Dietetic Internship Program

For a student to become a credentialed RDN, they must:

1. Earn a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
2. Complete a post-baccalaureate degree.
3. Complete an ACEND accredited post-baccalaureate dietetic internship (DI).
4. Pass the national registration examination for Dietitians.

• A license to practice dietetics in the State of Florida is required by law and is regulated by the Division of Medical Quality Assurance of the Florida State Department of Health.

For withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees information, please refer to the FSU policy: https://financialaid.fsu.edu/resources/financial-aid-processes/title-iv-withdrawal

The mission of the Florida State University’s Dietetic Internship (DI), which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), is to provide a post-baccalaureate route for students to complete the experiential requirements needed to write the national registry examination for certification as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). The program is designed for the preparation of entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) through supervised practice in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and food service systems management to enhance their understanding of, and ability to apply principles of nutrition science and dietetics beyond the baccalaureate or DPD level.

The mission of the Dietetic Internship (DI) is consistent with the mission of the University, which is to preserve, expand, and disseminate knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts. It is also consistent with the mission of the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, which is to enhance the well being of individuals and families through educational activities focused on research, health, the environment, and technology. The philosophy of the program is to prepare graduate students who desire advanced academic and professional training to meet the need for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), and to become professionals who can seek innovative solutions to the challenges of contemporary society.

Goal 1: Graduates will become successful, competent registered dietitians in a timely manner.

• Objective 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 Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) is least 80%.
• Objective 2: At least 90% of employers/supervisors who responded to the survey will express satisfaction with the performance of the FSU DI program graduates.
• Objective 3: At least 80% of program dietetic interns complete the program/degree requirements within thirty-six months (150% of the program length).
• Objective 4: Objective 4: At least 80% of the program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) within 12 months of the program completion.
• Objective 5: At least 80% of program dietetic interns will agree that their Dietetic Internship (DI) experiences provided opportunities to practice core competencies expected of the entry level registered dietitian.

The Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences offers a MS degree + Dietetic Internship (DI) program. The Dietetic Internship (DI) can be completed with the M.S. in Exercise Physiology (sports nutrition major) or M.S. in Nutrition and Food Science (clinical nutrition major). Specializations are available in either sports nutrition or clinical nutrition, depending on the respective degree which is sought.

Successfully completing a post-baccalaureate degree and an accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) is required in order to take the examination for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential with the Commission for Dietetics Registration.

FSU participates in DICAS. Please go to: https://dicas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login and add Florida State University to the programs you are applying to.