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Dietetic Internship Program

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VA Caribbean Healthcare System (San Juan) Dietetic Internship Program

Program Information

Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Steps:

  • Complete a bachelor's degree and receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). The DPD provides all the prerequisite and core dietetic courses needed for preparation for the supervised practice portion of the RDN.
  • Complete a master's degree and apply for a Dietetic Internship Program or a combined DIP/Master's Degree Program.
  • The Dietetic Internship is pivotal for completing the supervised practice experiences portion. A DI program offers a wide range of experiences in clinical, administrative, or community settings. These experiences provide hands-on work experience and teamwork and open doors to post-internship work opportunities.
  • After completing a dietetic internship and graduate program, the next step is to take and pass the national Registration Examination for the RDN credential. This examination is administered by the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR).
  • The Board Examiners of Puerto Rico have approved that only students who have passed the RDN Certification Examination from the University of Puerto Rico's DPD and presented the evidence to the Board Examiners are exempt from taking the local Nutritionist and Dietitian Licensure exam to work in Puerto Rico.

Program information flyer (download here)


This program learning experiences qualifies the individual as an entry-level dietitian.

  • Upon successful completion of the internship and, if applicable, the Master's Program, the Dietetic Internship Program Director will provide the intern with a copy of the Verification Statement. The individual then is eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians.
  • To work as a Dietitian or Nutritionist in Puerto Rico, the intern who completed their DPD in PR must present evidence of RDN registration to Puerto Rico's Board Examiners to be exempt from taking the local Nutritionist and Dietitian Licensure Exam. However, a Puerto Rico state license is not required to work at a VA Facility.
  • After completing accredited dietetic internship at VA Medical Center, the dietetic interns are eligible for a dietitian position grade GS-7 or GS-9 within the VA System.

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: State Licensure.”

Program Overview

New! - VA Caribbean Healthcare System Now Offer Two Dietetic Internship Programs Options

Dietetic Internship Program Only Track (DIP-only track):

The DI-only track is for students who already have a Verification Statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and for applicants who either already have a Master's degree or are in the last steps of finishing it, or who are enrolled in a Master's degree program and have already completed most of the courses and credits.

Master Degree and Dietetic Internship Program Track (DI/Master Program Track):

The DI/Master's degree track is for those students who do not yet have a master's degree at the time of their application to our program. If admitted to our DIP, these students will enroll in any of the five-distance learning master's degree programs (Master of Nutrition Sciences [MHSc], Master of Science in Integrated Exercise Science [MSIES], Master of Professional Studies [MPS], Master of Public Health [MPH], and Master of Business Administration [MBA]) offered by Cedar Crest College (CCC).

The students applying to this program track spend approximately their first 12 months taking distance learning classes, and in their first semester of the second year, they start in our in-person VACHS DIP in San Juan, PR.

Master of Nutrition Sciences (MHSc):

The online Master's program in Nutrition at Cedar Crest College is a 36-credit course that emphasizes on population needs assessment, education theory, behavior change facilitation, and nutrition management of Non-Communicable Diseases. The program is taught by highly qualified professionals, ensuring students benefit from small class sizes and personalized mentorship. Graduates of this program develop valuable professional connections that enhance their careers. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the skills to apply evidence-based healthcare interventions and advocate for health policy change, making them leaders in health promotion and disease prevention. The concentration in nutrition empowers students to address public health nutrition challenges, focusing on comprehensive assessment and effective program planning to positively impact community health. Those who pursue the DI/MHSc pathway will earn 12 master’s credits from their DI, which may be put toward the 36 required MHSc credits. Learn more here.

Master of Science in Integrated Exercise Science (MSIES):

The Master of Science in Integrative Exercise Science program at Cedar Crest College offers a unique combination of traditional Exercise Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology, providing a comprehensive knowledge base and a diverse set of skills for students. The program consists of 36 credits, with 12 credits completed in the Dietetic Internship Program. It features hands-on lab instruction, clinical internships, collaborative research opportunities, and strong partnerships with state-of-the-art clinical and performance exercise facilities. The study plan is designed to be flexible and convenient for students, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to excel in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more here. 

Master of Professional Studies (MPS):

Cedar Crest College's MPS (previously known as Modular Master of Science) is an innovative, fully online program for students seeking specialized alternatives to traditional MBA programs. With a total of 30 credit hours, students have the flexibility to choose one 12-credit graduate certificate alongside the Dietetic Internship requirements (12 master’s credits). The available certificate options include Diversity and Women's Leadership, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Management Information Systems, and Strategic Leadership. To complete the master's degree, students must earn six additional credits through two core courses: a Managerial and Leadership Skills course and an Integrated Practicum capstone course. This program equips graduates with in-demand credentials desired by employers and prepares them for the dynamic and ever-changing business landscape. Learn more here.

Master of Business Administration (MBA):

The Master of Business Administration at Cedar Crest College offers a personalized approach to help students achieve their business leadership goals, focusing on women's empowerment and strategic management. Students can tailor their MBA to their areas of interest and specialization through academic research and professional networking opportunities. This innovative program is designed to equip students with the tools, experiences, and support necessary to excel as leaders and innovators in today's competitive business environment. With flexible online options and accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the MBA program at Cedar Crest College provides an affordable and high-quality education with experienced faculty that offers personalized attention and guidance. Those who pursue the MBA/DI pathway will earn 6 master’s credits from their DI, which may be put toward the 36 required MBA credits. Learn more here.  

Master of Public Health (MPH):

The Master of Public Health program at Cedar Crest College prepares students to become leaders in public health. The program covers diverse topics, including program planning and evaluation, policymaking, community nutrition, culture, and ethics, grantsmanship, interprofessional collaboration, and mental health issues. Students can personalize their learning experience with online flexibility, full-time or part-time options, and expert faculty engagement through asynchronous online classes, discussions, and peer connections. Students pursuing the MPH/DI pathway at Cedar Crest College can earn 15 master's credits from their DI, which can be applied towards the 42 required MPH credits. Learn more here. 

Requirements for Program Completion:

  • Complete the scheduled weeks and supervised practice hours.
  • Complete all supervised practice rotations.
  • Complete all projects, tests, case studies, and assignments.
  • Complete the Professional Dietetic Experience/Staff Relief.
  • To receive the DIP Verification of Statement, students must fulfill all requirements for the Master's Program and submit a certification of completion.

Upon completion of the VA San Juan DIP program, the student will have gained the following:

  • Expertise in clinical nutrition which includes the assessment, care planning, implementation, and evaluation of patients' nutritional needs.
  • Experience working with a complete interdisciplinary team within both inpatient and outpatient or ambulatory settings.
  • Expertise in translating research into evidence-based practice.
  • Functional skills required to manage food service and perform as an effective administrator, clinician, educator, and consultant.
  • Opportunities to explore nutrition research, practice-based research, and quality improvement studies.
  • Over 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience, providing ample opportunity for hands-on learning.
  • Experience working with a diverse population, including veterans and their families from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Immersion in populations that speak both languages, English and Spanish, which will enhance the student's proficiency in bilingual communication and cultural competency.

Accreditation

The program is currently granted continued accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Address:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois 60606 -6995
Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400
Email: acend@eatright.org
http://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND/

*Links above will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites. 

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