dietetic overview

Goal #1: Graduates will earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential

1. At least 80% of program interns complete program requirements within 11 months (150% of the program length).
2. At least 90 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
3. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration examination within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.

Goal #2: Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and foodservice management for successful employment in a variety of settings.

1. Of graduates who seek employment, at least 75 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
2. At least 80% of graduates will receive a minimum overall rating of “satisfactory” by employers who respond to a survey evaluating preparedness for entry-level practice.

Goal #3: Graduates will be leaders in the dietetics profession.

1. At least 50% of graduate survey respondents will report participating in at least one leadership activity within 12 months of program completion.
2. At least 50% of employers who respond to a survey will “agree” or “strongly agree” that the graduate demonstrates leadership.

*Outcomes data available upon request.

The University of Delaware Dietetic Internship is approved to accept up to 45 interns annually. This program utilizes a variety of technologies in the overall management of the program. 

Students who live outside the State of Delaware will be required to locate their own preceptors and facilities, subject to approval by the Internship faculty. Interns accepted into the local program DO NOT plan their own schedules. During the orientation week, all students will be provided with a copy of the internship curriculum to use in completion of the program.

The Internship experience begins with a four-day orientation program starting in mid July. Orientation is held in Newark, Delaware on the campus of the University of Delaware. All interns admitted to the Dietetic Internship must attend this orientation program. The purpose of this experience is to help students make the transition between undergraduate education and the professional practice environment. Students will be provided with hotel information for the Orientation program, but are responsible for making their own arrangements for travel and accommodations.

In addition to the supervised practice experience, interns complete the didactic portion of the program on Tuesday mornings for one hour and twenty minutes. This course is offered synchronously online and is a mandatory part of the internship. Various faculty and practitioners serve as guest speakers on current topics relevant to the practice of nutrition and dietetics.

For more information on rotation schedules, see the Schedule page.