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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 DI Program at Florida International University is to prepare competent entry-level registered dietitian/nutritionists through experiential learning and evidence-based practice who are leaders and ethically 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 interns complete program requirements within 12 months (150% of planned program length).
    • Objective 1.2: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 85% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation
    • Objective 1.3: At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion
    • Objective 1.4: The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%
    • Objective 1.5: As a result of the internship, 95% of the interns who pass the RDN 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 will be very likely to hire more graduates from our program.

Requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Students who wish to pursue the RDN credential must follow these required steps:

  1. Earn a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program. A master's degree is required to be eligible for the RDN exam.
  2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
  3. Pass a national exam for RDNs
  4. Meet requirements to practice in your state. Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes.
  5. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices.

For more information on the educational and professional requirements for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website and/or the Commission on Dietetic Registration website.

Requirements for Program Completion

  1. Record 1216 hours of supervised practice at various supervised practice sites.
  2. Complete all ACEND competencies and assignments at the required target levels.
  3. Complete the required courses DIE 6946 and DIE 6947.
  4. Earn a grade of "P" in both required courses.

Verification Statement

The Verification Statement is given at the completion of the DI program when the intern completes 1216 hours of supervised practice and when all ACEND competencies and assignments are completed at the required level. With the DI verification statement, the intern becomes qualified to take the credentialing exam for RDNs.

Prior Learning Assessment

The DI Program does not assess or grant credit for prior learning for any portion of the internship components. All interns must complete the required number of supervised practice hours to receive a verification statement.

Distance Education

The DI program offers an in-person modality for all supervised practice experiences and uses an online learning management system to deliver and provide course content (Canvas learning management system).

Why choose FIU’s Dietetic Internship Program?

  • ACEND-accredited - Meets rigorous national standards.
  • Pre-select admission - Open only to FIU graduate students in the department.
  • 100+ supervised practice sites - Including clinical nutrition, food service management, community nutrition, WIC, long-term care, private practice, and sports nutrition.
  • Professional skill development - Clinical judgement, communication, cultural competence, and leadership.
  • RDN exam preparation - Access to exam materials and mentorship.
  • Networking opportunities - Connect with preceptors, community partners, and employers.

Financial Information

Scholarships

The Department of Dietetics and Nutrition offers the Auslander Family Scholarship for those students accepted into the internship. The Auslander Family Scholarship will be awarded on a competitive basis to candidates who demonstrate financial need and the ability to be an excellent dietetic student. The deadline for the application occurs in March every year. The College and University offer scholarships to students on a competitive basis.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation serves as the largest provider of dietetic scholarships to deserving students at all levels of study. Individual scholarships range in value from $500 to $10,000 each.

Apply for a Dietetic Internship

Visit our Dietetic Internship Application page if you are interested in continuing your journey toward becoming a qualified practitioner.

Apply Now