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Interns complete supervised experiences in nutrition therapy, foodservice management, community nutrition and business development. A culminating experience allows the student to select their area of interest for nutrition practice as they complete the spring experience. Preceptors in each healthcare institution oversee the experience and provide general management and mentorship. Murray State University Clinical Instructor Lori Crouch, R.D., L.D., assists students with project development, scheduling of experiences outside of the primary training site, and providing 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.

Regular school holidays are observed throughout the internship program (Labor Day, Thanksgiving, semester breaks, etc.). Students return to campus periodically throughout the semester for classroom instruction to supplement the supervised practice. Distance education components allow the student to use Internet-based instruction. Use of a personal computer with Internet connection is required for the distance learning components. The supervised practice continues through the spring semester, spanning 30 weeks in total for the fall and spring semesters. Interns participate in the supervised practice at the assigned internship sites approximately 32 hours per week.

Students successfully completing The Dietetic Internship Program will be awarded 18 credit hours of Graduate credit. Students interested in pursuing the Master’s degree following completion of the Dietetic Internship are encouraged to begin academic advisement prior to beginning the internship.

Health Insurance. All interns must be covered by health insurance while enrolled in the Program. Murray State University Student Group Hospital and Accident Insurance is available for those interns who do not have coverage. The participation fee is payable at time of registration and amounts to about $400.00 per academic year. Description of coverage for health insurance is available in the MSU Graduate Catalog. Students are responsible for all required insurance. Proof of health, liability, and automobile insurance must be provided before students enter the internship program.

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 for the start of the program in August.