Dietetic Internship Program

About the Program

The Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences offers a graduate Dietetic Internship (DI) program. The Dietetic Internship (DI) can be completed with the M.S. in Exercise Physiology (sports nutrition major) or M.S. in Nutrition and Food Science (clinical nutrition major). Specializations are available in either sports nutrition or clinical nutrition, depending on the respective degree which is sought.

Successfully completing an accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) is required in order to take the examination for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential with the Commission for Dietetics Registration.

To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

For a student to become a credentialed RDN, they must:

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree with coursework or satisfactorily complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
  2. Complete an ACEND accredited post-baccalaureate dietetic internship (DI).
  3. Pass the national registration examination for Dietitians.

Admission Requirements

Withdrawal from Program

For withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees information, please refer to the FSU policy: https://financialaid.fsu.edu/resources/financial-aid-processes/title-iv-withdrawal

Mission Statement

The mission of the Florida State University’s Dietetic Internship (DI), which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), is to provide a post-baccalaureate route for students to complete the experiential requirements needed to write the national registry examination for certification as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). The program is designed for the preparation of entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) through supervised practice in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and food service systems management
to enhance their understanding of, and ability to apply principles of nutrition science and dietetics beyond the baccalaureate or DPD level.

The mission of the Dietetic Internship (DI) is consistent with the mission of the University, which is to serve as a center for advanced graduate and professional studies. It is also consistent with the mission of the College of Health and Human Sciences Department of Integrative Physiology, which is to enhance the well being of individuals and families through educational activities focused on research, health, the environment, and technology. The philosophy of the program is to prepare graduate students who desire advanced academic and professional training to meet the need for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and to become professionals who can seek innovative solutions to the challenges of contemporary society.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023.
For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website:
https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree.
In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited MSDI program at FSU are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become a RDN.

Dietetics Internship Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Graduates will become successful, competent registered dietitians in a timely manner.

  • Objective 1: The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) is least 80%.
  • Objective 2: At least 90% of employers/supervisors who responded to the survey will express satisfaction with the performance of the FSU DI program graduates.
  • Objective 3: At least 80% of program dietetic interns complete the program/degree requirements within thirty-six months (150% of the program length).
  • Objective 4: Objective 4: At least 80% of the program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) within 12 months of the program completion.
  • Objective 5: At least 80% of program dietetic interns will agree that their Dietetic Internship (DI) experiences provided opportunities to practice core competencies expected of the entry level registered dietitian.

Goal 2: Graduates will advance the dietetics profession through professional participation.

  • Objective 1: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 2: Of graduates in the dietetics profession, at least 80% will participate in a professional organization at the local, state, or national level.

Outcome data available upon request to the director of the dietetic internship.

Accreditation

The Florida State University DI Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995

1-800-877-1600 (ext. 5500)
(website)

Lisa Trone headshot

Lisa Trone, DHSc, RDN, LDN

Director, Dietetic Internship

ltrone@fsu.edu