Program Mission, Goals and Objectives

Program Philosophy:

The Murray State University dietetic internship program is committed to providing comprehensive supervised practice learning experiences in a wide variety of supervised practice settings to prepare graduates for entry-level practice and lifelong learning as registered dietitian nutritionists. We emphasize the value of good communication skills, collaboration and teamwork, respect for diverse societies and viewpoints, leadership and decision-making skills, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, a commitment to advocacy for the profession and self-reflection in our planned learning activities. Our program plans a range of learning activities that support competency attainment, including direct patient care, interdisciplinary forums, management projects and case study presentations. Interns integrate and apply their new knowledge and skills using a variety of educational methods. The Murray State University dietetic internship strives to foster professional development of interns that exhibit the behaviors outlined in the Characteristics of the Murray State Graduate. The mission and goals mutually support the faculty’s belief in a liberal education as a bases for excellence within the profession. 

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Murray State University Dietetic Internship is to provide mentored, real-world learning opportunities that foster student growth in knowledge and critical thinking. Upon program completion, dietetic interns will be prepared to be entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists skilled in medical nutrition therapy who improve the health and well-being of individuals regionally and nationally in clinical, community, foodservice and long-term care settings.

Program Goals and Objectives:

Goal #1– Program graduates will be prepared to be entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.

• Objective 1a - At least 80% of program interns complete program/degree requirements within 16.5 months (150% of program length).
• Objective 1b - 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• Objective 1c - 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%.
• Objective 1d - 100% of program graduates employed as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) who respond to the Post Internship Survey will report preparation to be an entry-level RDN as “satisfactory” or better.

Goal #2 – Program graduates will be prepared to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to improve the health and well-being of individuals as employed professionals in nutrition and dietetics or related fields.

• Objective 2a - Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• Objective 2b- 80% of employers of Murray State University (MSU) Dietetic Internship graduates, who respond to the employer survey, will rate the MSU graduate as “satisfactory” or better for helping to “improve the health and well-being of individuals.”
• Objective 2c- 80% of employers of Murray State University (MSU) Dietetic Internship graduates, who respond to the employer survey, will rate the MSU graduate as “satisfactory” or better for skill in critical thinking.
• Objective 2d - 100% of employers of Murray State University (MSU) Dietetic Internship graduates, who respond to the employer survey, will rate the MSU graduate as “satisfactory” or better for “knowledge” needed for entry-level position.

Program outcome data is available upon request.