Dietetic Internship
Nutrition Department

Overview of the Program

The Department of Nutrition at Saint Joseph College offers a Dietetic Internship (DI) which is administrated by the Graduate School. This program is open to students with a Bachelor of Science Degree in nutrition, who meet the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements. Upon completion of the supervised practice experience in clinical nutrition, community nutrition and food service management graduates will receive a Verification of Completion and are eligible to take the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian (R.D.). The Saint Joseph College Dietetic Internship program is currently granted accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), a specialized body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education.

The Dietetic Internship consists of over 900 hours of supervised practice experience in clinical, food service management and community settings. In the fall semester interns concentrate their training in the clinical area. they train in general medicine, surgery, renal, cardiac, nutrition support, diabetes care, renal dialysis, pediatrics, outpatient counseling, extended care facilities and rehabilitation. Practicum Sites   (PDF: 5pp., 14K)

In the spring semester interns concentrate on food service management and community nutrition. The intern spends time divided among school lunch programs, health care programs, and community settings.

Each semester begins with a period of orientation at the college. Interns meet every other week for discussions and seminars given by specialists in the different areas of dietetics and allied health.

Dietetic interns receive nine credits toward an online Master's of Nutrition Program at Saint Joseph College. Courses may be take in conjunction with the internship if interns choose a full graduate program in lieu of a graduate certificate program.

Application Procedure

Applications are available online or from the Dietetic Internship director in the Department of Nutrition. Applications should be postmarked by February 15 for fall admission. The Saint Joseph College Dietetic Internship Program uses the Computer Matching system as mandated by the American Dietetic Association. Information about this process is included in the application letter. The student must also be prepared to purchase a variety of text and reference books, a lab coat, health and liability insurance. Students are responsible for transportation to facilities, parking and meals.

Scholarships are available through the American Dietetic Association. Prospective interns interested in financial aid may contact the Saint Joseph College financial office. Interns who opt for a full master's in Nutrition Program are eligible for financial aid through the college. Other financial aid may be obtained by contacting Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority.

Dietetic Internship Program Requirements

• Application Letter   (PDF: 3pp., 13K)
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college
• Completion of Didactic (Plan IV) course work as described by the American Dietetic Association and verified by the undergraduate institution (Verification Statement)
• Personal Letter
• Three letters of reference
• Dietetic Internship Program Application   (MS Word: 6pp., 352K)
• Recommendation Letter Form   (MS Word: 5pp., 93K)
• Program Requirements   (PDF: 3pp., 18K)
• Students should have maintained a minimum average of 2.8 in major courses

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Updated 01/11/08.