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I am delighted that you are visiting Benedictine University’s Dietetic Internship/Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition and Dietetics program website. The Dietetic Internship (DI) is a unique program that has a general emphasis with a focus in Public Health & Community Nutrition. In just 18 months, students are able to complete the internship as well as their M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics. The DI is currently granted accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400.
To be eligible for the Dietetic Internship and to participate in the Spring match process, you must have a verification statement or a declaration of intent from your undergraduate didactic program in dietetics (DPD). You can obtain information about the computer match process for the DI either from your DPD Director or by visiting the D&D Digital website at http://www.dnddigital.com.
Each year the DI program begins in August. Students begin by taking two courses in an accelerated 5-week format. Then for the remainder of the program, interns will be simultaneously taking M.S. courses in the evening or on weekends, while completing DI practical experiences during the day (Monday through Thursday). The DI rotations consist of experiences in hospitals, long term care/sub acute clinical, food service, maternal and child health, elderly nutrition, community, and much more!
Applying to our program requires that you complete two application processes as follows:
If a student does not match to the DI program, you may wish to pursue the Master of Science Nutrition and Wellness degree. Enrolling in this degree may be helpful in obtaining a future internship match. Also, by becoming a Benedictine University student you would then be eligible for our annual December pre-match application process. Our DI program may accept 6 Benedictine University students to the DI annually.
I am so pleased that you have visiting our website. Please consider visiting our campus at either a graduate admissions event or at our annual DI open house.
I am happy to address any questions you may have, so please feel free to contact me to learn more about our DI program. I look forward to your call or email.
Best regards,
Nikki DeWalt, MS, RD, LDN
Dietetic Internship Director
The Benedictine University Dietetic Internship program provides interns with more than 40 weeks of practical experience. This is the second step in the credentialing process to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the intern will be a competent entry-level dietitian, eligible to apply for active membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and able to take the Registered Examination for credentialing as an RDN.
In the State of Illinois, one must be licensed by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to practice dietetics. Click for information about Illinois licensure for dietitians in Illinois.
Why should you consider the Benedictine University Dietetic Internship Program for your first choice? Consider the advantages of Benedictine University’s Dietetic Internship program...
The Dietetic Internship program is a concentration in the M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics program. The M.S. Foundation courses meet the M.S. program objectives.
Dietetic Internship Concentration course outcomes have been designed to meet the specific competencies / learning objectives as outlined by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. These competencies/learning objectives are listed in rotation packets.
Based on program priorities, a five-year timeframe for assessment of all key learning outcomes for the program is planned. Numerous benchmarks are prioritized and tracked as part of the annual program assessment improvement plan.
As part of the practice of effective teaching to foster and improve learning, all faculty are encouraged to engage in assessment of their own courses. There are numerous ways to measure course improvements. The Dietetic Internship rotation outcomes and courses in the concentration directly contribute to meeting Dietetic Internship program objectives (i.e., they are aligned).
Dietetic interns are evaluated frequently throughout the internship program. For more details about the evaluation policies and program completion requirements, click here. Numerous measures are employed to assist in this process, producing direct and indirect evidence of learning. Our program employs multiple assessment measures to examine student learning in the dietetic internship program, including portfolio, authentic case studies, projects, and tests. We use project descriptions, criterion grade sheets, and/or rubrics as tools to assess learning throughout the program.
Evaluations of interns by supervisors and self, and evaluation of rotations by interns are regularly conducted.
For more information, visit the "Nutrition Preceptors link" (in the resources tab on the left hand side).
An evaluation is sent to the employer of our graduates following program completion, the program Director also tracks:
The Benedictine University Dietetic Internship will provide a high quality program that is recognized as a superior model for the preparation of entry-level dietitians, and through the community and public health nutrition program concentration display excellence in provision of community and wellness initiatives and interventions across the lifespan
· Being hired by site preceptors
· Receiving a work or professional organization award
· Receiving a work promotion
· Employer survey rating of "outstanding" or "above average" entry level dietitian
The combined Dietetic Internship (DI)/ M. S. in Nutrition and Dietetics program provides the applied knowledge and experience for practice as a registered dietitian. The M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics program requires a total of 35 semester hours.
All dietetic interns must attend on a full-time basis. The course schedule enables completion of the required graduate courses and dietetic internship in 18 months. This concentration is available on campus (Lisle).
Before beginning his/her internship rotations in the regular fall term, a dietetic intern must also complete:
The DI Program Director serves as academic advisor of those in the Dietetic Internship concentration, assisting students through advisement about course options, sequencing, and registration.
The Dietetic Internship rotations span over the entire program and each intern will complete about 40 weeks of internship rotation work. For more information about the types of internship rotations, click here.
Information about the M. S. curriculum requirements and sample course sequences is found in the program guides. The M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics Checklist allows you to record completion of courses as you progress through the program.
Our Dietetic Internship program has a public health and community nutrition emphasis, exposing the intern to a vast scope of available career options. The Dietetic Internship provides supervised field placement in community, health care and management organizations.
Internship site placements include both traditional and non-traditional settings, located in both suburban and city locations in the Chicago area.
Program Length: 18 months (over 40 weeks of internship rotations).
Entrance Date: Program starts on line in June; and on campus in late August
Class Size: 14 interns per spring match period; six slots may be filled via pre-match.
Work Schedule: Dietetic Internship rotations take place Monday through Thursday. Friday is a classroom and/or seminar day. Student will attend graduate classes some evening and/or weekends in each quarter of the program.
Vacation: There is a two-week break around the winter holidays each year. Interns may request one additional week of vacation. All vacation requests must be approved by the DI Director in advance.
Health Insurance: Interns are required to obtain and maintain their own health insurance.
Automobiles: A car is required for the DI program, as interns must travel to their sites. Interns are required to obtain and maintain automobile insurance.
Information regarding the Tuition and Fees for the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics / Dietetic Internship Concentration can be found by clicking here.
Many opportunities exist for nutrition students in need of financial assistance. You are strongly encouraged to apply for grant money, low interest bank loans, and scholarships - may be available from the government, corporations, community or civic groups, philanthropic and religious organizations.
To start the financial aid process, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
If you are entering the university to pursue the Lisle campus degree program, contact a representative in the University Financial Aid Office at (630) 829-6100 for a consultation.
For more information on how to begin the financial aid application process for the online program, please request more information or call (866) 295-3104 to speak with an Admissions Advisor.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) offers students the opportunity to apply for Academy scholarships. To qualify, students must be at least junior standing and enrolled in an accredited undergraduate nutrition program, Dietetic Internship program, or master degree program, depending upon the scholarship. Due to the limited number of available scholarships, these are quite competitive and thus prestigious to receive. Refer to the September Supplement of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or the Academy web site for more information. Generally, you must be a member of the Academy to receive an Academy or local dietetic association scholarship. Membership information is available on the Academy website or throught the Nutrition Department.
Thank you for your interest in to the Benedictine University combined Dietetic Internship / Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics Program
Please note that to apply for the Dietetic Internship (DI )/ Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition and Dietetics Program, you will be required to submit two separate applications.
For detailed information on the M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics Application process- Click Here and tab to "Admissions" section!
The following information will help to guide you through the DI application procedures.
BENEDICTINE UNIVERISTY STUDENTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN UNDERGRADUATE (DPD) NUTRITION AND / OR M.S. IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS MAY QUALIFY FOR BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY'S DIETETIC INTERNSHIP PRE-MATCH.
PLEASE CLICK ON HYPERLINK ABOVE IN TITLE. (Information updated 9.13.2018)
PLEASE CLICK ON HYPERLINK ABOVE IN TITLE. (Information updated 04.03.18)
"The Benedictine University Dietetic Internship will provide a high quality program that is recognized as a superior model for the preparation of entry-level dietitians, and display excellence in provision of community and wellness initiatives and interventions across the lifespan."
The Benedictine University Nutrition Programs will be recognized at the community, state, national, and international level for their leadership in developing optimal teaching and learning within nutrition programs. The programs will prepare future nutritionists, registered dietitians, and nutrition managers to address important food and nutrition issues that impact the quality of life of people.
Catherine Arnold, MS, EdD, RD.
Department Chair
Email: carnold@ben.edu
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
By Mail:
Benedictine University
5700 College Road
Kindlon Hall, Room 224
Lisle, IL 60532
Fax: (630) 829-6595