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Dietetic Internship Program

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VA Caribbean Healthcare System (San Juan)

Mission Statement

The mission of the Dietetic Internship Program at the VA Caribbean HealthCare System is to provide dietetic interns with the knowledge, skills, and clinical and research expertise they need in a collaborative learning environment. We aim to develop competent entry-level dietitians who excel in diverse nutrition and dietetic settings, embody professionalism, uphold evidence-based practices, and thrive in a diverse society.

Program Goals and Measurable Outcomes

Goal #1: Program graduates will achieve the necessary knowledge and skills in medical nutrition therapy, community dietetic and food service management through the completion of supervised experiences to perform as an entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist.

Objectives:

  1. DI-Only Track: At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 18 months (150% of planned program length).
  2. DI/Master Program Track: At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 36 months (150% of planned program length).
  3. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  4. At least 80% percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  5. 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%.
  6. At least 80% of the employers will respond affirmatively to the question “Overall, did you feel that this person demonstrated entry-level competence upon hire?”.
  7. At least 80% of the interns at the end of the program will respond affirmatively to the question, “Do you feel competent to assume your role as a Registered Dietitian after completing the VA Caribbean Healthcare System Dietetic Internship Program?”.
  8. At least 80% of graduates within one year post graduation will respond affirmatively to the question “Do you feel competent to assume your role as a Registered Dietitian after completing the VA Caribbean Healthcare System Dietetic Internship Program?”.

Goal #2: Program graduates will achieve and develop critical thinking skills by utilizing an evidence-based approach and research methodology in nutrition and dietetics.

Objectives:

  1. At least 80% of the interns during the internship will respond affirmatively to the question, “The Dietetic Internship Program encourages the use of an evidence-based approach and research methodology?”.
  2. At least 80% of graduates within one year of graduation will respond affirmatively to the question, “Do you feel competent to develop critical thinking through the use of an evidence-based approach and research methodologies as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?”

The goals support the program's mission of promoting healthcare, providing learning and educational experiences in an academic environment of supervised practice, developing the interns' individual potential and critical thinking, and producing multi-skillet and competent dietetic professionals.

Program outcomes data and RDN exam pass rate are available upon request.


 

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