Dietetic Internship Program

About our Program

• UW-Green Bay Pre-Professional Programs (Catalog)
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors
• Human Biology

Description and Length

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Dietetic Internship is a 37 week program with a concentration in leadership. Interns complete supervised practice experiences in a variety of facilities in the Green Bay, Fox Cities and surrounding areas. This full-time Dietetic Internship Program, established in 1994, provides 1200 hours of practice experiences. Interns gain experiences in all areas of dietetic practice: medical nutrition therapy, food service and community nutrition. Practice facilities include six regional referral hospitals in Green Bay, Appleton, Fond du Lac, Neenah, Sheboygan and central Wisconsin, several long-term care facilities, K-12 school food service, community health clinics, UW-Madison Division of Extension agencies, city public health departments, food pantries, and athletic and fitness centers.

Problem solving, leadership, critical thinking, public speaking, collaboration, time management, writing and interpersonal skills are highly emphasized during this internship. Projects and assignments are planned to help interns develop these skills and implement nutrition care in a variety of settings.

The program consists of approximately 32 hours of weekly supervised practice experiences (Monday thru Thursday), occasional weekends, plus seven hours of didactic instruction and project management on Fridays. The program begins in early September and is completed by the end of the following May. Vacation is normally scheduled over the winter holidays.

Successful completion of the Dietetic Internship will result in receipt of a Dietetic Internship verification statement and eligibility to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam administered by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR). Upon obtaining the RDN, former interns are directed to seek appropriate licensure/certification in the state where employed. Dietitians working in Wisconsin are eligible to become a certified dietitian (CD) upon successful completion of the RDN exam.

Mission Statement

To provide educational and professional practice experiences that prepare competent entry level dietitians in an environment that fosters collaboration, leadership, life-long learning and professional enthusiasm.

Program Goals and Objectives

1. To prepare graduates who will be competent entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

• 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%.
• Ninety percent (90%) of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• Scores on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists will be at or above the national average for the total score and both nutrition and foodservice sub-scores.
• Seventy five percent (75%) of program graduates who respond to alumni survey will reflect competency for employment by indicating proficient or better.

2. To provide a supply of well-trained Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who will meet the expanding employment needs and opportunities in the Upper Midwest region and beyond.

• Seventy-five percent (75%) of employers who respond to alumni survey will reflect an equal or above average on decision making and problem solving, willingness and interest in learning, organization and planning skills, communication skills, professional behaviors and personal development.
• Of graduates who seek employment, 75% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 80% of program interns complete program/degree requirements within 13.5 months (150% of program length).

3. To prepare dietetic practitioners who are active and involved in food and nutrition professional associations, such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its affiliated state and local district associations.

• Fifty percent (50%) of program graduates who respond to the alumni survey will be active members of professional associations related to nutrition and dietetics.

4. To prepare dietetic professionals who participate in professional development and life-long learning.

• Forty percent (40%) of program graduates who respond to the alumni survey will note plans for specialty training, advanced degree or professional portfolio progress.
• Eighty (80%) of program graduates who return the alumni survey will maintain appropriate state credentials (CD, LDN, etc.)

5. To prepare dietetic practitioners who demonstrate leadership skills.

• Thirty percent (30%) of program graduates who respond to the alumni survey will volunteer in a professional, community, program or agency.
• Seventy-five percent (75%) of program graduates who respond to final dietetic internship evaluation will rate ability to develop leadership as a 4 or above
• Ninety percent (90%) of program graduates will score a 3 or above on leadership peer evaluation question: Intern is able to lead teams in a manner that created a collaborate work environment based on trust, candor and respect.

Concentration of Leadership

The leadership concentration will focus on the ability to apply specific leadership skills, effectively develop leadership capability as dietitians to promote career growth and improve ability to lead positive change in a variety of practice settings.

Competencies of Leadership:

1. Plan and organize projects that are efficient and effective in achieving goals.
2. Delegate work assignments that are clear and easy to understand in order to accomplish desired work.
3. Supervise others with a clear sense of purpose, mission and focus on key results.
4. Lead teams in a manner that creates a collaborative work environment based on trust, candor and respect.
5. Solve problems by seeking relevant information before making decisions.

As an intern at UW-Green Bay you will develop your personal leadership style as you complete leadership training, team building skills, and project management.

Accreditation Status

The Dietetic Internship Program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Educators in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600, ext. 5400,
Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics

Number of Interns

Three to eight interns are accepted annually.