92% First-Time Pass Rate, Past Eight Years
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
- Successful completion of a minimum of a master’s degree from a United States regionally accredited college or university as evidenced by an official transcript. Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the previous college or university electronically or in a signed, sealed envelope to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Dietetic Internship Director prior to the internship start date. The degree must be conferred prior to the start date of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Dietetic Internship.
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Successful completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics as evidenced by an original Verification Statement signed by the Program Director. The DPD Verification Statement must be obtained and received by the Internship Director prior to the start of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Dietetic Internship.
- Submission of a completed application and application fee for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore including the requirements listed on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Dietetic Internship Website.
- Able to successfully pass a background check, drug screen and provide proof of required immunizations, health insurance, car insurance and current CPR certification.
UMES Internship PowerPoint Presentation
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
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.orgWebsite: 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 3, 2024, and concluding June 26, 2025. Didactic and supervise practice experiences include approximately:
- A copy of a sample schedule is here > Dietetic Internship Sample 2019-2020 Schedule
- The schedule is typically Monday-Friday with some occasional weekend or evening activities.
| Diabetes | 160 hours |
| Long-Term Care or Developmental Disability | 120 hours |
| Food Service Management | 176 hours |
| Renal | 80 hours |
| Research | 52 hours |
| Clinical Acute and/or Clinical Rehab | 500 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 Program | Encompass Health Rehab Hospital |
| Tidal Health Nanticoke Memorial Hospital & Diabetes Program | Wicomico Nursing Home |
| Holly Center | Tidal Health Bariatric Program |
| Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Medical Center | Delmar School District |
| Seaford Schools Food and Nutrition Services | Deer’s Head Hospital Center & Dialysis Center |
| Wicomico County Health Department – WIC Program | Fresenius Dialysis Center |
| Salisbury Rehabilitation and Nursing Center | Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Medical Center Nutrition and Diabetes Education |
| Fixer Upper Fitness | Salisbury University |
| Dorchester School District | Worcester County Health Department |
| Milford School District | Eastern Shore Hospital |
| Caroline County School District | Cape 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
UMES graduate students must complete all of the degree requirements for a graduate degree in Human Ecology with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics.
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 and receive a verification statement.
Program Estimated Costs
| Dietetic Internship Only Option Fees and Other Costs | Maryland Residents | Non- Maryland Resident |
| Application Fee (Non-Refundable) | $ 50 | $ 50 |
| Tuition: 2 Credits | 692 | 1,282 |
| Auxiliary Operations and Facility Fee per credit hour | 80 | 80 |
| Technology Fee per credit hour | 10 | 10 |
| Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Membership | 58 | 58 |
| Program Fee (Non-Refundable) | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| CPR Certification (estimate) | 90 | 90 |
| Housing – off campus estimate * | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Meals | 2,500 | 2,500 |
| Books and Other Supplies | 600 | 600 |
| Transportation/Parking | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Misc. (i.e., Background Check, Drug Screen, etc.) and membership | 500 | 500 |
| Total | 24,414 | 26,184 |
Graduate Program / Dietetic Internship Tuition, Fees and Other Costs
| Full-time Graduation Tuition, Fees and Other Costs | Maryland Residents | Non-Maryland Residents |
| Application Fee (Non-Refundable) | $ 50 | $ 50 |
| Tuition per credit hour | 346 ($13,629) | 641 ($23,364) |
| Auxiliary Operations and Facility Fee per credit hour | 57 | 57 |
| Technology Fee per credit hour | 10 | 10 |
| Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Membership | 58 | 58 |
| Program Fee (Non-Refundable) | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| CPR Certification (estimate) | 90 | 90 |
| Housing – off campus estimate * | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Meals | 2,500 | 2,500 |
| Books and Other Supplies | 600 | 600 |
| Transportation/Parking | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Misc. (i.e., Background Check, Drug Screen, etc.) and membership | 500 | 500 |
| Total | 35,427 | 45,162 |
*The internship program fee is due by August 15, 2024.
Financial Aid
University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduate students / dietetic interns enrolled in the MS/DI program are considered full-time students/interns for financial aid purposes. Dietetic interns are not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid for the program free but are eligible for Title IV financial aid for the master’s degree program. University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduate students / dietetic interns are eligible to apply for student loans and to apply for loan deferment. For more information, please see The Office of Student Financial Aid | Financial Aid (umes.edu).
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 graduate 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 5, 2024. If chosen as a possible candidate. Students will be contacted for a personal interview. A decision about placement will be determined by January 26, 2024. 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.
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of a minimum of a Master’s degree from a United States regionally accredited college or university as evidenced by an official transcript. Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the previous college or university electronically or in a signed, sealed envelope to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Dietetic Internship Director prior to the internship start date. The degree must be conferred prior to the start date of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Dietetic Internship.
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Successful completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics as evidenced by an original Verification Statement signed by the Program Director. The DPD Verification Statement must be obtained and received by the Internship Director prior to the start of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Dietetic Internship.
- Submission of a completed application for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore including the requirements listed on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Dietetic Internship Website.
- Able to successfully pass a background check, drug screen, and provide proof of required immunizations, health insurance, car insurance, and current CPR certification.
Technology Requirements
- Students selected for and enrolled in the dietetic internship will complete required internship courses in-person and/or online.
- At a minimum, a desktop or laptop computer, reliable Internet access, and a webcam and mic for coursework are needed. Students will use Canvas, the University of
- Maryland Eastern Shore’s Learning Management System, to complete online quizzes.
- Students must be proficient in the use of computers, the Internet, browsers, Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other common applications.
- Canvas support and the University’s IT service desk are also available to provide technology assistance.
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, 2024.
The application fee of $50.00 to UMES must be postmarked by February 15, 2024, 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 7, 2024. 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 8, 2024 by 6 p.m. EDST. Second round match will begin on April 10, 2024.
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
