Program Description

The internship is a 1,200-hour, full-time, supervised practice program covering the fall and spring semesters. Students will gain experience in a variety of settings, including medical nutrition therapy, food systems management, public health and community wellness and independent practice. The supervised practice will take place in affiliated hospitals and institutions in and around New York City. Students will also participate in two seminar courses, which will be given concurrently with the supervised practice. Students are encouraged to obtain the M.S. degree in nutrition to enhance their career opportunities.

Students will register for the following:

Fall Semester

HNSC 7200X Seminar in Nutritional Practice, 3 credits
HNSC 7202X Fieldwork in Dietetic Practice I, 4.5 credits

Spring Semester

HNSC 7201X Seminar in Clinical Application, 3 credits
HNSC 7203X Fieldwork in Dietetic Practice II, 4.5 credits

Rotation Schedule for Fieldwork in Dietetic Practice I and II (7202X and  7203X)

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): 450 hours
Food Systems Management (FSM): 200 hours
Public Health and Community Wellness (PH): 300 hours
Independent Practice (IP): 250 hours

Rotation Sites and Facilities

Brooklyn College Dietetic Interns work with preceptors at supervised practice sites in the New York area. The DI director and Dietetic Program coordinator will assign students to facilities for their rotations, and scheduling will be discussed on an individual basis with preceptors. Every effort is made to assign the interns according to their geographical preferences. However, there is no guarantee that an intern will be placed in the location or site that he or she desires.

Program Completion Requirements

To successfully complete the DI, students must meet all the specific competencies outlined by ACEND. These competencies are based upon specific learning experiences designed to provide necessary tools for entry-level dietitians. Students work with preceptors at each field site and with the DI Program director to ensure that all competencies are met. Students completing the DI are expected to pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians, to be able to practice in a variety of settings, and to take part in ongoing professional activities.

1. A minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice plus additional didactic hours (seminar course work) must be satisfactorily completed within designated timeframe.
2. Students must receive a minimum average grade of B in courses HNSC 7200X, 7201X, 7202X and 7203X.

Students can then apply to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Each intern is instructed on the process for completing the application form to write the examination to become a registered dietitian. For more information about the process, please visit: http://cdrnet.org/program-director/grad-info-student.