our graduates as either superior or above average in comparison to employees of similar age, education, experience and responsibility.