Health and Nutrition Sciences
Program Director: Shahla Wunderlich, PhD, RD, FACN
Co-directors: Maria Stanish, MS, RD; Donna Duardo, MA, RD
Office: University Hall, Room 4101
Phone Number: (973) 655-4375
Email: stanishm@mail.montclair.edu, duardod@mail.montclair.edu
The Dietetic Internship at Montclair State University is currently granted Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60696-6995, (312) 899-0040. It is a 10-month full-time program, consisting of a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice in the field of dietetics as well as classroom education and the completion of 6 graduate credits.
Supervised field experiences are completed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Monday is reserved for didactic education, which includes lectures, guest speakers, and field trips.
Students rotate through various facilities for experience in clinical dietetics, foodservice management, community nutrition, wellness, education and research. This allows students to achieve the competences set by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education for eligibility to take the Registration Examination for Dietetians. Potential areas of employment include health care institutions, foodservice operations, wellness programs, home health agencies, health clubs, government programs, research, consulting and business.
Information can be obtained from Montclair State University, Dietetic Internship, University Hall, Montclair, NJ 07043. All applications are due by the February deadline designated by the American Dietetic Association. For further information and dates for program open houses, please contact the Dietetic Internship at (973) 655-4172.
Mission Statement
The Montclair State University Dietetic Internship Program is dedicated to preparing graduates for excellence in dietetics practice and dynamic professional involvement in the field. Students will be prepared for entry-level positions in dietetics through both classroom education (including a graduate course) and supervised field experiences. The program provides education in all areas of dietetics with a nutrition therapy emphasis so as to achieve the American Dietetic Association competency requirements for program accreditation. Through an understanding of the standards of practice and development of skills, students can successfully pass the registration examination and apply their knowledge to careers in clinical nutrition, foodservice and program management.
Goals
- The program will provide a learning environment to foster the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the RD exam.
- The program will prepare students to be competent entry level dietitians.
- The program will provide an environment that promotes professional attitudes and behaviors consistent with ethical and professional practice.
- The program will provide a learning environment to promote and pursue research and community service.
Program Outcomes
- 100% of all students will achieve an average, satisfactory rating ("3") for all entry-level competencies by completing 1200 hours of supervised practice.
- 100% of all students will obtain a "B" or better in the assigned graduate courses.
- 100% of all surveyed work supervisors will provide an overall rating of "adequately prepared" regarding graduate practice abilities within 9 months of graduation.
- 100% of all surveyed graduates will provide an overall rating of "adequately prepared" regarding their practice abilities within 9 months of graduation.
- 100% of all students will pass a mid-point and a final exam with a grade of 70% or better.
- 100% of all students will complete all required assignments for the didactic component of the program.
- Over a 5-year period, at least 70% of DI graduates who sought employment in dietetics will be employed within three months of program completion.
- At least 90% of interns enrolled in the DI program will complete all program requirements within 150% of the time planned for completion, i.e., by the following December.
- 90% of surveyed new graduates will indicate adequate support services for program completion.
- 100% of all students will complete community service projects as assigned.
- Over a 5-year period, the pass rate for DI graduates taking the registration examination for the first time will be at least 80%.
Program Description
The program is offered on a full-time basis over 40 weeks. Four full days each week are devoted to field experience and one day to classroom instruction. Students are required to take two graduate courses for a total of six credits. Courses are determined by the program director. Upon completing the Dietetic Internship students may continue their graduate studies following matriculation. Students receive supervised practice in a variety of field experiences. In-patient clinical nutrition rotations include medicine and surgery, intensive care, dialysis, pediatrics, geriatrics and rehabilitation. Related clinical experiences are provided in out-patient settings. Additional rotations in healthcare and school foodservice management, community nutrition and research allow for the achievement of program goals.
Program Completion Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of 1200 hours of supervised practice with an average grade of "3".
- Completion of two graduate courses (6 credits) with a minimum grade of "B".
- Passing a mid-point and final exam with a minimum grade of 70%.
- Satisfactory completion of all didactic component requirements.
Program Calendar
Orientation to the Program usually begins the day after Labor Day and runs for 2 weeks. There are no rotations on Thanksgiving. Holiday recess/make-up weeks are provided over the December holiday period and in March. There is no class on Memorial Day. Graduation takes place the third week in June.
The Dietetic Internship will hold an Open House for prospective applicants on the second Saturday in January in University Hall, Room 4008. All aspects of the program will be presented including the application process, program requirements and rotations, sites and the graduate courses.
Admission Requirements
All students applying to the Dietetic Internship must submit the complete application packet which includes:
- A cover letter clarifying interest in dietetics and professional goals;
- The completed standardized application for supervised practice which is available at http://www.depdpg.org (choose DI application documents and additional information);
- Two letters of recommendation on ADA forms which are also available at http://www.depdpg.org (one submitted by an instructor; one from a work supervisor);
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;
- A verification statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics or Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree and ADA-Approved Minimum Academic Requirements Form; and
- A nonrefundable application fee of $60.
A 3.0 GPA is needed to be competitive. All undergraduate coursework must be completed and a Didactic Program in Dietetics Verification Statement must be received prior to beginning the internship.
The Dietetic Internship at Montclair State University participates in the American Dietetic Association computer match. Applicants need to contact D & D Digital Systems at (515) 292-0490 or their Didactic Program Director for computer matching information.
Applicants are encouraged to bring a sampling of graded, written assignments from their Didactic Program in Dietetics to their scheduled interviews.
Tuition and Fees
For current tuition and fees, contact the Dietetic Internship or check the brochure insert. Tuition for the Program and the six graduate credits are separate.
Tuition Includes:
- Supervised work experience
- Program study guides
- Classroom instruction
- Professional liability insurance
Students are responsible for health insurance, textbooks, graduate course tuition, lab coats, transportation, physical exam and lab work, ADA affiliate membership, meeting fees, and criminal background check.
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