Internship Program

97.2% First Time Pass Rate Past Seven Years 

Dietetic Internship Open House

Topic: UMES DIETETIC INTERNSHIP OPEN HOUSE
Time: Jan 13, 2023 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

UMES Internship PowerPoint Presentation

Please RSVP to:   
Michael Kirtsos, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN
mkirtsos@umes.edu
443-783-6878

Want to see what the dietetic internship is like, check out what our dietetic interns are doing on our UMES blog and Instagram at:

https://umesnutrition.wordpress.com/

UMES Dietetic Internship (@umesdietetics) • Instagram photos and videos

Admission Requirements

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 order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree

In addition, CDR requires that individual’s complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an Registered Dietitian.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.

For more information about state licensure requirements click here, https://www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here, https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students

Missions, Goals and Measurable Outcomes

The program’s mission is to provide a variety of experiential learning and professional development opportunities to prepare program graduates as entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists for dietetics practice in diverse communities.

The goals and measurable outcomes for this supervised practice program are noted as follows:

Goal One: 

The UMES dietetic Internship will prepare graduates who are competent for entry-level practice in dietetics.

Outcome Measures:

  • 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%.
  • A minimum of 75% of employers will rank graduates as “good” or “satisfactory” or higher regarding the graduate’s nutrition knowledge and preparation for entry-level practice.
  • At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 15 months (150% of the program length).
  • Of graduates who seek employment, 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. 
  • 90 percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • A minimum of 60% of graduates responding to a survey will indicate the variety of learning and professional development opportunities as a strength of the internship program.

Goal Two: 

The UMES dietetic internship graduates will contribute to the field of dietetics through leadership or community service and life-long learning.

Outcomes Measures:                                                                                                                                                       

  • A minimum of 25% of graduates responding to a survey will report holding a leadership position and/or participating in community service within one year of program completion.
  • A minimum of 50% of graduates responding to a survey will indicate they have attended at least one program sponsored by a professional dietetic and/or health-related association within one year of program completion.

Goal Three: 

The UMES dietetic internship program will prepare competent entry level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who have a strong diabetes knowledge base.

Outcomes Measures:                                                                                                                                                    

  • 20% of graduates responding to a survey will indicate they are currently working towards obtaining their Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification.   
  • 80% of graduates responding to a survey will indicate they felt the internship provided them with a good background in diabetes.   

Accreditation Status

The Dietetic Internship Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program with a Diabetes Education and Counseling concentration designed to bridge the gap between didactic education and entry-level dietetic practice.  

This program is approved for six full-time interns, which includes a preselect option for qualified undergraduate UMES students, and is accredited through the Accreditation Council for Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which is the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

The Accreditation Council for Nutrition and Dietetics is located at the following address:

120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190    
Chicago, IL  60606-6995
800/877-1600, ext. 5400
312/899-0040
Fax: 312/899-4817
Email: acend@eatright.org

Website: http://www.eatright.org/ACEND/

**Dietitians and nutritionists are required to be licensed to practice in the state of Maryland.  Please refer to the Maryland State Board of Dietetic Practice website for specific information regarding this requirement.** http://www.dhmh.maryland.gov/dietetic/SitePages/Home.aspx 

Program outcome data are available from the director upon request.

Program Schedule

The program length is 41 weeks, commencing on September 5, 2023 and concluding on June 27, 2024. Didactic and supervise practice experiences include approximately:   

Diabetes  160 hours
Long-Term Care or Developmental Disability  120 hours
Food Service Management  176 hours
Renal    80 hours
Core Life    40 hours
Research    52 hours
Clinical Acute and/or Clinical Rehab  460 hours
WIC    40 hours
School Nutrition  160 hours
Total supervised practice hours (minimum)1288 hours
Didactic and Professional Meetings  200 hours

Affiliation Sites

Program experiences are designed in categories of dietetic subspecialties to clinical nutrition, foodservice management and community nutrition.  Some of the program partners include: 

Atlantic General Hospital & Diabetes ProgramEncompass Health Rehab Hospital
Tidal Health Nanticoke Memorial Hospital & Diabetes ProgramWicomico Nursing Home
Holly CenterCore Life
Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Medical CenterDelmar School District  
Seaford Schools Food and Nutrition ServicesDeer’s Head Hospital Center & Dialysis Center
Wicomico County Health Department –  WIC ProgramFresenius Dialysis Center
Salisbury Rehabilitation and Nursing CenterTidal Health Peninsula Regional Medical Center Nutrition and Diabetes Education
Fixer Upper FitnessSalisbury University
Dorchester School DistrictWorcester County Health Department
Milford School DistrictEastern Shore Hospital
Caroline County School DistrictCape Henlopen School District
Wicomico School District

Transportation 

Note this program requires all interns to have a car as they will be commuting to sites by car throughout the Eastern Shore of Delmarva.  Public transportation is not available for these sites.

Program Completion Requirements and Graduate Credit

Interns must complete a minimum of 1288 supervised practice hours as noted on their time sheet and 100% of all competencies with a level of competent (3) or higher on the performance matrix, a minimum score of 75% on the final examination and an 80% on each individual assignment including class quizzes, class assignments, journal presentations and case studies to be considered for graduation from the dietetic internship program.

Interns register for two graduate credits during the internship one for each semester. 


Program Estimated Costs

Part-time Graduate Tuition, Fees and Other CostMaryland ResidentsNon- Maryland Resident
Application Fee (Non-Refundable)$       50.00$      50.00
Tuition: 2 Credits                692.00    1,282.00
Auxiliary Operations and Facility Fee per credit hour            80.00        80.00
Technology Fee per credit hour          10.00          10.00
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Membership         58.00        58.00
Program Fee (Non-Refundable)    5,000.00    5,000.00
CPR Certification (estimate)         90.00         90.00
Housing – off campus estimate *    7,500.00    7,500.00
Meals    2,500.00    2,500.00
Books and Other Supplies       600.00       600.00
Transportation/Parking    3,000.00    3,000.00
Misc. (i.e., Background Check, Drug Screen, etc.) and membership       500.00       500.00
Total  20,080.00  20,670.00


*The internship program fee is due by August 18, 2023.

Financial Aid

Applicants are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and their state/local dietetic associations.  

Scholarships – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (eatrightfoundation.org)

Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Scholarships (eatwellmd.org)

Housing Information

https://www.realtor.com/rentals/Salisbury_MD

https://www.apartments.com/salisbury-md/?gclid=b60b94ba6b621e420454f45790dd1919&gclsrc=3p.ds&

Pre-Select Option

UMES DPD seniors are eligible to participate in the pre-selection process. A maximum of two slots may be available after the selection committee evaluation. A completed application, three letters of recommendation and $50 application fee must be submitted to the director by January 6th, 2023. If chosen as a possible candidate. Students will be contacted for a personal interview. A decision about placement will be determined by January 27th, 2023.  Students will be evaluated regarding volunteer experience, clinical experience, food service experience, references, grades and application instructions. Inconsistencies and omissions in the application will not be considered. 

Application Procedure 

To be eligible to apply, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicant has completed Didactic Program in Dietetics academic requirements.
  • Applicant must have received either an “intent to Complete” form or a “Verification Statement” from their Didactic Program in Dietetics.
  • Applicant (has or will have) completed a M.S. or M.A. degree prior to beginning the internship program.
  • Applicant has earned an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 out of 4.0.
  • Applicant has had experience (paid or unpaid) in a food service, community and / or clinical dietetic setting.

UMES will participate in DICAS- the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System

The application must be submitted through the ACEND – Dietetic Internship Central Application System https://page.liaisonedu.com/dicas/apply. The following items must be included in the online application:

            Completed Program Application through DICAS – for the spring match.  The DICAS
            will require payment  for each application submitted along with the following items:

                 > One official transcript from each institution attended submitted through the
                     DICAS system. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required.
                     

                 > Signed and dated Statement of Intent to Complete Degree Requirements for
                     the Didactic Program.

                 > Three ACEND Recommendation Forms, two of which are completed by major
                     professors.

                 > A typewritten letter of application which includes a discussion of your interest
                    in the profession, short-term and long-term goals, and a statement regarding
                    your attributes and why you are uniquely suited for this program.

                 > Qualifying applicants will be contacted for a telephone interview.

          Students must submit the DPD Verification Statement and final transcript(s) showing
          awarded degree prior to starting the program.

          Application fee of $ 50.00 payable to “U M E S” by check or money order (nonrefundable) sent
          separately to the Dietetic Internship Director indicating that an application was submitted to
          DICAS.

Please note that our internship program does not satisfy the requirements for a full time student on
an F -1 visa or work visa. Please contact UMES Admissions Office or Human Resources for more
information.

Computer Matching

All applicants to this Dietetic Internship (DI) Program must participate in computer matching. Applicants must register with D&D Digital online at www.dnddigital.com; pay the $50.00 computer matching fee by credit card, enter contact information and Dietetic Internship priority choices by 11:59 PM CST on February 15, 2023.

The application fee of $50.00 to UMES must be postmarked by February 15, 2023 and submitted to: 

Dietetic Internship Director

1 College Backbone Road,

University of Maryland Eastern Shore,

2107 Richard A. Henson Center,

Princess Anne, Maryland 21853.

Appointment

D & D Digital Systems will inform each applicant of his or her match status on April 2, 2023. Applicants matched to this program must notify the Program Director by telephone, fax or email of their acceptance or rejection of the appointment to the director as noted above. This notification must be received on April 4, 2023 by 6 p.m. EDST. Second round match will begin on April 5, 2023.


Dietetic Internship Director
1 College Backbone Road
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Department of Human Ecology
2107 Richard A. Henson Center
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Telephone: 410-651-7578    
Fax: 410-651-8265
Email: mkirtsos@umes.edu

Review Dietetic Internship Handbook Here

Eligibility Requirements for Dietitians

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