Our Dietetic Internship accepts students from an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Our program combines the required supervised practice experiences, with the Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Nutrition and Dietetics. Upon completion, you will be eligible to sit for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
In two and a half years, you can obtain your registration status and graduate degree. The first two semesters are graduate course work only. Two subsequent semesters are both on-site supervised practice experiences and graduate course work. In addition, one summer semester is full-time supervised practice experience in a community hospital. The final fall semester is both on-site supervised practice experiences and remaining graduate course work.
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited master's in Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietetic Internship program at Northern Illinois University meet these requirements and are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. ACEND provides more information about educational pathways to become a RDN.
The program concentration for the NIU dietetic internship is Community Nutrition and Health Promotion, which includes 1,224 hours of dietetic internship experiences: 520 hours in community nutrition, life-cycle and health promotion; 504 hours in medical nutrition therapy (at one hospital); and 200 hours in food service (NIU Dining Services).
Our mission is to prepare entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who demonstrate knowledge, skills and values that enhance individual and community health through dietetics practice.
Program outcomes are available upon request.
Learn more about our application process.
Dietetic Interns pay tuition for both MS and DI courses. Check the Office of the Bursar website for most current costs.
These are other estimated expenses associated with the program.
Item/Description | Cost |
---|---|
Student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | $25 |
Student membership in local dietetic district | $25 |
Uniforms for foodservice/MNT practicum | $75 |
Health Documentation: titers, immunizations, TB (depending on whether immunizations are necessary or not) |
$100- $430 |
Criminal background check/drug screen through Castle Branch | $92.25 |
CPR certification | $50 |
Textbooks | $500-750 |
Professional liability insurance – NIU Group Policy | included in fees |
Housing and transportation Costs are quite variable depending on where you live and which sites you will be assigned to during the community and MNT practicum. You will need a car and will need to come to campus at least twice a week and to your practicum site(s) at least three times weekly during the spring and fall and five days per week in summer. |
variable |
Total | $867.25-1447.25 plus housing and transportation |
Interns are encouraged to apply for a graduate assistantship which pays for partial tuition and provides a modest stipend. Applications are available from the Graduate School and should be submitted to the SHS office in Wirtz Hall Room 209. Graduate assistant positions are not guaranteed.
Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial aid can be applied for through the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office on campus.
The Dietetic Internship follows the NIU academic calendar. All interns begin the program in August.
Course | Type of Experience | Location | Hours on Site | Lenght of Practicum | Semester |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NUTR 617 | Food Service | NIU Campus Dining Services | 20 hours per week | 10 weeks | Fall or spring |
NUTR 610 | Lifecycle | WIC, School Nutrition, Recreation and Wellness, LTC | 20 hours per week | 8 weeks | Fall or spring |
NUTR624 | MNT | 1 hosptial | 40 hours per week | 13 weeks | Summer |
NUTR619 | Community | 4-5 different sites | 24 hours per week | 10 weeks | Fall |
NUTR 630 | Professional Practice | 1 site | 24 hours per week | 5 weeks | Fall |
We offer experiences across the spectrum of dietetics. Since this program is located in northern Illinois, 70 miles west of Chicago, we are fortunate to be located within driving distance of the western suburbs, and the city of Rockford. Although some sites are located in the DeKalb area and on campus, interns must have a reliable car and be willing to drive to sites that are located off campus.
You will have satisfactorily completed the dietetic internship when you have successfully completed all the internship courses and all Graduate School requirements.
Interns are strongly advised to work closely with their academic advisor regarding their graduate course schedule to be sure that sufficient course work is being taken each semester for simultaneous completion of both the M.S. degree program and the dietetic internship program. You will receive the official "Verification Statement of Dietetic Internship Completion" only when all requirements of the M.S. degree program in Nutrition and Dietetics have been satisfied.
Upon completion of both the M.S. and DI programs, the official verification statement will be given to you, and your name will be submitted to the Commission of Dietetic Registration. At this time you will be eligible to sit for the RDN exam and apply for state licensure, if applicable.