MS / Dietetic Internship
Our Mission
Prepare caring and competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who collaborate with other health professionals through coursework and a supervised practice experience that exceeds the performance standards of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Discounted Tuition for Residents of Western States
Two programs provide in-state tuition for residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming:
- Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)
- Non-Resident Tuition Waivers (NRTW)
To apply for these discounted tuition programs, contact the ISU Graduate School.
Note: To qualify, students must fulfill all the usual requirements of the department and institution concerned, and meet all admission deadlines. Students need not demonstrate financial need.
ISU MS/DI at a Glance
Why ISU? Highlights of the Master of Science / Dietetic Internship Program |
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Master of Science |
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Internship Components |
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Number of Positions |
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Selection Process |
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Internship Length |
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Weekly Time Requirement |
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Graduation and Program Completion |
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Program Overview
Master of Science / Dietetic Internship
The Master of Science in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) Program provides a combined graduate degree and supervised experience in clinical, community, and administrative dietetics. After completion of a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice and required graduate coursework, as well as the fulfillment of other program requirements, MS/DI graduates are eligible to receive a verification statement and take the national registration exam for dietitians.
All applicants to the combined ISU MS/DI program must apply for both the Dietetic Internship and Master in Nutrition. Thus, applications must be submitted through both DICAS and the ISU Graduate School. No exceptions will be made.
Currently, 18 seats are offered on two ISU campuses (Pocatello/Twin Falls and Meridian). Interns complete over 1,200 hours of supervised practice in many healthcare and community settings.
The MS/DI is a full-time, 16-month, four-semester program (fall, spring, summer, and fall). Students rotate through the program with an established group of other MS/DI candidates. During their first fall semester, MS/DI students focus on coursework. In the remaining three semesters, students engage in a combination of practicum rotations and graduate coursework.
The Master's coursework is offered in a hybrid model. Classes are 100% online. Some require students to go to a distance learning classroom; others offer remote access via video conferencing software. In addition, some classes are self-directed, requiring students to work autonomously.
The practicum part of the program provides approximately 1,429 hours of "hands-on" educational experience. Interns can expect to spend 40 hours per week in rotations, with additional time required for completion of practicum assignments, coursework, and some travel opportunities. Each intern must complete the DI by the end of 16 months scheduled over the academic year.
The MS/DI program is fast-paced with all required supervised practice hours, coursework and other learning activities designed to be completed within the specified time frame. In extreme circumstances which might include medical emergency or the need for educational remediation, an intern’s individual learning time frame may be extended beyond the 16 months up to 24 months (150% of original 16-month plan). Decisions to extend an MS/DI student's time are made on an individual basis by the program director with input from the student’s advisor, instructors, and preceptors.
Program Eligibility and Admission
- Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics, Family and Consumer Sciences (Home Economics), Nutrition, or Food and Nutrition and have completed Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements as established by ACEND of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for admission
Eighteen (18) students (10 in Pocatello/Twin Falls and 8 in Meridian) will be admitted to the program with the April computer match, with a start date in August. Two of the interns accepted to the internship in Pocatello will complete their rotations in Twin Falls, Idaho.
NOTE: Enrollment in the Idaho State University and/or fulfillment of specific requirements does not ensure admission into the Dietetic Internship Program.
Goals and Objectives
At ISU We Pride Ourselves in Training the Next Generation of RDNs | |
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Goal 1 | Goal 2 Prepare program graduates to be caring registered dietitian nutritionists who promote collaboration within their practice setting |
Goal 1 Objectives:
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Goal 2 Objectives:
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MS/DI Rotations
Total Dietetic Internship Experience = 1,429 TOTAL HOURS
Pocatello/Twin Falls Campuses: Rotation Sites | |
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Food Service Management |
Clinical Nutrition |
Long Term Care |
Community Nutrition |
Meridian/Treasure Valley Campus: Rotation Sites |
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Food Service Management
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Clinical Nutrition |
Community Nutrition |
Long Term Care |
MS/DI Coursework
The MS/DI in Nutrition is 33 -35 credits with the supervised practice rotations contributing 9 credits. Transfer credits may be awarded for the electives (maximum 8 credits), but not core courses. Advisor approval is required. Students should follow the graduate school policy and form for transfer credit requests. Students who opt for a thesis project may find it beneficial to increase the thesis credits and decrease the elective courses. Please discuss this option with your faculty advisor.
Masters of Science in Nutrition with Dietetic Internship (Public Health Emphasis) |
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Course Number |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
NTD 6609 |
Seminar for Dietetic Interns: Held the week before classes start, this is a one week course scheduled Monday-Friday for 8 hours per day. All Dietetic Interns must travel to Pocatello to attend this required course in-person. |
2 |
NTD 6610 |
Current Topics in Nutrition |
1 |
NTD 6620 |
Nutritional Epidemiology |
3 |
NTD 6622 |
Maternal, Infant and Child Nutrition |
3 |
NTD 6624 |
Nutrition and Aging |
3 |
NTD 6640 |
Research, Writing and Grantsmanship |
3 |
NTD 6645 |
Capstone Project I |
1-3 |
NTD 6650 |
Capstone Project II |
1-3 |
NTD 6655 |
Dietetic Internship Practicum I (Supervised Practice Rotations |
3 |
NTD 6656 |
Dietetic Internship Practicum II |
3 |
NTD 6657 |
Dietetic Internship Practicum III |
3 |
MPH 6620 |
Health Program Planning and Evaluation |
3 |
MPH 6660 |
Health Behavior Change Theory and Application |
3 |
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Total Credits |
33 - 35 |
MS Capstone Project or Thesis
Culminating activities for the MS Nutrition include either a Capstone Project or Thesis:
Capstone Project: A scholarly activity, requiring students to write, present and defend their project that may include a range of activities such as:
- Grant writing and submission
- Analysis of a current data set and preparation of a manuscript
- Development and execution of a small research study leading to the submission of a presentation abstract as determined appropriate by the advising faculty member and student
Optional Thesis: Students may choose to do a thesis in place of the capstone
Financial Information
The table below lists the estimated fees of the MS/DI program expenses (actual costs may vary). Many students apply for financial aid and scholarships to help with these costs.
Housing
Students placed in Pocatello may choose to live on campus or in a variety of off-campus sites. In Boise and Twin Falls, no university housing is available.
Transportation
Each student should have his or her own car or, at least, access to one during the practicum part of the program. Some rotation sites are up to fifty miles away (e.g. Pocatello to Idaho Falls).
Liability for safety in travel to and from assigned rotation sites will rest on the individual MS/DI student. In no way do Dietetic Programs or Idaho State University assume liability for students for safety in travel to and from assigned rotation sites.
Estimated Program Costs |
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ITEM |
FEE |
ISU Graduate School Application (fee for Grad School and fee for program application combined) |
$120 |
Tuition and Fees |
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Dietetic Internship Fee |
$3,219 (subject to change)** |
Shoes (flat, rubber sole) |
$40-$80 |
Books and Supplies |
$200-$400 |
Malpractice Insurance |
$5 per semester |
Health Insurance |
proof required |
Academy Student Membership |
$58 |
Health Screen, Drug Panel Test(s), Immunizations and background checks |
$150-250 |
American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers |
$59 |
Meetings (ID Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Pocatello Dietetic Association) |
variable |
Transportation |
variable |
Additional Costs |
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ISU school year general lot parking permit (optional) |
$100 |
Jean Inman Review Course registration |
$385 |
Graduation application fee |
$20 |
Typhon Group Student Account |
$90 |
MyClinicalExchange Subscription |
$40 |
*Tuition and fees are subject to change by the Idaho State Board of Education.
**Student fees are charged only during the practicum portion of the MS/DI program (Spring, Summer and final Fall semesters). Fees are made in three payments, $1,000 is due during each of these three practicum semesters.
Idaho State University’s
Dietetic Internship is accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Education and Dietetics of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext 5400
http://www.eatright.org