The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a generalist, 30-week Dietetic Internship Program with opportunity to earn graduate credit. This is the second step in the three step process of becoming an RD. The program prepares interns for entry-level positions in the dietetic profession by providing learning experiences in food service systems management, community nutrition and clinical dietetics. Upon completion of the program, interns will meet the Competency Statements for Dietitians as identified in the Standards of Education of the American Dietetic Association and are eligible for active membership in the American Dietetic Association and to write the registration examination.

Mission

The mission of the Dietetic Internship Program is to produce a competent graduate with an integrated theoretical and practical education who can utilize critical thinking and analytical skills to perform successfully as an entry-level dietitian who implements the Standards of Practice. Integral to the program is the cooperative effort of facilities whose dietitians are experienced in providing educational opportunities for students and are dedicated to the training of future professionals.

The Dietetic Internship Program will assist those individuals who strive to become registered dietitians and will help to meet the need for dietitians in both rural and urban areas in Nebraska. The program will also contribute to the number of dietitians who have obtained masters degrees.

Philosophy
We believe:

-The Dietetic Internship Program will provide a challenging educational experience for the development of future professionals. Professional competence and productivity require self-motivation and initiative to continuously assess oneself and seek learning opportunities. Interns are responsible for utilizing educational opportunities in order to develop and enhance their professional competence.
-Learning opportunities are unlimited and the intern is expected to take advantage of these abundant opportunities for growth. The curriculum is merely a starting point from which interns launch their individualized plan for development.
-The faculty-intern relationship is a mutually respectful one in which both can learn and grow. Faculty will facilitate professional development through constructive feedback and respectful guidance.
Professional development is an ongoing process which continues throughout a career.
-As professional development is an ongoing process, so is the development of the internship program. Intern, faculty and advisor input is actively sought, encouraged and used in continuous quality improvement.
-It is import to recognize individual differences in knowledge and experiences and to design learning activities to accommodate these differences.

Goals

-The program will prepare dietetic interns who are competent and ready for an entry level position.
-The program helps to meet the need for dietitians in both rural and urban areas of Nebraska and beyond it's borders and contribute to the numer of dietetic professionals with graduate degrees.
-To provide an education program reflective of current dietetic practice.

Facilities/Learning Experiences

Application Procedures

Admission Requirements/Recency of Education Requirements

Estimated Expenses for Dietetic Interns