Accreditation Status Introduction Program Philosophy Mission Statement of the Dietetic Internship Program Program Goals Financial Aid Cost to Student Credentialing Process for Registered Dietitians

Admission Requirements & Computer Matching Application Procedures International Student Rules, Regulations & Procedures Expected Competence to be Attained by Graduate Registration Examination Eligibility Policies & Other Requirements Program Description for the Dietetic Internship Program

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Accreditation Status

The Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics at Life University have been granted initial accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800/877-1600 ext. 5400

Introduction

The Internship Program in Nutrition and Dietetics is a 10-month program (41 weeks/1640 hours of didactic - 360 hours) and supervised practice experience (1200 hours) post-baccalaureate program. The Dietetic Internship program provides interns with the necessary knowledge and skills to be eligible to sit for the national registration exam for dietitians and to pursue a variety of career opportunities in the field of dietetics. Up to 16 interns can be admitted to the program, which starts in mid-August, and is completed by June of each year. The Internship Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at Life University is a non-degree option program.

• Non-Degree Option: The prospective interns opting for this track will be eligible for financial aid and the tuition is $8,000.

• Graduate Degree Option: Students who are enrolled in the Dietetic Internship (DI) program may pursue the MS in Clinical Nutrition.  
  • MS in Clinical Nutrition: The interns of the Life University Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics have the opportunity to apply to the Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition and receive 9-transfer credits from the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics toward completion of this degree.

If the Graduate Degree option is selected, a prospective intern must apply to the Master’s Program separately. The two programs (DI and MS) are not combined, therefore, acceptance to one does not guarantee acceptance into the other. In order to be accepted to either, the prospective intern must meet the admission requirements for the particular program. 

If the MS in Clinical Nutrition option is selected, a prospective intern will only have to pay for 43 credit hours to obtain the Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition (MS requires 52 credit hours). 

NOTE: The prospective intern must not work or take classes that conflict with the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics hours. 

Program Philosophy

The Department of Nutrition designed the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics to share knowledge and provide sound training to dietetic professionals in order to meet the increasing demand for nutrition experts. As students of the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics at Life University, one will receive a variety of experiences focused on clinical, management, and community nutrition. The program is nine months in duration and will include instructional and work-related experiences. Upon completion of the program, the student will have been exposed to the entire scope of practice in dietetics and will have a working knowledge of clinical, community, and administrative dietetics with an emphasis in clinical.

Mission Statement of the Dietetic Internship Program

The mission of the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics is to support the Life University mission and provide practical experience and training for the interns, so that the program graduates will have the knowledge and skills to effectively meet the responsibilities of nutritional services in community, clinical, managerial positions and become leaders in their chosen field. Upon completion of the program and receipt of the Verification Statement, the graduates will pass the National Registration Examination for dietitians.

The mission of the Internship Program in Nutrition and Dietetics is to ensure graduates are adequately prepared with thorough didactic and supervised practice for entry level nutrition related positions where they will apply evidenced based practice to promote the health of communities and individuals

Program Goals

Goal 1

Upon completion of the program, the dietetic internship graduate will be qualified and prepared for a variety of career opportunities in the field of dietetics.

• Objective 1: 80% of the enrolled students will complete the IP program within 15 months of starting the program (150% of 10 months). 
• Objective 2: 80% of the interns will pass the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam on the first attempt. 

Goal 2

Graduates of the Internship Program (IP) program who desire employment will obtain a position in the field of dietetics and will have the knowledge and skills to effectively meet the responsibilities of the position.  

• Objective 1: 80% of graduates who desire employment in the field of nutrition will be employed within 12 months of program completion.
• Objective 2: 80% of IP graduates who start their first position as a RD will feel prepared for the position.
• Objective 3: 80% of graduates’ employers will feel that they were well prepared for the position. 

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics. For more information contact the Financial Aid Office.

Cost to Student

1. The tuition fee is $8,000. This fee will include instruction as well as work experience.
2. Health insurance and professional liability insurance is mandatory. Students must obtain insurance coverage prior to admission to the program. Liability insurance can be obtained through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at a cost of approximately $75.00 for liability and $350.00 for health for the nine-month duration.
3. Students are responsible for providing their own housing, meals, transportation and gas costs to/from rotation sites. Costs vary based upon preferences. The approximate cost is estimated to be between $8,000 to 12,000. Information regarding housing can be obtained through the Life University Office of Student Affairs at 770-426-2700.
4. Textbook(s) for the program will average $600.00.
5. White lab coats, stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, and penlight or flashlight are required ($150). 
6. Application fee for computer matching by D&D Digital Systems is $50.00.
7. Application fee to use Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) is $40 for the first application and $20 for each additional application.
8. Application fee for processing application by Life University is $65.00.
9. Registration Exam Review ($350-450). Students must either take the review course within 1 month of graduation or show the registration receipt for payment of the course in order for the Verification Statement to be issued at the end of the program.
10. Some rotation sites may require background checks for the interns and require the interns to pay for this cost, which could be between $20-200. Some rotation sites may also require the intern to repeat the TB test and/or any other immunizations, which may cost between $15-150.
11. Upon acceptance to the Internship Program, 10% of your tuition ($800) is required prior to the start of the program to secure your position (this is nonrefundable if you decide not to continue with the internship).
12. Students are required and responsible for becoming a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The fee is $50.00.

Credentialing Process for Registered Dietitians

Students are required to go through a sequential three-step process to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). Those steps are:

1. Completion of the didactic program in dietetics with minimum academic requirements as set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
2. Complete an ACEND accredited internship.
3. Pass the National Dietetic Registration Exam.

The completion of this program fulfills the second step in the process. This gives the student the competence and eligibility to take the national Dietetic Registration Exam.

Admission Requirements & Computer Matching

1. Completion of the course work required for a Didactic Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics (DP), which is accredited by the ACEND of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and having completed a Bachelor of Science Degree (transcripts must indicate BS Degree Completed). *If any applicants have graduated more than 5 years ago, they must take the following courses prior to the start of the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics at Life University:

• NTR 306 Advanced Nutrition  
• NTR 309 Assessment, Interviewing & Counseling  
• NTR 311 Institutional Food Management  
• NTR 401 Nutrition Therapy I  
• NTR 402 Nutrition Therapy II   
• NTR 413 Nutrition Therapy III     

When completing your application, you must include proof of taking these course or equivalent courses and must be completed by the start of the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics.

*If you are submitting a Declaration of Intent with your application, you must provide your Verification Statement before the internship starts. If the Verification Statement is dated prior to 1987, you must provide a Verification Statement indicating that you have completed current DP requirements (dated after 1987).  The program director’s signature must be in an ink color other than black to distinguish an original from a photocopy.

2. Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent *issued by the Program Director of the school
3. Grade point average in regard to completion of the academic requirements.
   • Overall GPA of 3.0
   • Science GPA of 3.0
   • Nutrition GPA of 3.25
4. Three written reference letters - two academic and one from work supervisor or personal colleagues.
5. A personal statement including 1,000 words or less that answers the following questions: 
   • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
   • What are some experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career?
   • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
   • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
6. Two copies of all official final transcripts. (If you have not completed the BS degree at the time of sending in the application, you must bring two copies of the official transcripts on the first day of the DI Program).
7. Student must have access to SKYPE or OOVOO in order to have an interview via video conferencing or in person if required (if deemed necessary).
8. Computer matching

NOTE: Foreign students who received their BS degree from other accredited universities in their country must have translation of their degree and transcripts by the following institution: 

Global Education Group, Inc.

1650 Alton Road

Miami Beach, FL 33139 USA

Phone: (305) 534-974

Fax: (305) 534-3487

OR

Josef Silny & Associates

International Education Consultants
7101 SW 102nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33173
305/273-1616
 Fax: 305/273-1338 or 273-1984
info@jsilny.com
www.jsilny.com

OR

World Education Services, Inc. (WES)

Bowling Green Station
PO Box 5087
New York, NY 10274-8057
212/966-6311
Fax: 212/966-6100
info@wes.org

NOTE: If you are sending translations of your degree, in the US Summary Equivalency section it must state what the international degree is equivalent to and that it is equivalent to at least a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited college or university (institution) in the United States (US). If the words Regionally Accredited are not there then the evaluation reports is not valid and would not be accepted.

Selection Criteria

The selection process will be a two-phase process for the 16 slots. The initial phase will be based on the assessment of admission requirements 1 through 7. The final phase will be based on assessment of admission requirements 1 through 8. The names of the applicants selected during the final phase will be sent to D&D Digital Systems for computer matching. Computer literacy, volunteer and extra-curricular activities are also considered in selecting students.

Computer Matching

All applicants to the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics (IP) and most Pre-professional Practice Programs (AP4) must participate in computer matching. Applicants should request instructions and a mark/sense card to prioritize their IP or AP4 preferences. Applicants should request this material from any Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics approved Didactic Program in Dietetics or from D&D Digital Systems. This request should be made to allow turn around time for submitting by the D&D Digital Systems postmark deadline. There is no charge for this material; however, there is a $50.00 charge for computer matching that is due with the applicant’s prioritized ranking. 

 Life University’s program code is 210 when completing the sense/mark card. 

Address requests to:
D&D Digital Systems
304 Main Street                             
Suite 301
Ames, IA  50010
website: www.dnddigital.com
email: dnd@sigler.com

EACH STUDENT MUST COMPLETE BOTH STEPS OF A 2-STEP PROCESS

Please remind your students – Applicants must create an account on EACH of 2 websites (different logins will be assigned for each website) to:

1.  Submit applications to Internships
2. Prioritize/rank Internships for matching http://www.dnddigital.com

Application Procedures

To apply for the Life University Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics, students must do the following:

• Student applying to the Life University Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics will need to apply through the online Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS). Students applying for the internship can go online to apply after December 1, 2015. The application must be completed by February 12, 2017. There is a $40 fee to use DICAS for the first application and $20 for each additional application.
• Applicants who apply to internships using DICAS will be asked to complete a personal statement in 1000 words or less that answer the following questions:
  • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
  • What are some experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career?
  • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to: DICAS - Transcript Dept., P.O. Box 9118, Watertown, MA 02472.
• The application must include three references with their names and contact information – including e-mail address. This will trigger an e-mail message requesting completion of a reference form.
• Applicants must also register online at www.dnddigital.com for computer matching by February 1st. There is a $50 fee for this service and applicants can pay with a credit card. If you have questions regarding the computer matching process contact D&D Digital at 515/292-0490.

Any questions regarding the application process should be directed to the nutrition department.

International Student Rules, Regulations & Procedures

International students are not eligible to apply to the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics only but you can apply to the MS in Clinical Nutrition Program. The following year you will be eligible to apply to the IP Program, since you would be considered a degree-seeking student. Applicants must meet all admission requirements for the MS Program and then apply to the Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics. For additional information regarding the MS in Clinical Nutrition, contact the nutrition department.

Expected Competence to be Attained by Graduate

Scientific and Evidenced Based Practice: Integration of scientific information and research in to practice 

1. Upon completion of the program the graduate will be able to:
   • Select appropriate indicators and measure achievement of clinical programmatic, quality, productivity, economics or other outcomes
   • Apply evidenced based guidelines, systemic review and scientific literature (such as Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidenced based library, Cocharane Data base of Systematic Review and the US Department of Heath and Human Services, Agency for Health Research and Quality, National Guideline Clearinghouse Web sites) in the nutrition care process and modes and other areas of dietetics practice
   • Justify nutrition programs products and services using appropriate evidence or data
   • Evaluate emerging research for application in dietetics
   • Conduct research projects using appropriate methods, ethical procedures and statistical analysis 
2. Professional Practice Expectations: beliefs, values, attitudes and behavior for the professions dietitian level of practice 
   • Practice in compliance with current federal and state regulations
     • Practice in compliance with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Scope of Dietetic Practice Framework, Standards of Professional Performance and Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics 
   • Demonstrate professional writing skills in preparing professional communications (eg research manuscripts, project proposals, educational materials, policies and procedures)
   • Design, implement and evaluate presentations considering life experiences, cultural diversity and educational background of the target audience
   • Use effective education and counseling to facilitate behavior change
   • Assign appropriate patient care activities to DTR’s and support personnel
   • Refer clients and patients to other professionals and services when needs are beyond individual scope of practice 
   • Demonstrate initiative by proactively developing solutions to problems
   • Apply leadership principles to effectively achieve desired outcomes
   • Serve in professional and community organizations
   • Establish collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate individual and organizational goals
   • Demonstrate professional attributes such as advocacy critical thinking, flexibility, time management
   • Perform self-assessment, develop goals and prepare draft portfolio for professional development
   • Demonstrate assertiveness and negations skills while respecting life experiences, cultural diversity and educational background 
3. Clinical and customer service: development and delivery of information, products and services to individual, groups and populations
   • Perform the Nutrition Care Process and use standardized nutrition language in a variety of settings
   • Develop and demonstrate effective communication skills using oral, print, visual, electronic and mass media methods for client, employee or marketing
   • Demonstrate and promote responsible use of resources including employees, money, time, water, energy, etc.
   • Develop and deliver a product, programs and services that promote health and wellness
   • Deliver respectful, science-based answers to consumer questions concerning emerging trends
   • Coordinate procurement, production, and distribution of goods and services
   • Develop and evaluate recipes and menus for acceptability, affordability that accommodate various populations 
4. Practice Management and use of Resources: strategic application of principles of management and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations 
   • Use organizational processes and tools to manage human resources, safety, security and sanitation
   • Perform management functions relating to safety, security and sanitation
   • Conduct customer service quality management activities
   • Participate in public policy activities
   • Use current informatics technology to develop, store, retrieve and disseminate information and data
   • Prepare and analyze quality, financial or productivity data and develop a plan for intervention
   • Conduct feasibility studies for products, programs and services
   • Obtain and analyze financial data to assess budget controls and maximize outcomes
   • Develop a business plan for a product or service
   • Complete documentation that follows professional guidelines as appropriate to the setting
   • Participate in coding and billing for dietetic/nutrition services

Registration Examination Eligibility

After completion of the program, the director of the program will provide the student with a student exit packet. The student must then do the following:

1. Complete the Name/Address Verification Forms provided by the Program Director.
2. Return the CDR Copy (this copy to be returned to CDR by the Program Director) to the Program Director on or before the deadline. The Program Director will submit this original form to CDR.
3. Retain the Name/Address Verification Form, Student Copy for student records.
   • The “Student Copy” is to be used when you have a name/address change after you have submitted the original CDR copy to your Program Director.
   • When a name/address change occurs, notify the Program Director of the change(s) via FAX so that he/she can revise your student record and advise CDR by attaching this fax copy to your original form. If you are unable to contact your Program Director, please FAX the form to CDR, attention Peggy Anderson, at (312) 899-4772. Make sure you complete ALL areas of the Change Form, including previous address (the address you submitted to your Program Director) and new address, Program Director’s name and four-digit program code found on your Verification Statement from your Program Director indicating completion of your supervised practice
4. Program Directors will forward the Computerized Registration Eligibility Application to CDR. You will receive a letter confirming your registration eligibility from CDR approximately two to three weeks following Program Director submission to CDR.
5. Refer to the February 1999 JADA, page 156, for an article entitled, “Computer-based testing: A new experience in 4 easy steps” and the October 1998 JADA, page 1102, for an article entitled, “Computer-based certification tests integrate testing and scoring, increase convenience” for a detailed description of the eligibility process.
6. Inquiries should be directed to Peggy Anderson at (312) 899-0040, extension 4764 or email Peggy at panders@eatright.org.

The Registration Examination for Dietitians is given year-round at over 200 approved Sylvan Learning Corporation sites nationwide. All test sites are open Monday through Friday and the eligible candidate must call the Sylvan testing site to schedule an appointment to take the examination.

Applicants should keep the following in mind:

1. Make certain the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is furnished with a current mailing address.
2. The examination fee is approximately $200.
3. The test is multiple choice, with a minimum of 125 questions.
4. The authorization to take the examination expires after the test is taken one year after authorization.

Policies & Other Requirements

Program Outcome Data

Data is available as requested in writing, you can send an email to adrienne.holloway@life.edu to obtain this information.

Grievance Procedures

Any problems including ACEND accreditation issues that the student cannot resolve should be brought to the attention of the Program Director. If the problem cannot be resolved between the Program Director and the student, the student should notify the Assistant Dean. If the Assistant Dean is not able to solve the problem, then he/she will refer the matter to the Dean of College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, who has the final authority. If the Dean is not able to resolve the problem, then the matter will be referred to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). If the VPAA cannot resolve the problem, then student is referred to the President of the Life University. If the President cannot resolve the problem, then the student can make a written complaint to the ACEND. The name and address where the complaint should be filed is given below:

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800/877-1600 ext. 5400

Program Description for the Dietetic Internship Program

Didactic
First four weeks of the program		120 hours
First Monday of each rotation		45 hours
Final Weeks		40 hours
Total:		205 hours
*Supervised Practice
Nine rotation at 112 hours each		1008 hours
Special interest rotation		200 hours
Role play and management project		32 hours
Total:		1240 hours
*Supervised Practice
Food service		112 hours
Clinical		336 hours
Community		224 hours
Renal or Nutritional Support		112 hours
Elective		224 hours
Special Interest		200 hours
Role play and management project		32 hours
Total:		1240 hours

Food service – exposure to different areas of food service including purchasing, inventory, production, safety, quality measures and customer service.

Community – exposure to community nutrition in various settings including, senior centers, state department of health, food banks and other community organizations.

Clinical – Exposure to different areas of clinical nutrition including acute care, long-term care, pediatrics, renal and critical care.

Special Interest – Interns are able to select an area of special interest and complete a supervised practice rotation in that area.

At the end of all supervised practice rotation the intern will be evaluated by the preceptor. The intern is required to obtain a score of 80% or better or they will be required to repeat that rotation which would delay the completion of the program.