Mission and Goals

Dietetic Internship Mission Statement:

To prepare graduates for entry-level practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, by providing an educational environment that develops competencies, strengthens previous experience, refines personal goals, and builds a foundation for future growth.

Dietetic Internship Goals:

Goal 1: To prepare graduates to function in entry-level positions as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, at a caliber consistent with the expectations of employers.

Program Objectives for Goal 1:

• 100% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.(Required ACEND outcome measure)
• 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%. *** (Required ACEND outcome measure)
• At least 80% of program interns complete program requirements within 13.5 months (150% of the program length). (Required ACEND outcome measure) - Dietetic Internship Only
• At least 80% of program interns complete program requirements within 30 months (150% of the program length). (Required ACEND outcome measure)- Masters Plus DI Option Only
• Of graduates who seek employment, 100% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. (Required ACEND outcome measure)
• 80% of program graduates indicate they felt confident to accept their first position in dietetics when surveyed one-year after graduation.
• 100% of employers of graduates indicate they would hire other VCU Health graduates on responses to employer surveys at one-year post graduation. (Required ACEND outcome measure)

Goal 2: To prepare graduates to be independent learners and problem solvers by providing a broad base of experiences with a level of responsibility at or above entry-level expectations.

Program Objectives for Goal 2:

• During staff experience rotations in both MNT and Management, 100% of interns will demonstrate independent problem-solving skills and critical thinking by "Meeting Expectations" on assignment responsibilities.
• Employers of our graduates will rate critical thinking and problem-solving skills as at least satisfactory 100% of the time on one-year post-graduation surveys.

***Our first-year pass rate is 100%, with a first-time pass rate of 91% (over a five-year rolling period).

(Additional program outcome data for other goals are available upon request.  Please contact Stephanie.Stockslager@vcuhealth.org)