Overview
Program Mission
The mission of the Dietetic Internship Program is to prepare entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists to integrate the science and research of dietetics into practice and, who are committed to applying these principles to diverse populations in our ever-changing global society.
Goal 1: Program graduates will be proficient Registered Dietitians
Expected Outcome 1.1 – Program Completion – At least 80% percent of program interns complete program/degree requirements within 12 months (150% of the program length).
Expected Outcome 1.2 – Graduate Employment – Of graduates who seek employment 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
Expected Outcome 1.3a - Graduate Performance on Registration Exam – Seventy percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
Expected Outcome 1.3b – Graduate Performance on Registration Exam – The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
Expected Outcome 1.4 – Eighty percent of program graduates will receive a rating of “4” or “acceptable” for the “Job Competence” indicator on employer surveys.
Goal 2: Program graduates will be prepared to integrate evidence-based practice strategies into their nutrition care plan
Expected Outcome 2.1 – Eighty percent of interns’ perceived knowledge on research interpretation and evidence-based practice will increase from the beginning to the end of the internship.
Expected Outcome 2.2 – Eighty percent of program graduates will receive a rating of “4” or “acceptable” for the “Evidence-Based Practice” indicator on employer surveys.
Outcome Measures Data is available upon request.
Program Description
Candidates for this program must be self-directed, proactive, attentive, motivated, flexible, and responsible. Interns are expected to work 32 hours/week and attend class one day per week for 4-6 didactic hours. The program is 37 weeks in length, excluding 2 weeks of vacation. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in community service through the internship. Interns will complete service hours that will benefit the VSU community and the central Virginia region. Also, interns will have the opportunity to complete a summation experience, where they will complete 1 week in an area of interest to them. Effective Fall 2018, interns will earn 16 graduate credits and a graduate certificate in Food and Nutrition Science.
Prior Learning
DI Program credit is not given for experiences received prior to enrollment in VSU’s DI Program or for extracurricular work currently in progress since such training has not been under the direct supervision of the DI Program.
Location
Virginia State University is approximately 125 miles south of Washington, DC and 20 miles south of Richmond, VA via I-95. It is approximately 30 miles from the Richmond International Airport.
For a campus map and directions - www.vsu.edu/about/visit/campus-maps.php
VSU DI Contact Information
If you have questions or would like to arrange a visit to VSU’s campus, please contact our staff at (804) 524-5160, Fax (804) 524-5048, email: abianco@vsu.edu.
Experience VSU for the Education of Your Life!
VSU adheres to the principles of equal opportunity without regard to race, sex, creed, color, disability, national origin, age, or religion.
VSU: Education, Research and Community Service in Southside Virginia...within this supportive educational environment, each student is encouraged to make a lifetime commitment to professional learning and ethical practice in the dynamic profession of dietetics.
Rotations are in Petersburg and its vicinities (Richmond, South Hill, Farmville, Chesterfield, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Williamsburg, and Fredericksburg).