Program Mission, Goals and Objectives

Program Philosophy:

The 鶹 dietetic internship program is committed to providing comprehensive supervised practice learning experiences in a wide variety of supervised practice settings to prepare graduates for entry-level practice and lifelong learning as registered dietitian nutritionists. We emphasize the value of good communication skills, collaboration and teamwork, respect for diverse societies and viewpoints, leadership and decision-making skills, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, a commitment to advocacy for the profession and self-reflection in our planned learning activities. Our program plans a range of learning activities that support competency attainment, including direct patient care, interdisciplinary forums, management projects and case study presentations. Interns integrate and apply their new knowledge and skills using a variety of educational methods. The 鶹 dietetic internship strives to foster professional development of interns that exhibit the behaviors outlined in the Characteristics of the 鶹 Graduate. The mission and goals mutually support the faculty’s belief in a liberal education as a bases for excellence within the profession. 

Mission Statement:

The mission of the 鶹 Dietetic Internship is to provide mentored, real-world learning opportunities that foster student growth in knowledge and critical thinking. Upon program completion, dietetic interns will be prepared to be entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists skilled in medical nutrition therapy who improve the health and well-being of individuals regionally and nationally in clinical, community, foodservice and long-term care settings.

Program Goals and Objectives:

Goal #1– Program graduates will be prepared to be entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.

  • Objective 1a - At least 80% of program interns complete program/degree requirements within 22.5 months (150% of program length).
  • Objective 1b - 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • Objective 1c - 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%.
  • Objective 1d - 100% of program graduates employed as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) who respond to the Post Internship Survey will report preparation to be an entry-level RDN as “satisfactory” or better.

Goal #2 – Program graduates will be prepared to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to improve the health and well-being of individuals as employed professionals in nutrition and dietetics or related fields.

  • Objective 2a - Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • Objective 2b- 80% of employers of 鶹 (MSU) Dietetic Internship graduates, who respond to the employer survey, will rate the MSU graduate as “satisfactory” or better for helping to “improve the health and well-being of individuals.”
  • Objective 2c- 80% of employers of 鶹 (MSU) Dietetic Internship graduates, who respond to the employer survey, will rate the MSU graduate as “satisfactory” or better for skill in critical thinking.
  • Objective 2d - 100% of employers of 鶹 (MSU) Dietetic Internship graduates, who respond to the employer survey, will rate the MSU graduate as “satisfactory” or better for “knowledge” needed for entry-level position.

Program outcome data is available upon request.

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