The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program is designed to provide interns with experience in:
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Community dietetics
- Food service management
- School Nutrition
- Renal/Special Population
- Elective
Throughout the program, interns are provided with the resources and experiences needed to develop the skills necessary to become competent Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Emphasis is placed on intellectual, technological, and professional development while fostering ethical and humanitarian values.
Clinical rotations are designed to provide hands-on experience in medical nutrition therapy, allowing interns to utilize knowledge of nutrition science, biological science and pathophysiology of disease gained in the classroom. Community experiences provide active participation in nutrition intervention in the outpatient setting, while enhancing the skills needed to practice in culturally and socially diverse environments. The dietetic interns actively participate in the supervision of food service delivery at a variety of settings in the Food Service Management rotations. For the Elective experience, interns work with the internship director to create an individualized practice experience to fit their interest areas. Throughout the program, in both classes and professional practice experiences, emphasis is placed on identifying and utilizing nutrition resources and research for professional development.
The program is completed in 16 months and follows the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Academic Calendar. Since dietetic internship rotations are considered practicum experiences, program interns are expected to report to their scheduled rotation during University-recognized holidays. Interns are not excused from University holidays, which fall within their schedule at a practice site if their current preceptor is working on the holiday.
Interns are expected to complete both the Master of Science in Nutrition and the Dietetic Internship requirements. Upon completion of the 16-month program and all degree requirements, graduates will receive the verification statement documenting completion of the internship requirements and will be eligible to sit for the registration exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). In addition, program graduates will have completed the requirements for the Master of Science degree and will receive the Master of Science in Nutrition from the University. Attainment of the RDN credential also establishes the eligibility for licensure from the State Medical Board of Ohio. KSU intern graduates moving outside of Ohio will be advised to check with individual state licensure boards for RDN licensure requirements for that state.