Dietetic Internship Program

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

Mission

The mission of the dietetic internship program is to educate dietetic interns to become entry-level Registered Dietitians Nutritionists who will serve Veterans and the public and promote the profession of dietetics.

Education Philosophy

The Paul M. Russo Dietetic Internship aims to provide interns with essential knowledge and skills to become competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists to meet the expanding role of today's dietitian. The internship is integrated with a Master's in Public Health, Nutrition and Dietetics concentration. The internship presents a common core of knowledge in a systematic way which is evidence-based. Each intern completes the same rotations to acquire basic knowledge of different areas. The internship offers experiential learning. Preceptors facilitate learning by assigning specific patients to the intern based on the intern's needs. We teach a realistic approach to real life situations.

The internship creates teamwork opportunities with dietitian nutritionists and other staff through special projects and assignments. The internship encourages problem solving and critical thinking, encouraging the intern to bring their undergraduate knowledge and life experiences to the situation. We challenge the intern to accept more independence as the year progresses, culminating in staff relief.

The internship encourages preceptors to complete preceptor training and continually learn and advance their practice. Preceptors develop their rotation materials and offer one on one time with interns on specific cases.

With its focus on our special population of Veterans, Bay Pines imbues the code of conduct and ICARE values to interns (Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence). Awareness of ethical concerns, respect for Veteran values and placing the Veteran and Veteran desires at the center of care is of paramount importance in our daily teaching.

The internship is integrated with the University of South Florida providing the opportunity to obtain a Master of Public Health degree which further expands the program's depth into population health and meets the public's health-related challenges. We seek to continuously improve our education of interns to meet the role of the dietitian nutritionist in clinical, food service management and community nutrition.

Goals

1. To produce competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists possessing the skills necessary to practice in a variety of food and nutrition fields as measured by:

• 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 dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
• At least 80% of interns on program evaluation will agree or strongly agree that the internship prepared them for dietetic practice.
• At least 80% of interns on program evaluation will agree or strongly agree that the program provides knowledgeable, professional staff and facilities that support learning.
• At least 80% of employers on survey will agree or strongly agree that graduates were adequately prepared for entry-level practice.
• At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 156 weeks (150% of planned program length).
• At least 90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.

2. To prepare graduates to meet the needs for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in the Veterans Health Administration and the Nation.

• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 90% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• An average of 33% percent of graduates will be placed at a VA facility.

3. To prepare dietetic professionals who participate in professional development and lifelong learning.

• At least 33% of graduates will report pursuing advanced positions, specialty certifications, leadership opportunities and advocacy activities.

Please note that program outcomes will be made available upon request.

Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Becoming an RDN is a multi-step process. The Dietetic Internship is step 2.

1. Earn a minimum of a graduate degree from and accredited dietetics program. Classes vary according to program, but in general, coursework covers subjects that may range from food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, culinary arts, sociology and communication to science courses such as biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy and chemistry. A master's degree is required to be eligible for the RDN exam. Some accredited programs include a master's degree, while other students complete their undergraduate in dietetics and earn a master's degree in another field (e.g. public health, communications, etc.)
2. Complete a supervised practice requirement. In addition, individuals must complete at least 1,000 hours or supervised practice to gain real-world experience and apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the context of a variety of work settings. 
3. Pass a national exam for RDNs. Once you complete your degrees and supervised practice, you may schedule to take the CDR's Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians to become credentialed as a registered dietitian nutritionist. This is called "RDN eligibility," meaning you have completed the requirements to become eligible to take the national exam.
4. Meet requirements to practice in your state. Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes. 
5. Stay up-to-date in dietetics through continuing education. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices. 

For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN, please visit here.

Special Note: 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 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). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. 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: State Licensure. Graduates who successfully complete the Paul M. Russo Dietetic Internship at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.