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Dietetic Internship (DI)

The Department of Dietetics & Nutrition has successfully prepared dietetic practitioners through a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and a Coordinated Program (CP) for nearly five decades. As part of our continuous quality improvement efforts, the department has established a Dietetic Internship (DI) program.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require, as of January 1, 2024, a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Accreditation statement

The Dietetic Internship (DI) program at Florida International University’s (FIU) Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work has been granted full accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. For more information, call 800-877-1600 or visit eatrightpro.org/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 on the Commission on Dietetic Registration's State Licensure website.

Program philosophy and information

Mission: The mission of the Dietetic Internship (DI) program at Florida International University’s (FIU) is to prepare competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists, through experiential learning and evidence-based practice, who are leaders, ethically and culturally proficient. The program is committed to training qualified practitioners who provide dietetic services that promote eating and lifestyle behaviors that enhance health and quality of life.

Goals and Objectives: Program outcome data are available to the public, including current and prospective students, upon request to the Director of the Dietetic Internship.

  • Goal 1. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level practice as registered dietitians/nutritionists (RDN).
    • Objective 1.1 At least 80% of the interns will successfully complete program requirements within 12 months (150% of program length).
    • Objective 1.2 Eighty percent (80%) of program graduates will take the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for dietitians/nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
    • Objective 1.3 The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of the first attempt) on the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
    • Objective 1.4 Of graduates who seek employment, 85% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
    • Objective 1.5 As a result of the internship, 95% of the interns who pass the RD exam and are practicing, will integrate scientific information and research into professional activities and decisions for evidence-based practice.
  • Goal 2. The program graduates will meet the expectations of employers.
    • Objective 2.1 In the first year of employment, at least 85% of employers will indicate they were very satisfied with the educational preparation of program alumni for entry-level practice.
    • Objective 2.2 At least 80% of employers will be very satisfied with program alumni as having ethical judgment and decision-making.
    • Objective 2.3 At least 80% of employers will be very satisfied that program alumni have knowledge and awareness of people from other cultures.
    • Objective 2.4 At least 80% of employers would be very likely to hire more graduates from our program.