Program Requirements

Program completion and graduation requirements for dietetic interns in either concentration are as follows:

I. Rotation Assignments

• Satisfactory completion of all rotation objectives and assignments that align with required ACEND competencies. Rotations encompass a minimum total of 1000 hours of supervised practice.

II. Clinical Case Report and Presentation or Community Leadership Topic Report and Presentation.

• Interns research, write a comprehensive report and provide a professional presentation on a clinical or community leadership-based topic (depending on concentration) to staff and fellow interns.

III. Project or Seminar

• Interns select a project of interest and gain experience planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating a program or event. Alternatively, interns may research and present a comprehensive seminar on a topic of interest.

IV. Community Service Activities

• Interns gain experience in planning and presenting nutrition information to groups outside the hospital setting, individually and as a class project.

V. Participation in Internship Classes; Class Monitor Responsibilities

• Classes for the combined groups (August and January cohorts) are held approximately one day/week during selected months. Speakers include interns, faculty, preceptors, and subject matter experts. Each intern serves as class monitor for at least one class day. For some rotations, there are additional classes and assignments specific to the rotation content.

VI. Internship Leadership Position

• Each intern will hold a leadership position. Examples include Community Event Chair, Legislative Coordinator, Media Coordinator, Professional Group Liaison, Alumni Relations Chair and/or Preceptor Appreciation.

VII. Nutrition and Dietetics Association Memberships and Activities

• Interns attend and assist with meetings and activities of the state and local nutrition and dietetics associations (VAND and GRAND)

VIII. Mentorship Role

• Senior interns learn about the role of a mentor, and then serve as mentors to junior interns.

IX. Program Technology Requirements

• While the majority of experiences will be in person, some distance learning may take place throughout the course of the internship, including; periodic virtual meetings with internship faculty, telehealth appointments in outpatient rotations, and/or remote class sessions.
• Interns are expected to have a reliable internet connection, and a computer/device that has functioning video and microphone capabilities.  Access to a phone (either cell or landline), and access to a printer/scanner may also be required for these instances.  Laptops with these capabilities may be available for certain rotations with distance requirements that can be checked out from internship faculty.