Brooklyn College Dietetic Internship

Students in the Brooklyn College Dietetic Internship will develop clinical competencies, critical thinking, and complex nutrition assessment, counseling, and communication skills.

Rotations, classes, and other learning experiences are designed to meet the Accreditation Standards for Dietetic Internship Programs established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

The internship is a 1,000-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.

Educational Philosophy

The educational philosophy centers on preparing interns who can think independently; apply, analyze, and evaluate information knowledgeably; write clearly and concisely; speak effectively; and contribute meaningfully to the nutrition and dietetics profession. This is reflected in the teaching methods that includes lectures, team-based learning, and fieldwork experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to apply their knowledge into practice, develop professional behaviors and practice in culturally diverse communities.

For complete program information, including course listing and program policies, please refer to the Brooklyn College Dietetic Internship handbook.

Accreditation Status

The Brooklyn College Dietetic Internship is  accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. ACEND is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.  The internship is ACEND-accredited for up to 12 internship positions annually.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 S Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL  60606-6995
P: 312.899.4874

Program Description

The Brooklyn College Dietetic Internship is a 1,000-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.

Supervised Practice Hours

Interns will complete supervised practice hours as well as a two-semester seminar course that meets weekly.

Fall Semester
  • HNSC 7200X: Seminar in Nutritional Practice (3 credits)
  • HNSC 7202X: Fieldwork in Dietetic Practice I (5 credits)
Spring Semester
  • HNSC 7201X: Seminar in Clinical Application (3 credits)
  • HNSC 7203X: Fieldwork in Dietetic Practice II (5 credits)

NOTE: The graduate schedule of classes is published on the Brooklyn College website every semester. The DI program follows the Brooklyn College academic calendar.

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

  • Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): 300 hours
  • Food Systems Management (FSM): 200 hours
  • Public Health and Community Wellness (PH): 300 hours
  • Independent Practice (IP): 200 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. Students must be willing to travel anywhere within the five boroughs of New York City

Assignments/Projects

Assignments and projects are posted on Blackboard. Interns are required to fulfill the ACEND-Required Core Competencies (Appendix A). Students are required to maintain a written and electronic portfolio of all completed assignments and submit a log of hours and activities completed during their rotations.

Program Completion Requirements

  • A minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice plus additional didactic hours (seminar coursework) must be satisfactorily completed within 12 months from starting date.
  • Students must satisfactorily complete all rotation assignments as evidenced by the evaluation forms completed by the site preceptor appropriate for each individual rotation. Preceptors evaluate students’ overall performance on learning objectives related to competencies specific for each rotation.
  • If a rotation is not successfully completed as indicated on the evaluation forms, students must repeat the rotation over until satisfactorily completed within 12 months of commencement of the DI program.
  • Students must receive a minimum average grade of B in these courses: HNSC 7200X Seminar in Nutritional Practice, HNSC 7201X Seminar in Clinical Application, HNSC 7202X, Fieldwork in Dietetic Practice I, and  HNSC 7203X Fieldwork in Dietetic Practice II.

Upon completion of clinical practice and course work, and the graduate degree*, the program director will review the student’s record and if rotation hours, clinical assignments, course work, and preceptor evaluations are satisfactory, will issue a DI Verification Statement as well as a Registration Eligibility Application Name/Address Verification Form and instructions. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) copy is to be completed and returned to the program director. The program director will forward the Computerized Registration Eligibility Application to CDR. You will receive examination application instructions from Pearson VUE once you are approved to take the exam. It is the responsibility of each graduate to complete the application from Pearson VUE, provide the required fee, and schedule an examination appointment. Interns who have not completed all internship requirements will not be given Verification Statements, nor will their names be submitted to CDR to sit for the RD exam.

* Graduate degree requirement: Students in the DI must complete graduate degree requirements at Brooklyn College or submit an official transcript indicating completion of a graduate degree. The graduate degree must be conferred before students can receive their verification statement. The verification statement and the graduate degree will be awarded at the same time.

Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists

Each intern is instructed on the process for completing the application form to write the examination to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. For more information about the process, visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s website.

For additional information regarding the Brooklyn College Dietetic Internship, see the Dietetic Internship Student Handbook (pdf).

Requirements and Process to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

The five steps to becoming an RDN:

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree and receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program (Didactic Program in Dietetics, Coordinated Program, Future Graduate Program, Foreign or International Dietitian Education Program). Note: Effective January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be required to be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (Dietetic registration exam).
  2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice dietetic internship program, or Individual Supervised Practice Pathway is an option. Supervised practice/experiential learning is combined with the Coordinated Program, Future Graduate Program, and International Dietitian Education Program.
  3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s dietetic registration exam.
  4. Gain licensure in your state of practice, if applicable.
  5. Maintain continuing education.
New York State Certification (CDN)

In addition to RDN credentialing, New York State has certification for dietitians/nutritionists (CDN). Once you become an RDN, you will be able to apply for the CDN since you have completed the necessary education and training requirements.

Program Mission and Goals

Mission of the Dietetic Internship

The Mission of the Brooklyn College Dietetic Internship is to provide interns with a comprehensive master’s-level educational and experiential program in nutrition that prepares graduates to contribute as entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists in culturally diverse communities.

Program Goal 1

The program will prepare graduates to become registered dietitian nutritionists through master’s-level academic course work and supervised practice.

Objectives
  • 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%.
  • At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • At least 80% of program interns complete program requirements within 13.5 months (150% of the program length).
  • Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • At least 80% of graduates will complete a master’s degree within two years of completing the program.
  • At least 80% of graduates who respond to the DI Graduate Exit Survey will rate their preparedness to perform as entry level practitioners with a score of 80% or better.
  • At least 80% of employers who respond to the Employer Survey will rate graduates’ preparedness for entry level practice as “very good” or “excellent.”

Program Goal 2

The program will prepare graduates to contribute as nutrition and dietetics professionals in culturally diverse communities.

Objectives
  • At least 80% of DI graduates who respond to the DI Graduate Exit Survey will rate their preparedness to contribute as nutrition and dietetics professionals in culturally diverse communities with a score of 80% or better.
  • At least 80% of preceptors who respond to the Preceptor Survey will rate interns’ preparedness to contribute as nutrition and dietetics professionals in culturally diverse communities with a score of 80% or better.
  • At least 80% of alumni who respond to the Alumni Survey will rate their preparedness to contribute as nutrition and dietetics professionals in culturally diverse communities with a score of 80% or better.

Note: Outcome data measuring achievement of program objectives is available upon request.

Admission Requirements

  • Must have completed a Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) and received a DPD Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics.
  • Brooklyn College students must be enrolled in the M.S. in Nutrition program* or the M.A. in Community Health program* in order to be eligible for the DI or have already completed a graduate degree. Separate applications must be made to the DI (through DICAS).

* Must complete either 24 credits in the M.A. Foods and Health Equity program or 30 credits in the M.S. Nutrition program, including all required courses and HNSC 7240X Assessment Techniques and Nutritional Care with a grade of B or better by the conclusion of the spring semester prior to the start of the internship. Students with graduate courses from other institutions may substitute the equivalent courses with approval from the program director.

Recency of Education Requirements for the Dietetic Internship

All applicants are expected to have a Verification Statement dated no more than five years prior to the DI application date.

When the Verification Statement is more than five years old, the applicant is expected to submit documentation of having taken, or in the process of taking, courses that meet the current ACEND standards from a university with a Didactic Program in Dietetics. Candidates are encouraged to contact the DPD program director to discuss additional course work. The applicant is expected to earn a B or better in these courses.

Application Procedures

Computer Matching

All applicants will be required to participate in computer matching. Applicants can obtain computer matching instructions directly from D&D Digital Systems, by telephone, 515.292.0490, or via e-mail.

Applications for consideration must be submitted electronically by February 15 through the DI Centralized Application System (DICAS). Contact DICAS at 617.612.2855 or via e-mail.

The full match calendar is available on the ACEND website. NOTE: There is a D&D registration fee of $55, and a DICAS application fee of $50 for the first designation and $25 for each additional designation.

Watch the DICAS Application Overview Video for help filling out your application.

Application to the Brooklyn College DI

All of the following must be submitted online via DICAS:

  • Official transcripts from all universities and institutions attended
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent to Complete
  • Three letters of recommendation from appropriate professionals
  • Completed application form
  • Résumé
  • Statement of career goals

In addition, the Brooklyn College DI requires the following supplemental materials*:

  • Nonrefundable application fee of $40. Make check payable to “Brooklyn College Departmental Receipts,” and in the memo note “Member Organization-Nutrition Fund.” Mail to: Brooklyn College DI Program, Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210-2889. (Note: This fee is separate from the $50 fee to apply to DICAS.)
  • Transcript indicating completion of required graduate credits. Brooklyn College students applying to the DI must complete 24 credits in the M.A. Foods and Health Equity program, or 30 credits in the M.S. Nutrition program, including required courses and HNSC 7240X Assessment Techniques by the end of the spring semester immediately prior to the start of the internship. All other students must provide an official transcript of a graduate degree.
  • Recent photo—upload to DICAS

*All the additional materials can be uploaded in the supplemental section of DICAS website. Select “Program Designations” on the homepage; after you select Brooklyn College, click on the icon under the “supplemental (optional)” section. You will then be allowed to upload these materials.

Contact DICAS  at 617.612.2855 or via e-mail for further information.

Program Fees and Expenses

Estimated Program Expenses

Fee Type Cost
Nonrefundable application fee $40
Tuition* $470/credit (New York State residents) $855/credit (nonresidents)
The DI is 18 credits.
Student Activity Fee $74.25
Internship materials fee $100
Liability insurance $42
Personal health insurance varies
Drug Testing if required by site varies
Immunizations if applicable varies
Textbooks / supplies $200
Lab coat $20–40
Housing varies
Meals varies
Transportation varies
Academy Student Membership $50

See Brooklyn College’s Graduate Tuition and Fees for up-to-date program expenses.

*Tuition is determined by the City University Board of Trustees and are subject to change without notice.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Office of Financial Aid offers federal financial aid designed to assist graduate students in financing their college education.

The Graduate Student Loan Guide will provide you with information on the available financial aid options for graduate studies. It will also provide you with instructions on how to apply for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan. Remember that these functions are available only to admitted students who have informed Brooklyn College that they will attend and have submitted their commitment deposit or commitment information to the Office of Admissions.

If you need any additional assistance with financial aid for graduate studies, schedule an appointment with your financial aid adviser (find your financial aid adviser).

Insurance Requirements

Students are responsible for professional liability coverage and health/medical insurance.

  • Student Professional Liability Insurance: All students in the DI must purchase professional liability insurance before beginning their field experience. Applications for coverage will be provided to students upon acceptance into the program. The current fee for liability insurance is $38 per year. Verification of coverage must be provided before beginning the program.
  • Health Insurance: Evidence of medical coverage must also be provided before beginning the program.
Liability for Safety in Travel

Students are responsible for travel arrangements and liability for safety to and from the rotation sites and the college. The facilities and the college assume no responsibility in this matter.

Transportation Costs

Students are responsible for all costs incurred traveling to and from rotation sites, the college, and any professional seminars or meetings. All rotation sites are accessible to public transportation.

Career Opportunities

How to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

The five steps to becoming an RDN:

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree and receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program (Didactic Program in Dietetics, Coordinated Program, Future Graduate Program, Foreign or International Dietitian Education Program). Note: Effective January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be required to be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (Dietetic registration exam).
  2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice dietetic internship program or Individual Supervised Practice Pathway is an option. Supervised practice/experiential learning is combined with the Coordinated Program, Future Graduate Program, and International Dietitian Education Program.
  3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s dietetic registration exam.
  4. Gain licensure in your state of practice, if applicable.
  5. Maintain continuing education.

RDNs are required to complete 75 continuing education credits per five-year cycle.

Certified Dietitian Nutritionist (CDN) license in the state of New York is optional.

Career Opportunities in Nutrition

Department Administration and Faculty

Brooklyn College Dietetic Internship Director and Coordinator

Roseanne Schnoll, R.D., C.D.N.

DI Director and Associate Professor, Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences
718.951.5000, ext. 2745

Susan Jakuboski, R.D., C.D.N.

DI Coordinator, Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences
718.951.5000, ext. 6699

Contact Us

Brooklyn College DI Program
Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences
Brooklyn College
The City University of New York
2900 Bedford Avenue
4123 Ingersoll Hall
Brooklyn, NY 11210-2889
P: 718.951.5026

For questions concerning the Dietetic Internship, send us an e-mail.

Contact Information

Brooklyn College DI Program
Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences
Brooklyn College
The City University of New York
2900 Bedford Avenue
4123 Ingersoll Hall
Brooklyn, NY 11210-2889
P: 718.951.5026
E: sjakuboski@brooklyn.cuny.edu

Brooklyn. All in.