BSHS Coordinated Dietetics Program

Coordinated Dietetic Program Internship

The ten credits of Internship Rotation are part of the 122 credits required to complete the Program. Traditionally, dietetic internships require 900 hours of post baccalaureate supervised practice. However, because of your previous work experience as a DTR you will be required to complete only 781 hours. Students may also reduce the number of required dietetic internship hours through documented portfolio assessment based on prior work experience. A supervisor must be willing to attest to your competency through your portfolio development and a faculty member will provide final approval.

Students must identify to the Program Director or Clinical Coordinator, upon admission to the program, the registered dietitian (RD) who will serve as their preceptor throughout their internship experience. This person may be a supervisor at a current or previous employer. A contract must be in place between UMDNJ-SHRP and the site(s) chosen prior to the start of internship rotations. The internship must be planned with the clinical coordinator of the CP six (6) months in advance to the start of rotations and are completed in their geographical location.

Students complete ten (10) credits of the dietetic internship consisting of four areas of rotation. All sciences and nutrition courses must be completed before rotations can begin.

The clinical internship rotations have an emphasis in nutrition therapy and community nutrition. The requirements for the clinical rotations are:

Food Service Rotation – (1 credit):  equates to about 45 to 90 hours of work  in the area of food service management.
Internship in Dietetics I (3 credits): consists of a total of 256 hours in the areas of medicine, surgery, diabetes, community and food security.
Internship in Dietetics II (3credits):  approximately 256 hours in the areas of obstetrics, pediatrics, ambulatory care, and rehabilitation.
Internship Dietetics III (3 credits): consists of a total of 224 hours in the areas of renal, ICU/nutrition support and staff relief.

After the intern completes each of the dietetic internship rotations, he or she will provide a portfolio of evaluations, reports, case studies, lesson plans and any additional materials to provide proof of competency.