Nutrition Department
Dietetic Internship:
Mission and Goals
Vision of the Future
The 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.
Mission Statement
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.
Goals and Objectives
General Learning Goals for the Dietetic Intern:
Through coursework and active learning experiences appropriate for entry level practitioners, dietetic interns:
- Build upon the general knowledge and skills earned in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
to critically analyze, integrate, and interrelate the principles of
nutrition with related disciplines (e.g., physiology, pathophysiology,
biochemistry, health, business, educational psychology, etc.) in a
dynamic health care environment.
- Develop high order problem solving and critical thinking skills in the discipline of nutrition.
- Build upon the principles of health behavior and behavior change to plan, develop, manage, and evaluate
educational programs appropriate for target populations in community and other settings.
- At all times, strive to demonstrate high standards of professional performance, including adherence to
the professional Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Learning Objectives for the Dietetic Internship Program:
Dietetic Internship practice experiences build upon the required coursework of the
Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness (M.S.N.W.) or Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program. Each graduate
program has a distinct set of student learning objectives.
The Benedictine University Dietetic Internship program has a community emphasis, and is designed so the student will
meet the
specific practice competencies outlined by the Commission on
Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association. The Dietetic Internship student
learning outcomes include:
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in individual and group settings.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct high quality nutrition assessment and outcome plans for their clients.
- Students will demonstrate their understanding of various management concepts and functions.
- 100% of students will demonstrate the ability to apply research principles.
These are elaborated at: http://www.ben.edu/nutrition/www.dioutcomes.pdf
How do we know what and how well you know? Read our "Learning Impact" plan and summaries online by clicking on
the Learning Impact link (left).
Program Goals for the Dietetic Internship Program:
The Dietetic Internship program goals are:
- The Dietetic Internship will prepare highly qualified Registered Dietitians.
- The Dietetic Internship will prepare graduates who demonstrate professionalism.
- The Dietetic Internship will prepare graduates to effectively provide nutrition education and counseling to
individuals/groups.
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