Dietetic Internship (Denton)

DIETETIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
with Graduate Credit leading to a Master's Degree

Dear Prospective Dietetic Intern:

Thank you for your interest in the Dietetic Internship at Texas Woman's University - Denton. Our Dietetic Internship program includes graduate credit leading to a Master of Science degree in one of five program areas. Upon successful completion of the internship, the student qualifies to take the registration exam to become a Registered Dietitian (RD).

The Dietetic Internship program has a concentration in the area of Medical Nutrition Therapy.  Internship practice sites are planned that provide interns with a broad range of experience in both traditional and emerging practice settings. Besides the required practice sites to achieve the required competencies, students have the opportunity to complete other rotations in a variety of settings to meet their educational and career goals.  Some of these settings include wellness and diabetes centers, computer support companies, business, private practice, and entrepreneurial enterprises.  TWU dietetic interns are given one-on-one training by qualified preceptors maximizing learning experiences throughout the program.

Sincerely,

Martha L. Rew, MS, RDN, LD                 
Associate Clinical Professor, Dietetic Internship Director
940-898-2657
mrew@twu.edu

Introduction

The Dietetic Internship (DI) is offered in combination with graduate credit leading to a Master of Science degree at Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas.   The DI requires successful completion of at least 1,245 clock hours of supervised practice as part of a program with a concentration in Medical Nutrition Therapy.  The program includes planned experiences in medical nutrition therapy, foodservice systems administration, long-term care, pediatrics, WIC, and a variety of community practice areas.  The program meets the 2012 accreditation standards for the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).  The Dietetic Internship and graduate credit consists of a minimum of 45 graduate credit hours (thesis option) and 57 graduate credit hours (coursework option) for those interns chosing to complete the master's degree.  Upon successful completion of the DI, interns are eligible to write the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian.  

Students completing the academic requirements from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) are eligible to apply to a DI.  Upon successful completion of the DI, students are eligible to write the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian.  The TWU-Denton Dietetic Internship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 ext 5400. http://www.eatright.org/ACEND.

Program Mission

The mission of the dietetic internship program is to provide a quality graduate education and supervised practice experiences with a concentration in medical nutrition therapy; to prepare graduates for successful careers as Registered Dietitians; and to provide the foundation for service and leadership in professional and community organizations.

Program Goals and Outcome Measures (bolded outcomes reflect measures established by ACEND)

Goal 1 - To prepare program graduates to be competent and successfully meet practice demands for entry-level registered dietitians.

a.  Over a five-year period, the pass rate for DI graduates taking the registration examination for the first time will be at least 90%.
b.  At least 80% of graduates who seek employment in the dietetics field will be employed within 3 months of program completion (full-time enrollment in graduate school is equivalent to full-time employment).
c.  At least 80% of employers will give program graduates a rating of "Good" to "Excellent" in professional knowledge and skills as compared to other Registered Dietitians at the same level of experience.
d.  At least 80% of graduates will rate themselves as "Prepared" or "Well Prepared" when compared to other registered dietitians at the same level of experience.

Goal 2 - To prepare dietetic interns for successful completion of the dietetic internship program and completion of the Master of Science degree.

a.  At least 90% of interns will complete the TWU dietetic internship program within 150% of planned time of completion (24 months).
b.  At least 90% of interns will complete the MS degree within six years.

Goal 3 - To prepare dietetic interns in medical nutrition therapy (MNT) through a variety of supervised practice experiences.

a.  At least 80% of graduates will rate themselves as "Prepared" or "Well Prepared" in MNT knowledge and skills for their first entry-level position.
b.  At least 50% of graduates will seek employment in MNT related positions.

Goal 4 - To prepare graduates to provide service and leadership in professional and community organizations.

a.  At least 70% of graduates will indicate membership in professional or community organizations.
b.  At least 20% of graduates will hold leadership positions in professional or community organizations. 

General Program Information

• Number of intern positions: 14
• Pass Rate on RD Exam last five years (first-time test takers):  98%
• DI Supervised Practice Program Hours: 1,245
• DI Supervised Practice Program Hours per week: 40-45
• DI Required Classes: NFS 5314 Human Nutrition and Metabolism; NFS 5363 Human Nutrition and Disease; NFS 5773 Organization and Management in Foodservice Systems; NFS 5813 Internship Experience in Nutrition Care
• Number of applications received in 2012:  45
• Average GPA range:  3.25-4.0  

Supervised Practice Sites

The Dietetic Internship program coordinates with more than 50 supervised practice sites around the Denton/Dallas/Fort Worth area. During the program, interns gain experience and practice skills in facilities such as major regional medical centers, community hospitals, university and public school foodservice facilities, and various community/preventive health agencies.  Although most rotation sites are determined by the program, interns are encouraged to select other sites that reflect their career and educational goals. 

Dietetic Internship Calendar
 

Dietetic Internship Program Components

Interns are given the opportunity to choose some rotation assignments; however, the DI Director determines final placements.  Interns will be placed at one primary site for each of the following rotations: clinical, pediatric, foodservice management, WIC, wellness, and long-term care.  There are a variety of placement choices in the community areas.  Actual placements also depend on the availability of the facility to accept an intern and provide adequate supervised practice experiences.  These vary from year to year, and no placement at any particular site is guaranteed.

Supervised Practice Rotation Schedule

Rotation Site	# Weeks	Hours/Week	Total Hours
Fall/Spring Course Related Activities
NFS 5813 Prof/Com Org	--	--	20
NFS 5813 Website/Media	--	--	20
NFS 5773 School Project	--	--	25
NFS 5773 Business Plan	--	--	15
			80
Summer/Fall SP Activities
Clinical	11	45	495
Foodservice Management	6	45	270
WIC	1	40	40
Pediatric	2	40	80
Long-Term Care	2	40	80
Community*	4	40	160
Enhancement*	1	40	40
			1,165
*Com/Enh - One week must be wellness related		Total Program Hours	1,245

Graduation/Program Completion Requirements

A. Criteria to Begin Organized Supervised Practice Rotations
Selection into the internship does not guarantee eligibility to begin supervised practice rotations.  The following criteria must be satisfied before an intern is granted eligibility to begin supervised practice rotations:  

1. Verification of DPD completion and earning a minimum bachelor's degree.
2. Attendance and punctuality, and successful completion of all DI classes and activities as outlined in the DI Policy and Procedure Manual.
3. Completion of all examinations and assignments with a cumulative 80% or "B" average or better in NFS 5813 Orientation class.
4. Ability to demonstrate verbal and written communication skills at a level expected of a graduate student (per DI Director, NFS Chair, and NFS Graduate Advisor).
5. Completion of at least 15 graduate credit hours.
6. Successful completion of the Spring DI Orientation class.  If a student misses more than four orientation classes for any reason, she/he will be removed from the DI for that year.
   a.  If the student misses four orientation classes and has been in good standing to that point ("B" average or above), the student will be given an automatic intern position in the next internship class, if desired.
   b.  If the student has done poorly (less than a "B" average), the student will be removed from the DI program but is eligible to re-apply for the next DI class.

B.  Criteria to Successfully Complete the Internship Program

To successfully complete the internship and be eligible to take the national RD exam, the following must be satisfied:

1. Completion of the dietetic internship Orientation with an 80% or "B" average or better.
2. Completion of all supervised practice rotations, unit objectives, and required hours as stated in the DI Policy and Procedure Manual, or individually as determined by the DI Director.
3. An 80% or "B" average or better on all final evaluations during each supervised practice rotation.
4. An 80% or "B" average or better on the final grade components which include portfolios, DI projects and requirements, and professional conduct.
5. Completion of the "end of program evaluation process."
6. Completion of all required documents requested by the DI Director.
7. The intern has a maximum of two years from the first day of the Spring semester in which DI Orientation occurs to complete the dietetic internship program.

Responsibilities of the DI Director Upon Program Completion

1. Upon satisfactory completion of the internship, a Verification Statement of Completion will be issued to the intern graduate.  The Verification Statement is required to take the registration examination for dietitians.
2. At the end of the program and by the end of the first week of January, the DI Director will submit names to CDR to document intern eligibility for the RD examination.

C.  Criteria to Successfully Complete the Master's Degree

1. Completion of all degree requirements including oral defense of thesis or successful completion of the exit exam for the coursework option.
2. Submission of required paperwork to the Graduate School before the announced deadlines.

Graduate Credit/M.S. Degree Information

The TWU/DI program is pleased to offer variety within the program to meet student needs in a diverse and ever changing world.  The specialized format aims to optimally prepare the individual student to enter the dietetics profession.  Interns will enroll in one of the five Master of Science degrees offered by the NFS department.  These are:
    Nutrition (traditional format only)
    Food Systems Administration
    Food Science
    Exercise and Sports Nutrition
    MBA/MS Food Systems Administration (dual degree)

TWU dietetic interns must be enrolled in a master's degree program, but completion of the degree is optional.  If a qualified student already has an advanced degree in a program area offered by the NFS department, then no additional degree would be required.  However, the student would be required to meet the course and supervised practice requirements of the internship.

If a qualified student already has an advanced degree in a non-related area (e.g., Psychology, Marketing, Public Health, etc.), the departmental degree requirements would be required.

In the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, each master's degree has two program options.  Students can choose one of these options to complete their degree plan requirements: Thesis (30 hour master's) or Coursework (42 hour master's).  The Thesis option culminates in the successful completion of a thesis project.  The Coursework option requires the successful completion of an exit examination in the program content area.  The choice of options is usually determined after the student has started the master's program and in coordination with their graduate advisor.

Admission Requirements

Students interested in the TWU DI program must meet the following criteria:

1. Verification Statement showing completion of Didactic Program in Dietetics curriculum or Declaration of Intent to Complete DPD (obtain from your DPD Director).  The Verification Statement completion date must document current education within five years.*
2. Grade Point Average of 3.25 or better on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of all coursework.
3. Grade Point Average of 3.0 or better on DPD required science courses and DPD upper level nutrition and foodservice management courses.
4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a preferred minimum score of 350 on the verbal score and 450 on the quantitative score.
5. Admission to TWU Graduate School. Note: DI selections are made prior to and separately from the Graduate School Admission process. If you are appointed into the DI program but are denied admission to the Graduate School, your DI appointment would be forfeited at that time. Please refer to the TWU Graduate Catalog for admission requirements.  Admission to all programs at TWU is open to qualified male and female students. 

* Verification Statements 5-10 years old must update their education with the completion of Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II or a combined Medical Nutrition Therapy course.  If the Verification Statement is more than 10 years old, current Didactic Program standards must be met. 

Application Process

Applications to the TWU Dietetic Internship and the Graduate School are two separate processes. 

1. Application to TWU Dietetic Internship Program (Denton):

• The program participates in DICAS (Dietetic Internship Online Centralized Application System).  DICAS will be available in early December for the Spring 2013 match.  The online application must be submitted by 11:59pm Central Time on February 15, 2013.  The fee to use the DICAS is $40 for the first application submitted and $20 for each additional application.
• When completing the application form, applicants must include the name and contact information (specifically an email address) for each reference.  This will trigger an email message requesting completion of a reference form.  The form will be completed online.  Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application.
• Applicants who apply to internships using DICAS will be asked to complete a Personal Statement (1000 word limit).  Topics to be addressed in the personal statement include:
  • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
  • Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career.
  • What are your long and short term goals, and how will our program help you meet them?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
• Official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended should be sent to DICAS - Transcript Dept; PO Box 9118; Watertown, MA  02472.
• Applicants must also register online for computer matching through D&D Digital and select dietetic internship priority choices by 11:59pm Central Time on February 15, 2013.  There is a $50 computer matching fee.
• Required supplemental information to be submitted to DICAS (two items):
  1. Upload a paper describing the following situations (no more than two pages):
     • Write your name and intended choice of Master's Degree, then describe a situation you have had in which you did not get along with another person (either in a work or personal situation) and how you handled the event.  There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer - just describe the experience and what you learned from it.
     • Describe something about yourself that might not be known in a regular classroom situation.  It could be travels you have had, your family, unique hobbies or interests, etc.
  2. Upload a copy of your GRE scores. 

2. Application to TWU's Graduate School:  Applicants may apply to the TWU Graduate School immediately AFTER acceptance to the TWU Dietetic Internship Program in April or at any time if early acceptance is preferred.  Application to the TWU Graduate School must include: 

1. Online Graduate School application 
2. A $50 non-refundable application fee, payable to TWU Graduate Admissions
3. GRE scores
4. Official college transcripts from ALL colleges/universities attended
5. One to two page resume

Send transcripts, resume, and GRE scores to:

    Student Record Processing
    Texas Woman's University
    PO Box 425649
    Denton, TX  76204-5649 

Selection Process

A selection committee, comprised of departmental faculty and area dietitians, reviews all qualified applications.  Application materials are evaluated by objective criteria in the areas of GPA, GRE, professional interests and goals, work experience (paid and/or volunteer -- some hospital dietary experience is encouraged), and letters of recommendation.  Note:  Texas Woman's University will not discriminate against any person because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, or handicap.

Estimated Expenses

The expenses listed are approximations.  Actual costs may be more or less than these estimates.  The estimates for the dietetic internship and graduate coursework are based on 45 total credit hours for the Thesis option and 57 hours for the Coursework option.

Note:  Fees do not  include property deposit or assigned course fees, and are subject to change without prior notice.  Based on current Fall 2012 rates.

• See section on Departmental Scholarships/Graduate Assistantships/Financial Aid

Transportation

Transportation to the facilities is the responsibility of the intern. It is necessary for a student to have access to an automobile in good working condition and to be able to drive within a one hour or 60 mile radius in a busy metropolitan area for certain rotations. Geographic considerations are granted whenever possible.

Graduate Housing

It is the intern's responsibility to select and provide his/her own housing.  Accommodations are available on campus for graduate students, including single parents and families. For information contact University Housing at 940-898-3676.

University and Departmental Scholarships

The Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences awards academic scholarships each year.  University awards of $1,000 or more for a full academic year results in tuition waivers for out-of-state students.  Scholarship deadlines are set each spring (usually March 1) for the following academic year (fall, spring, and summer sessions). The university and department utilize the STARS online system for application, which can be found on the the TWU home page or by contacting the NFS Scholarship Committee Chair at 940-898-2636 for more information.  Additional information regarding scholarships and deadlines may be obtained from Financial Aid; Texas Woman's University; PO Box 425408; Denton, TX  76204-3408. 

Note:  Scholarship application deadlines and awards occur before internship appointments are made; therefore, it is in the student's best interest to apply before the deadline date.  All awards are contingent upon the student enrolling at TWU.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available to selected students who have been accepted into the degree program. Financial support includes a monthly stipend and an out-of-state tuition waiver for half-time employment (20 hrs/wk). Research assistantships may be available from individual faculty members in the department. Inquiries should be made to the Chair of the department at 940-898-2636.

Financial Aid

TWU maintains a Financial Aid Office which provides financial assistance to qualified students. Aid may be awarded in the form of work, grants, loans, assistantships, scholarships, or some combination of these resources.  Please refer to the current graduate catalog for more details and deadlines for application and refer to their website.

A Final Comment...

The faculty in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences welcomes the opportunity to meet with prospective students. To obtain more information, contact us at your convenience. Thank you for your interest in Texas Woman's University!

Martha Rew, MS, RDN, LD
Dietetic Internship Director
Texas Woman's University
Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences
PO Box 425888
Denton, TX 76204-5888
Phone:  940-898-2657
mrew@twu.edu 

This information is valid until February 15, 2013.