Our Dietetic Internship program is 43-weeks long and provides a variety of supervised practice experiences within an innovative and progressive health care system. Established in 1917, the program is one of the oldest dietetic internships in the United States. The University of Minnesota Medical Center Dietetic Internship program is a full-time, hospital-based internship, with a concentration in the area of Medical Nutrition Therapy.

While supervised learning experiences are provided in all areas of dietetics to meet the competencies set by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education (CADE), the program provides a greater depth of learning in the area of Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Interns work in facilities including large, teaching hospitals University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview and University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital as well as community hospitals, skilled nursing/transitional care units and community clinics. Interns are supervised by registered dietitians specializing in clinical nutrition, food and nutrition management and community nutrition. Ten interns are accepted annually into the program, which begins in early September.

Read more about our program’s mission, goals and accreditation

Curriculum

• Medical Nutrition Therapy Concentration
• Food and Nutrition Management
• Community Nutrition
• Curriculum areas overview

Admission Requirements

Our Dietetic Internship Program does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, national origin, handicap or religion. To be eligible for admission, the following requirements must be met:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Verification of completion or intent to complete an approved Didactic Program in Dietetics
• Recency of Education: If academic requirements were completed more than 3 years ago, an upper-division course in Physiology and another in Medical Nutrition Therapy and Advanced Clinical Nutrition must be taken within 3 years of the entrance date.
• Upon appointment to the internship, interns must submit proof of health insurance, immunization records and successfully complete a criminal background check.

Mandatory requirements before starting the program.

Selection Criteria

• Completed application packet
• Academic Standing:  Overall GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or higher from baccalaureate program.  In addition, prefer a GPA of at least 3.0 for science and nutrition courses
• Letter of Application:  Typed, double-spaced, two-page statement of professional and personal intent
• Three Letters of Recommendation on the standard ADA Recommendation form.
• Work experience
• Extracurricular activities/honors/leadership
• Excellent command of oral and written English skills
• A telephone interview in mid-March (for final candidates)

Expenses
To participate in the Dietetic Internship program, you will incur several expenses. Interns are required to have a reliable form of transportation and a valid driver's license and auto insurance. Due to the travel distance between faciltiies, public transportation is not adequate.

Frequently Asked Questions

To Apply

Program Completion & Graduation Requirements

2010-2011 Dietetic Internship Schedule

Contact Information

Shyamala Ganesh M.S., R.D., L.D.
Director, Dietetic Internship Program
612-273-3219
sganesh1@fairview.org

Please note that information provided on this website is valid only for the 2008 application process.