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Dietetic Internship

Our program boasts an 89 percent pass rate on the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) for the past three years.

The Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, Dietetic Internship Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

The Baylor Dallas Dietetic Internship Program’s mission is to provide an atmosphere in which the dietetic intern can apply and augment the knowledge base acquired from the academic setting. The program strives to prepare qualified registered dietitian nutritionists by imparting to each student the educational standards established by ACEND.

Our 10-month training program includes a clinical/nutrition therapy concentration area for 12 individuals annually, who have met the academic requirements of ACEND.

Download this Baylor University Medical Center Dietetic Internship presentation for additional information and details about our program.

Individuals completing the internship program requirements meet the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) eligibility requirements to take the Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) examination. A practice license, if required in the state of practice, can then be obtained upon receiving the RDN credential. More information regarding state licensure requirements may be found on the CDR website here.

Program Goals & Curriculum

The curriculum of the Baylor University Medical Center internship program meets the core competencies required by ACEND as well as Baylor University Medical Center’s program defined concentration competencies designed to provide the required knowledge and skills for entry-level practice. These competencies are taught on an individualized level utilizing a variety of teaching methods. The interns complete weekly rotations, special projects, and attend a weekly class or meeting throughout the year to augment the intern’s current knowledge and to prepare the intern for hands-on experiences. Participation in professionally sponsored activities is required (e.g. Northeast Regional Academy of Nutrition meetings). The program coordinates a Mentor/Mentee Program to provide each intern with a mentor for ongoing support and guidance during the year.  

We also offer an optional nine hours of graduate credit through Texas Woman's University (TWU), located in Denton, Texas, upon completion of the internship. The credit is given for completion of the requirements of the internship with no additional coursework or university attendance required. Interns accepted into the program are contacted by a TWU faculty member regarding requirements for the GRE and obtaining graduate credit.

This program is designed to graduate students who have become entry-level professionals and who possess an advanced knowledge base, professional skills and the ability to think independently.

Program Goals

Our internship has four primary goals and six competencies related to the clinical nutrition therapy concentration and are evaluated annually. A detailed summary of the program's outcomes may be requested by sending an email to Susan.Roberts@BSWHealth.org. 

Our Primary Goals

1. The program will prepare graduates to be competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists

  • At least 80 percent of program interns complete the program requirements within 15 months (150 percent of program length).
  • Ninety percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for RDNs will take it within 12 months of program completion.
  • 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 percent.
  • Ninety-five percent of graduates will rate themselves "at or above" entry level 10-12 months after employment when compared with other dietitians who have graduated from dietetic programs.
  • Ninety-five percent of employers indicate satisfaction with graduate’s preparation for entry-level practice by responding to a survey and rating graduates "at or above" entry level 10-12 months after employment when compared with other new dietitians who have graduated from dietetic programs.

 

2. The program will generate qualified registered dietitian nutritionists for employment in the field of dietetics.

  • Of program graduates who seek employment 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.

 

3. The program will prepare graduates who demonstrate professionalism and continued learning

  • Greater than or equal to 90 percent of employers responding to a survey will rate graduates as satisfactory or better for professional competence.
  • Eighty percent of graduates responding to a survey are members of professional organizations.

 

4. The program will prepare graduates who demonstrate a commitment to community service.

  • Fifty percent of graduates responding to a survey are involved in community service.

 

Clinical/Nutrition Therapy Concentration Objectives       

  • Develop a foundation which fosters expertise in comprehensive nutrition care to diverse populations in a variety of settings, including neonates, children with special needs and transplant recipients. 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of nutrition-focused physical assessment within complex populations including critically ill, transplant recipients, and children with special needs. 
  • Demonstrate the ability to collect measurable data, analyze research and document outcomes in the practice setting. 
  • Demonstrate the ability to locate, evaluate and analyze research results for a question related to nutrition therapy for a specific condition. 
  • Demonstrate a higher level of understanding of risks and benefits associated with enteral and parenteral nutrition therapies in specific conditions. 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the registered dietitian nutritionist in advanced practice skills, i.e. nutrition order writing and feeding tube placement.

 

All 12 interns spend time at Baylor Dallas, as well as travel to other Baylor Scott & White facilities surrounding the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

One intern is matched with Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth, and one intern is matched to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano to complete approximately six to eight weeks of rotations. Interns completing rotations at these locations complete the same curriculum as interns matched to the Baylor Dallas campus.

A preference of your location is indicated using the site preference form and is mailed with the application fee to the program.

Clinical

  • Bariatric surgery
  • Cardiology
  • Population Health at the Health and Wellness Institute
  • Gastrointestinal disease
  • Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  • Liver disease
  • Neonatology
  • Neurology
  • Nutrition support-enteral/parenteral nutrition
  • Oncology
  • Outpatient counseling
  • Organ transplantation
  • Pediatric specialized programs
  • Rehabilitation
  • Renal disease
  • Trauma

Community and Foodservice Management

  • Central admixture pharmacy  
  • Executive wellness
  • Dental
  • Home infusion therapy
  • Eating disorders
  • WIC
  • School food service
  • Clinical Nutrition Management
  • Food Production
  • Patient Services
  • Retail

Each intern will complete a research project under the mentorship of an assigned research coach, as well as additional projects detailed in the internship curriculum.

Fall

  • One-hour Journal Club presentation with discussion and critique of journal article related to a research topic
  • One case study presentation detailing the Nutrition Care process of a patient seen during assigned rotation

Spring

  • Professional presentation of research outcomes
  • Written paper of research project
  • Development and participation in events promoting National Nutrition Month activities
  • 3 1/2 weeks of staff relief

Weekends and Holidays

All interns are scheduled time off at the same time. Interns are expected to work some holidays. Holidays and days off are noted in the annual program calendar.

Rotations are not routinely scheduled on weekends; however, there may be rare exceptions based on special events and opportunities.

Travel Requirements

Transportation and fuel expenses to off-campus facilities for educational purposes are the interns' responsibility.

Some rotations are located in the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area and require a commute (maximum approximately 30 miles, subject to change). Public transportation will not be feasible for all rotation sites.

The program does not give consideration to the intern’s residential address when scheduling assignments to off-campus facilities.

Why We Love the Program

Don't just take our word for it. Hear from some of our recent graduates to learn more about the Baylor Scott & White difference.

"Not only has this internship provided me with the skill sets necessary to confidently begin my career in dietetics, it has inspired me to be the best dietitian that I can be. The knowledge and experience each preceptor shared has challenged me to actively continue to learn and develop as a young professional. Through nutrition I have the capacity to shape lives which I think is truly amazing and extremely fulfilling."

Mary Rose Bottcher, 2017 graduate

"The dietetic internship indeed exceeded my expectations; it was a demanding and challenging ten months, but at the same time rewarding. I got to experience what dietetics is and our role as health professional in a wide range of settings. Most importantly, I had the chance to act as a dietitian, independently and hands-on. Preceptors are extremely knowledgeable and encourage interns to get out of their comfort zone and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I feel confident and prepared to succeed in anything I do in the field of dietetics."

Marcela Lacayo, 2017 graduate

"Our internship director, coordinator, preceptors and fellow interns far exceeded my expectations of this program. The constant challenge and motivation from those around me truly made me a better intern and helped shape the future of my career. I have never felt more confident moving into the next chapter of my life of becoming a registered dietitian, and it's all thanks to Baylor Scott & White Health."

Lauren Pittman, 2017 graduate

Application Requirements

Eligible candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and have completed an ACEND-approved didactic program in dietetics by the program start date. We prefer the coursework to have been completed within the last five years; however, candidates with recent relevant work experience will be considered.

Applicants must submit the following information contained within the online DICAS application:

  • Personal statement (1,000 words or less) that addresses the following questions:
    • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
    • What are some experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career?
    • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
    • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
    • What is your reason(s) for wanting to come to Baylor University Medical Center?
  • Reference letters from two professors in food and nutrition and one current or recent employer
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
    • Overall GPA must be above 3.0
    • Dietetic and nutrition-related coursework GPA must be above 3.0
  • Signed Declaration of Intent to complete academic requirements OR signed and completed verification statement of academic requirements
  • Activities demonstrating leadership and ability to work well with people
  • Relevant dietetics-related work and/or volunteer experience

Final acceptance is contingent on:

    • Submission of a Verification Statement of Completion of Academic requirements and official transcript(s) from the college(s) in which the DPD requirements were completed within 30 days of the start date of the program
    • Successful completion of Baylor Scott & White Health's physical, drug screen (including nicotine) and background check (going back 10 years) per Baylor Scott & White policy. Any adverse findings may result in candidate being denied final acceptance in the Dietetic Internship Program.
    • Proof of insurance. Health insurance is required of all students. Students must acquire insurance on their own. Proof of automobile liability insurance for travel is required of all students. Professional liability insurance can be obtained for one year. Information regarding where the professional liability insurance can be obtained will be provided prior to the internship. 

Learn more about Baylor Scott & White Health's general hiring policies.

How to Apply

We use the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) to accept applications, transcripts and other supporting application materials. We participate in the annual spring match utilizing D&D Digital to coordinate the computer matching process.

Tours are strongly encouraged to learn more about the program and can be scheduled any time during the year except for February. Contact Ashley.Mullins@bswhealth.org to schedule.

Application deadline is Feb. 15, 2019

Apply now

Complete the site preference form to indicate your preference of completing selected rotations at another Baylor Scott & White facility, and mail it with your application fee.

Send the $75 application fee via check or money order made out to Baylor University Medical Center to:

Baylor Unversity Medical Center
Dietetic Internship/Nutrition Services
3500 Gaston Ave.
Dallas, TX 75246

Application fee ($75) must be postmarked and mailed directly to Baylor University Medical Center by Feb. 15, 2018, for application to be processed. Note, this is a separate fee from that required by DICAS and DND digital (for computer matching).

Complete all DICAS application requirements by accessing DICAS at https://portal.dicas.org and D&D Digital registration and matching process at https://www.dnddigital.com/ada/index.php.

If you have additional questions regarding the online application process, visit ACENDS’s website regarding common questions and requirements associated with the computer matching process, or email DICASinfo@DICAS.org.

Financial Information

Estimated Expenses

Academy membership $58
Internship application fee $75
Internship tuition $8,000
Registration exam (following completion of program) $200
Books and supplies (safety shoes, study references, etc.)  $50-$100
Liability insurance $24
Local housing cost $700-$900/month
Meals (one meal per day is provided for days at the main hospital)  $10-$15/day
Travel (distance for off-site rotations can vary) $900/year
Drug screen (including nicotine), background check and required immunizations (provided by hospital)  $0
Total cost $10,000-$10,300
Nine Graduate credit hours (optional)

Resident – $3,668

Non-Resident – $7,403
Total cost (with optional nine hours of graduate credit) $13,700-$17,700

Please note that all expenses are estimates only and do not include cost of living, travel and optional study resources.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance through Texas Woman's University may be available to those seeking the optional graduate credit. TWU requires six hours credit each semester (three hours through internship and a three-hour course through TWU) in order to qualify.

For more information, please write:

Department of Nutrition and Food Service
Texas Woman's University
PO Box 24134
Denton, TX 76204

Scholarships

Upon successful completion of the internship, interns will have the opportunity to apply for the Boone Powell Sr. Scholarship.

In addition, other scholarships may be available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or the intern's state dietetic association.

Learn more about available scholarships.

Contact Us

Susan Roberts, DCN, RDN, LD, CNSC, FAND
Phone: 214.820.6751
Fax: 214.820.4096
Susan.Roberts@BSWHealth.org

Dietetic Internship
Baylor University Medical Center
3500 Gaston Ave
Dallas, TX 75246

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 800.877.1600, Ext. 5400

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