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On this page you will find the following:

  • Program Overview
  • Intern Competencies
  • Graduation and Program Completion Requirements
  • Technology Requirements

Curriculum, program completion requirements, expenses, calendar, and other information for the combined dietetic internship and graduate program are found throughout this site.

Program Overview

The BYU Dietetic Internship is a combined internship masters degree program with the option of a master's in Nutritional Science and Dietetics OR a master's in Public Health. The internship provides 1,000 hours of supervised practice along with didactic coursework. Supervised practice experiences include clinical nutrition, community nutrition, foodservice management, research, and leadership & professionalism. Practice experiences take place in Utah, Salt Lake, Davis, & Weber counties. Brigham Young University’s Dietetic Internship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,

Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

Email: ACEND@eatright.org

Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400

Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995

Students of any race, color, creed, or national origin are accepted for admission to BYU, provided they maintain ideals and standards in harmony with those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and meet the University's academic requirements. High standards of honor, integrity, and morality; graciousness in personal behavior; application of Christian ideals in everyday living; and abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, and harmful drugs are required of every student.

The dietetic internship observes all regularly scheduled holidays and vacations as outlined on the University calendar; however, the internship schedule does not follow the regular semester/term schedule for start/end dates.

Intern Competencies

  1. Integrate scientific information and translation of research into nutrition and dietetics practice
  2. Demonstrate professional practice expectations through beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors
  3. Develop and deliver appropriate information, products, and services to individuals, groups, and populations.
  4. Strategically apply principles of management and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations.
  5. Exhibit skills, strengths, knowledge and experience relevant to leadership potential and professional growth for the nutrition and dietetics practitioner.

More detailed information of program and learning outcomes can be found on the University's Learning Outcomes website. Program outcome data is available upon request from the Dietetic Internship Program Director, Pauline Williams 801-422-4876 or pauline_williams@byu.edu

Graduation and Program Completion Requirements

Graduates of the combined Dietetic Internship and Master’s Degree program are eligible to apply to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). To receive the CDR required Verification Statement interns must:

  1. Adhere to the University Honor Code
  2. Complete all internship supervised practice rotations, core graduate course, and graduate project with the following performance levels.
    • The “overall rating” on the final performance evaluation for each supervised practice rotation must be a “3” or higher.
    • 75% of all other rating areas on the final performance evaluation for each rotation must be a “3” or higher.
    • The core required classes NDFS 620R, 621, 622, 636, 637, 638 must be successfully completed with a grade of B- or better.
    • All assignments related to rotations in NDFS 620R must be completed and submitted.
    • The graduate project must be completed with a "passing" vote from the graduate committee.
  3. Complete all program and university requirements to obtain the master’s degree
  4. Be granted the master’s degree
  5. Complete the program within the maximum timeframe indicated by the University Graduate Studies Office

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require 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). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.

Technology Requirements

Hardware: A computer that can run Microsoft Office (or equivalent), reliable internet access, and webcam and mic are needed. Laptops are highly recommended for portability to class and rotations and for use with online learning systems as many do not work with tablets or Chrome Books. Laptops can be rented from the University Office of IT on a first-come, first-serve basis. Rental details can be found through the office of IT. BYU has WiFi networks available for student use including “eduroam” and “BYU Secure.”

Software: Microsoft Office 365 is required to submit assignments. The University provides this FREE to students. The package includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and more. Details are found at http://office.byu.edu

Storage: The University provides access to OneDrive (with Microsoft Office) and Box. Both provided storage and privacy using BYU credentials to access.

Pauline Williams.jpg

Internship Director

D. Pauline Williams

PhD, MPA, RDN, CD


Dietetic Internship Director | Associate Teaching Professor

Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science
Brigham Young University
S-215 ESC
Provo, UT 84602
pauline_williams@byu.edu
801-422-4876 (phone), 801-422-0258 (fax)

Accreditation

Brigham Young University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. They can be contacted at:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190,Chicago, IL 60606-6995,(312) 899-0040 ext 5400https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend