Health and Nutrition Sciences

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.

The Montclair State University Dietetic Internship (DI) is a 10-month part-time program starting in September. It consists of 912 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 Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Thursday is reserved for didactic education, which includes lectures, guest speakers, and field trips. The graduate course is offered one evening during the week.

Students rotate through various facilities for experience in clinical dietetics, foodservice management, community nutrition, education and research. This allows students to achieve the competency requirements as set by CADE for eligibility to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. Potential areas of employment include health care institutions, foodservice operations, 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 as 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 graduate courses) 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, food service and program management.

Goals

Program Outcomes

• 100% of all students will achieve an average, satisfactory rating (“3”) for all entry-level competencies by completing 912 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.
• Within ten months of graduation, graduates will have obtained employment related to dietetics and/or are enrolled in an accredited continuing education program.
• Alumni will achieve, over a 5-year period, an 80% pass rate on the registration examination.
• 90% of all students who enter the program will complete it within one year of the start..
• 90% of surveyed new graduates will indicate adequate support services for program completion.
• 100% of all students leaving the program without completion will receive an exit interview.
• 100% of all students completing the program will meet research rotation requirements with a “3” or better.
• 100% of all students will complete community service projects as assigned.
  

Program Description

The program is offered on a part-time basis over 40 weeks. Three full days each week are devoted to field experience and one day to classroom instruction. Students are required to take one graduate course each semester for a total of six credits. Courses are determined by program directors. Graduate courses are offered late day and will not conflict with field experiences. 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 and family practice settings. Additional rotations in healthcare and school food service management, community nutrition and research allow for the achievement of program goals.

Program Completion Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of 912 hours of supervised practice with an average grade of "3".
• Completion of 2 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 typically begins the Tuesday after Labor Day and runs for 2 weeks. There is no class on Thanksgiving. Holiday recess/make-up weeks are provided over the December holiday period and in March. Memorial Day field experiences are made up the following Thursday. Graduation is the third week in June.

The Dietetic Internship will hold an Open House for prospective applicants on January 12, 2008 in room 4008 of University Hall. All aspects of the program will be presented including the application process, program requirements and rotations, sites and the graduate courses.

Admission Requirements

• A cover letter clarifying interest in advanced students in dietetics and professional goals;
• The completed standardized application for supervised practice which is available at www.depdpg.org (choose DI application documents and additional information)
• Two letters of recommendation on ADA forms which are also available at 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.
• A nonrefundable application fee of $50.

A 3.0 GPA is needed to be competitive.

Applicants need to contact D & D Digital Systems at (515) 292-0490 or your 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

• Supervised work experience
• Program study guides
• Classroom instruction
• Professional liability insurance

Students are responsible for health insurance, textbooks, lab coats, transportation, physical exam and lab work, ADA affiliate membership, meeting fees, and criminal background check.