Orlando VA Dietetic Internship
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Program Information
The Orlando VA Healthcare System Dietetic Internship Program is a full-time program with 32 hours of supervised practice plus 8 hrs dedicated to learning activities scheduled per week. The 41 weeks program starts in August and finishes at the end of May. Typically, interns are scheduled Monday through Friday but may be asked to work an occasional weekend. In addition to supervised practice hours, dietetic interns have assignments or readings to supplement the hands-on learning experience.
The OVAHCS DI program is not a distance program and thus all practice will take place on-site or local affiliated sites. This applies even if the preceptor is supervising the intern remotely for telehealth purposes. However, the dietetic intern director will be present on-site to provide guidance, and will be available to answer any questions or respond to any requests. All interns have access to computer equipment while at work, including dual monitors and a desktop video camera for telehealth services to Veterans. Computer access includes a variety of software and computer programs including Microsoft Office. Telesupervision is typically completed through Microsoft Teams, which the trainees have access to. Much of our work is accomplished using an electronic medical record (EMR). The training program receives excellent support from the Office of Information and Technology in the form of EMR training and 24/7 support, both on-site and remotely though a national service desk. The EMR is available on any computer in the facility. Trainees also have access to the facility’s Medical Library collection, which consists of hundreds of journals (print and electronic) subscriptions and thousands of books and audiovisual titles. Books and audiovisuals are available for checkout by all staff, including trainee. There is also access to many of the leading medical, nursing, and psychiatric databases.
Graduates are issued a verification statement after successfully completing the supervised practice hours and completing a research or quality improvement project. No award for prior supervised practice hours is available. This program is not affiliated with any universities and requires a master's degree upon admission. Dietetic interns are eligible to take the Registered Examination for Dietitians upon completion of the OVAHCS Dietetic Internship Program.
Accreditation
The Orlando VA Healthcare System Dietetic Internship Program has been granted Candidacy for Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
For more information about the ACEND accreditation standards visit: 2022-accreditation-standards-for-nutrition-and-dietetics-internship-programs.pdf (eatrightpro.org)
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 south riverside plaza suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(312) 899-0040 ext. 5400
www.eatrightpro.org/acend
Virtual Open House
We're hosting a virtual open house event for the Orlando VA Dietetic Internship. We invite you to join us by clicking the link below, or simply email Giselle.diaz-luquis@va.gov to secure your registration. Don't miss out!
Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 - 1200-1300pm (EST) Join the meeting now
Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist- Dietetic Internship Option
- Completion of a minimum of a graduate degree by a university accredited by the United State Department of Education.
- Completion of an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and receive a verification statement. The DPD provides all the prerequisite and core dietetic courses needed for preparation for the supervised practice portion of the RDN.
- Completion an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI). The supervised practice experiences portion is completed during the dietetic internship. A DI program provides diverse experiences in clinical, administrative, or community settings. These experiences provide hands-on work experience, teamwork, post-internship work opportunities, and more.
- After successful completion of a Dietetic Internship, you must then take and pass the national Registration Examination for the RDN credential, which is administered by the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR).
- Licensure is required in the state of Florida to practice.
Important: “While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: Commission on Dietetic Registration (cdrnet.org).
*To explore other options to become an RDN, please visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Commission on Dietetic Registration (cdrnet.org)
