The Dietetic Internship Philosophy

The Dietetic Internship program at Premier Health is committed to preparing dietetic interns for entry-level dietetic practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Interns are guided to evidenced based current knowledge and practice trends and to embrace lifelong learning. Educational opportunities enable graduates to perform according to the core competencies for dietitians as outlined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

The Premier Health Dietetic Internship provides unique experiences in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and foodservice systems management. These experiences promote integration and application of knowledge and skill required to compete successfully in a rapidly changing environment.

Premier Health and the Dietetic Internship are committed to fostering a diverse environment in which every person is valued and respected, differences are welcomed and recognized as assets, and interns are encouraged to voice their ideas and are empowered to make decisions. 

The department and network have a long-standing history of student development. The Dietetic Internship at Premier Health provides an experiential learning environment with caring and knowledgeable preceptors who practice with the latest technologies.

A tradition of clinical and technological excellence with a dedication to inspire better health through care, service, education, and innovation guides the network in an atmosphere of authenticity, respect, integrity, and compassion. This is combined with master’s classes through the University of Dayton which provide didactic support of clinical principles. Both programs partner to optimize intern learning and application through competency based education.

Premier Health Dietetic Internship Mission Statement 

The Premier Health Dietetic Internship program is dedicated to providing quality experiential education which prepares the dietetic intern to be a competent entry-level Registered Dietitian in diverse settings in an evolving profession. This program will integrate concurrently with the University of Dayton Master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition Program.

Content Updated: July 2024

Program Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Graduates will become professional, competent, entry-level registered dietitians.

Outcome Measures (3y average)

  • The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within 1 year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
    • We have a 96% pass rate.
  • At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
    • We continue to have 100% of our interns take the credentialing exam.
  • At least 80% of program interns complete the program/degree requirements within 26 months (150% of the planned completion time).
    • All interns consistently graduating in 18 months.
  • When surveyed, 14 – 15 months following program completion, graduates rate preparation for a position in dietetics with an average score of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale.
    • Met every year.
  • When surveyed, 14 – 15 months following program completion, employers rate the preparation of graduates for a position in dietetics with an average score of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale.
    • Met every year.
  • Of graduates who seek employment, 75% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
    • Met every year.

Goal 2: Program graduates will experience a variety of rotations to prepare graduates for the diverse opportunities in the field of dietetics.

Outcome Measures (3y average):

  • Graduates will rate the variety of rotations and experiences in the program with an average score of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale.
    • Met every year.
  • When surveyed, 14-15 months following program completion, 85% of graduates will agree that the variety of experiences prepared them to work in their chosen field.
    • Met every year.

Program Outcomes Data are available upon request.

Disclaimer

Premier Internship Program, at its sole and absolute discretion, reserves the right to modify all components of the Program, including but not limited to rules, fees, curriculum, schedules, evaluation standards and any other requirements affecting interns.