Internship Mission, Philosophy & Goals

The mission of University of Nevada, Reno's Dietetic Internship Program is to produce highly competent professionals capable of providing excellent service to a variety of constituencies in a highly technical, constantly changing world. The program will provide a qualified and diverse group of interns the opportunity to realize their potential in the broad and diverse domain of dietetics by providing them with mentored training opportunities that will allow them to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to function with competence and independence in entry-level dietetic positions.

The program will provide broad-based training experiences which will allow the intern to apply their didactic knowledge in a variety of management, clinical and community settings resulting in attaining the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the ACEND 2022 Core Competencies for the Registered Dietitian. Upon completion of the internship program, the intern graduates will be eligible and prepared to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. Successful passing of the examination will enable them to realize their professional goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian.

The Dietetic Internship Program acknowledges that dietitians play an increasing role in the healthcare arena. Thus, the goals focus on assuring that the program produces competent, well-trained professionals, is attuned to diversity issues that impact the delivery of nutrition services, appreciates the impact diversity has on health issues in society and recognizes the need for diversity in the profession.

Goal 1

The program will attract well-qualified applicants and produce graduates prepared to practice competently in entry-level dietetics positions that address the ongoing and evolving health care demands of Nevada and the nation.

Objectives for Goal #1:

1. *Dietetic Specialization: At least 80% of interns complete the program requirements within 27 months (150% of planned program length) or *Graduate Prepared:
   • At least 80% of interns complete the program requirements within 9.375 months (150% of planned program length).
2. 50% of graduates will respond to the UNR Post DI Survey verifying that they were employed in the State of Nevada upon completion of their internship.
3. Of graduates who seek employment, 75% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
4. 80% of employers will rate program graduates’ preparation for entry-level practice as “Satisfactory” or higher. 

Goal 2

The program will provide mentoring and educational experiences that foster diversity of experiences and successful internship graduates.

Objectives for Goal #2:

1. 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%.
2. At least 80% percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
3. 80% of employers will rate program graduates’ preparation for entry-level practice as “Satisfactory” or higher.
4. The Program’s mean first attempt Food system and Management Scaled Score (PFMSS) will be 75% or greater of the National’s mean first attempt Food Service and Management score (NFMSS)
5. 80% of interns will rate the training experiences/preceptors as “3=average” or “4=above average”.
6. Of graduates who seek employment, 75 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.

Goal 3

The program will promote diversity and provide interns opportunities to work with culturally diverse populations.

Objectives for Goal #3:

1. 20% of interns providing personal characteristics data identify themselves as being non-white, or white with Hispanic ethnicity, or male or report English as their second language.
2. 80% of graduates will respond with “yes” that they had the opportunity to work with culturally diverse populations in their internship rotations.