Dietetic Internship Program
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About the Program
The Dietetic Internship (DI) is in conjunction with the Master of Science in Nutrition (Cellular and Molecular Nutrition or Public Health Nutrition) and doctoral graduate degrees. Study for the Master’s degree takes place during the first 4 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall). A DI Course, introducing knowledge and skills to be used during the internship is taken the 2nd Fall. The internship follows, in the Spring from January-August (30weeks). The Master’s degree and internship are usually completed in two years. Note that Public Health Nutrition students complete their 7-week block field experience the first summer which counts towards the internship hours. Hence they are complete with the DI by June. There is an option to also complete a MPH degree or to complete the DI in conjunction with a PhD from the Department of Nutrition.
Internship Facts
Internship Mission, Goals and Outcome Measures
DI brochure
General Information
The DI program aims to provide an experience component in dietetics which culminates in registration eligibility. The experience will provide dietetic interns with the clinical application of knowledge learned through their Didactic Program in Dietetics and undergraduate curricula. Emphasis is placed on the integration of knowledge and experience leading to a strong capacity to solve problems. As interns gain experience, increased responsibility for professional practice will be given. Individualized study is stressed to give the dietetic intern experience in integration of knowledge from many areas of study. An interdisciplinary approach assists the intern in development of innovative solutions to increasingly complex problems. This includes an increased understanding of self and one's role as a member of the comprehensive health care team. Preceptor evaluation and student self-assessment contribute to this understanding in relation to meeting the life-time goals of a dietitian. The DI program provides flexibility for individual interests through individual enrichment, “personal choice” experiences.
The focus of the DI Program is clinical and community. Students completing the DI program will possess the knowledge and performance requirements necessary for entry-level practice in the dietetic profession. Each student completes a 30 week experience, 1200 practice hours, including a 5-7 week staff experience which provides an opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge and skills at a staff level. At completion of the DI program and MS requirements, the graduate will receive a verification statement and be eligible to sit for the RD exam.
The DI program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) & Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is located at: American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 20000 Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 800-877-1600 ext. 5400 Email: cade@eatright.org
Website: www.eatright.org/cade
Contact the Dietetic Internship Progam
Karen Wetherall
865-974-6256
kbalnick@utk.edu
330 Jessie Harris Building
1215 W. Cumberalnd Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37996-1920
Contact the Department of Nutrition
1215 W. Cumberland Ave.
229 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-1920
nutrition@utk.edu
Phone: (865) 974-5445
Fax: (865) 974-3491