Dietetic Internship Program

We are dietitians. We are Racers.

The post baccalaureate Dietetic Internship and Master of Science in Nutrition (MS) program provides hours of supervised practice and 33 credit hours of didactic education designed to help interns meet Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) core competencies for entry-level dietitians. Interns who meet all program requirements and successfully complete the 33 hours of graduate credit will receive a Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition degree. After completion of our program, interns are prepared to sit for the national Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Accepting Applications

We accept applications for the graduate program and the Dietetic Internship year-round. Contact Nichole Pietrowski at npietrowski@murraystate.edu for more details.

About the Online Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship Program

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship program is 15 months or 4 semesters in duration.  Students accepted into the Murray State Dietetic Internship will earn 21 graduate-credit hours while completing supervised practice training and an additional 12 hours of online coursework for a total of 33 credit hours. Supervised practice experiences are planned to provide a progression from direct supervision to working independently with little supervision during the Advanced Practice rotation at the end of your training. The program is rigorous and fast-paced requiring additional time outside of scheduled work hours to complete curriculum competency assignments, projects, and homework.

About the program

The Dietetic Internship and Master of Science in Nutrition program is four semesters in duration. Applicants must meet the Graduate Admissions requirements at Murray State University.

Dietetic internship placement map highlights areas in Kentucky, TN, IndianaSupervised Practice Sites

Once the intern is admitted and the program has begun, each intern will spend time at supervised training sites, which include a public health department, hospital, and long-term care facility. Each site is different and interns can give preference to the city in which they would like to complete their internship experience.

Advantages of the Murray State Dietetic Internship Program

  • Strong, structured curriculum with proven successful outcomes on credentialing exam
  • Long standing relationship with facilities & preceptors
  • Close and active communication with faculty and preceptors
  • Past interns serve as preceptors at all some facilities
  • Low intern to preceptor ratio
  • Variety of facilities to accommodate intern preferences
  • Internship rotations in same geographical location
  • Internship hours provide 21 out of 33 hours of completion towards a MS degree
  • Provide RD review course on campus the last 3 days of the program

Apply to the program

Criteria Requirements

  • DPD Verification Statement
  • Undergraduate GPA – 3.0 or higher; DPD GPA 3.0 or higher;
  • Graduate GPA 3.0 or higher (if applicable)
  • Total of 200 hours or more of nutrition/dietetic-related experience or work

SUMMER SEMESTER 1:

  • NTN 610: Professional Dietetics Practice
    5 weeks (online)
    3 credit hours
  • NTN 622: Trends in Food Supply
    10 weeks (online)
    3 credit hours

FALL SEMESTER:

  • NTN 635: Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals
    16 weeks (online)
    3 credit hours
  • NTN 640: Orientation I
    1 week (Murray State main campus)
    1 credit hour
  • NTN 643: Community Nutrition
    5 weeks (at community training site*)
    2 credit hours
  • NTN 642: Management Practice in Dietetics
    5 weeks (at hospital training site*)
    2 credit hours
  • NTN 645: Pathophysiology for Nutrition-Related Diseases
    16 weeks (online)
    3 credit hours

SPRING SEMESTER:

  • NTN 653: Advanced Practice
    5 weeks (at hospital training site*)
    3 credit hours
  • NTN 641: Medical Nutrition Therapy I
    6 weeks (at hospital training site*)
    3 credit hours
  • NTN 651: Medical Nutrition Therapy II
    8 weeks (at hospital training site*)
    4 credit hours

SUMMER SEMESTER 2:

  • NTN 620: Long Term Care
    16 weeks (online with 3 week rotation at a LTC training site)
    3 credit hours
  • NTN 621: Performance Nutrition
    10 weeks (online)
    3 credit hours

*Interns at training sites will complete ACEND required competencies as well as online assignments and homework for graduate credit as listed.

Murray State Academic Calendar

Murray State Academic Bulletin

Health Insurance

All interns must be covered by health insurance while enrolled in the program. Evidence of coverage must be provided prior to beginning the Murray State internship program.

Professional Liability

It is the responsibility of the intern to purchase professional liability insurance

Accreditation

The Dietetic Internship Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

Accreditation

120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995

While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure

Any questions regarding accreditation may be directed to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at 1.800.877.1600, ext. 5400 or 312.899.0040, ext. 5400 or visit the ACEND's website.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Join in the Monthly Q&A with the DI Director on Zoom

Join Zoom
Meeting ID: 886 0573 9510

  • August 20, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CT
  • September 17, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CT
  • October 15, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CT
  • November 19, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CT

Or schedule an appointment by emailing nhaynes5@murraystate.edu.

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