Dietetic Internship

Post-Baccalaureate Credit Certificate Program

Penny Kris Etherton, Ph.D., .R.D.
Marie Y. Kamp, M.B.A., R.D
Department of Nutritional Sciences
121-A Henderson Building South
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-9105
Fax: 814-863-6103
E-mail: myk2@psu.edu

Career opportunities in the field of dietetics continue to expand. In addition to careers in traditional settings such as hospitals, nutrition professionals have more opportunities available in sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs, food and nutrition related industries, and public/community health settings. The Penn State College of Health and Human Development Dietetic Internship Certificate Program is committed to providing a broad range of educational and practical experiences that enable future dietetic professionals to strengthen their critical thinking skills and explore the myriad of opportunities available to them in the field. Students completing the certificate program receive a Verification Statement and are eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The program has been granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education of the American Dietetic Association.

Admission Requirements

As required by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education, students must have a baccalaureate degree conferred before they enter the program. Additionally, applications are to be submitted by February 15 for the internship class starting in the fall. All applications must include (1) completed and signed standard American Dietetic Association application, (2) official transcripts from all schools, (3) three letters of recommendation (at least one from a registered dietitian), (4) personal statement, (5) Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent stating completion or proposed date of completion of required undergraduate course work, and (6) $50 nonrefundable application fee.

Selection criteria are based on strength of undergraduate academic record, relevant work experience in the field of dietetics, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and volunteer and other experiences. The selection committee, composed of professionals in the field of dietetics and faculty members, evaluates the applications and ranks them accordingly. The selections are then submitted to a computer matching service contracted by the American Dietetic Association. In mid-April, applicants as well as dietetic internship programs are notified of results.

PRESCRIBED COURSES

NUTRITION (NUTRN)
595A. Application of Community Nutrition -- Internship (2)
595B. Application of Food Service Management -- Internship (3)
595C. Application of Basic Clinical Nutrition -- Internship (1)
595D.Application of Advanced Clinical Nutrition -- Internship (4)
595E. Introduction to Nutrition Research -- Internship (1)
595F. Professional Portfolio -- Internship (1)

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 599. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

NUTRITION (NUTRN) course list

Effective Date: Fall Semester 2003
Expiration Date: Summer Session 2008


The Pennsylvania State University © 2004

The University reserves the right to change the requirements and regulations listed here and to determine whether a student has satisfactorily met its requirements for admission or graduation, and to reject any applicant for any reason the University determines to be material to the applicant's qualifications to pursue higher education. Nothing in this material should be considered a guarantee that completion of a program and graduation from the University will result in employment.

This electronic Graduate Bulletin is a version of the official bulletin of The Pennsylvania State University. It is suggested that users refer to this electronic bulletin when seeking the latest information about the University's academic programs and courses. Printed versions of the Bulletin are also official copies of the programs, courses, and policies in effect at the time of printing.

Last Revised by the Department: Fall Semester 2003

Blue Sheet Item #: 32-02-054

Review Date: 10/14/03