Program Overview

The University of Maryland College Park dietetic internship is a post-baccalaureate, certificate-based, supervised practice program that provides thorough training in general dietetics with an emphasis on Information Management and Communication/Nutrition Informatics. To apply, applicants must have earned a graduate degree or have a plan to complete a graduate degree by the end of the internship program. Applicants must also hold a valid verification statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). If applicants are in the process of completing their master's degree, they must submit a declaration of intent to confirm that their coursework and degree will be completed by the end of the internship. The program provides training and experience to comply with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics 2022 Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation Standards. 
  
Many learning experiences are planned for the intern to broaden his/her scope of the dietetics field with an emphasis on the application of information technology/nutrition informatics. Through supervised practice experiences at many off-site facilities, the intern develops a diverse range of skills, has an opportunity to meet many potential role models and to develop a wide network of professional contacts in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Further, these varied experiences will assist interns in developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, effective communication skills, and collaborative team-building skills.
  
Program Philosophy. Each intern merits the effort of time and energy from university faculty and affiliated practice site faculty, in order to become a competent and proficient practitioner. This university-based program provides the intern with a plethora of resources and opportunities that will enrich their learning. The faculty recognizes every intern as an integral member of the team and believes the intern will benefit from an academic setting as diverse as this program.
  
Upon successful completion of the internship program, a verification statement will be given. The intern will then be eligible to complete the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) registration examination.

Registration Examination Pass Rate

For the three-year period of 2019-2021 – the registration first attempt pass rate was 82.4% (28/34 passed). Historically, graduates of the UMD internship who have needed subsequent attempts have been very successful.

Program Design

The 44-week program provides more than the required 1,000 supervised practice hours in clinical, community, food service management, and information technology. Each week is generally divided into four 8-hour days of supervised practice; the fifth day is devoted to class lectures, technology training, field trips and joint class days with area internship programs.  Online web conferencing is also used. The program runs from August through June in the next year. There are two weeks of vacation during the last week of December and 2 weeks of orientation. One week of electives allow the intern to re-visit one area of practice and/or develop an individualized rotation in an area of special interest. On the first day of the program, the interns will receive an internship handbook. The handbook will include: program philosophy/mission, policies & procedures*, all program schedules, program outline, curriculum, reading lists for entire program*, evaluation forms, specific rotation guidelines, directions to supervised practice settings, and a miscellaneous section.

* This material will also be sent to interns as e-mail attachments during the first week of the program.

** This program requires all interns to have a car as they will be commuting to sites by car throughout the metropolitan Baltimore-DC area. Public transportation is not available for many of the sites.