Dietetic Internship Program

Mission Statement | Clinical Training Sites | Application Procedure | Estimated Expenses | Accreditation

The Murray State University Dietetic Internship is designed to meet the competencies for entry level dietetics practice and to prepare students for the Registration Examination for Dietitians. The program has a Nutrition Therapy concentration and provides students with a minimum of 1200 supervised practice hours in a variety of healthcare settings.

The program begins in August, is 10 months in duration and is completed during the fall and spring semesters. Each intern is assigned to one of ten supervised practice sites in Kentucky and Tennessee. Although student preference is considered, placement at a requested practice site cannot be guaranteed.

After orientation to the internship program on Murray State University's campus, students begin supervised practice at the assigned facility. Approximately 40 hours of supervised practice are completed per week. Distance education components are used to deliver internet-based instruction. Use of a personal computer with internet connection is required for the completion of distance learning activities.

Interns complete supervised experiences in clinical nutrition, foodservice management, community nutrition and long-term care. A culminating experience is completed after clinical rotations. This experience allows the student to function independently as an entry level dietitian in the hospital setting. Preceptors in each healthcare institution oversee the experience and provide general management and mentorship. Murray State University Clinical Instructor Lori Crouch, M.S., R.D., L.D., assists students with project development, scheduling of experiences outside of the primary training site, and provides general guidance and direction in meeting curriculum requirements. The Clinical Instructor meets with students at their training sites throughout the course of the internship program.

Eighteen hours of graduate credit are earned during the internship program. Students wishing to pursue the Master's degree must pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians before continuing with graduate studies.

Internship Program Schedule of Courses

Fall Semester		Duration (Weeks)	Credit Hours Earned
NTN 640	Orientation I, MSU Campus	1	2
NTN 641	Community Nutrition	4	2
NTN 642	Foodservice Management	6	3
NTN 643	Nutrition Therapy I	6	2
		17	9

Spring Semester		Duration (Weeks)	Credit Hours Earned
NTN 650	Orientation II, MSU Campus	1	2
NTN 651	Nutrition Therapy II	8	3
NTN 652	Long Term Care	3	2
NTN 653	Culminating Experience	3	2
		15	9

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Health Insurance. All interns must be covered by health insurance while enrolled in the program. Murray State University Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan is available for those interns who do not have coverage. Current student insurance rates are approximately $720 for the fall and spring semesters or $933 per calendar year. However, rates and benefits change on a yearly basis. Description of coverage for health insurance is available on the MSU Health Services website. Students are responsible for obtaining their own health insurance coverage.

Professional Liability. Professional liability insurance is required of all dietetic interns. Cost of the insurance is $20.00 for the year. Application for liability insurance will be completed when the student comes to campus at the start of the program in August.

ACCREDITATION
The Dietetic Internship Program is accredited by the American Dietetic
Assocation, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000 Chicago, Illinois
60606-6995

Any questions regarding accreditation may be directed to the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association at 1-800-877-1600 or visit the ADA web site at www.eatright.org

For additional information and questions, email us at: nutrition@murraystate.edu

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