dietetic internship

About the program

The Dietetic Internship at the University of Delaware can be completed almost anywhere in the United States. This internship interprets the missions of the University, the College of Health Sciences, and the Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences through its activities to promote philosophies to include education of students, service in the community and participation in professional organizations.

Critical within this program are the requirements for interns to develop flexibility, initiative, and resourcefulness, creative problem solving and an ability to work with others. The program makes extensive use of state-of-the-art technology.

This internship provides graduates of a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) and a graduate degree with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of food and nutrition science, and to acquire competencies needed to practice dietetics in a variety of settings. Upon successful completion of the program, each student will receive a verification of completion certificate and be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Program Track Options:

• Local track: All rotations are planned by internship faculty within the State of Delaware. The program is expected to be completed in approximately 7 months
• Distance track: Interns identify their own rotation sites anywhere in the US, pending internship faculty approval. The program is expected to be completed in approximately 7 months. 
• In-person Combined MS in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI track): Interns complete in-person graduate coursework during their first year of the program, followed by the local track dietetic internship during the second year. The program is expected to be completed in approximately 18 months. 
• Distance Combined MS in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI): Interns complete online, synchronous graduate coursework during their first year of the program. Under internship faculty guidelines, interns must identify suitable supervised practice sites outside the State of Delaware to be completed during the second year of the program. The program is expected to be completed in approximately 18 months. 

Program Completion Requirements:

• Minimum of 1,000 hours of documented supervised practice with achievement of all required competencies (HBNS 648/649: Dietetics Practicum I/II)
• Successful completion of HBNS 650/651: Current Perspectives in Dietetics I/II
• Successful completion of all required assignments
• Satisfactory final preceptor evaluations in all rotations

Graduates of the Dietetic Internship at the University of Delaware are expected to be able to function as entry-level practitioners in clinical, food service, and community dietetic roles. Each is expected to operate independently with high levels of professionalism and integrity. Each is expected to successfully challenge the registration examination for dietitians.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).  In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.

For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The University of Delaware is required to comply with state and federal laws regarding the delivery of distance education.  Please see the University’s State Authorization page for more information.