Master's Dietetic Internship Program

The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics in the College of Health and Human Services of Marywood University offers one Dietetic Internship (DI) program with two tracks, for onsite or distance. This is a full-time program. All students will complete the requirements of the program prior to receiving a DI verification statement. The internship program will provide the required Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Learning Outcomes (LO) or competencies with a Health Promotion and Wellness (HP/W) concentration. Interns will complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice divided into four rotations: Community Nutrition, Food Systems Management, Medical Nutrition Therapy and Professional Practice/Staff Relief. Upon successful completion of the DI program, students are eligible to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians.

The philosophy of Marywood University Master’s Dietetic Internship runs parallel with the mission of the program and the mission of Marywood University. Students enhance broadening intellectual perspectives, and promoting ethical professional practice based on humanitarian values. Students are encouraged to discover their passions, prepare for their careers, and acquire tools and motivation for a lifelong process of learning following the Code of Ethics, the Scope/Standards of Practice and the Standards of Professional Performance of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Marywood University’s Dietetic Internship is passionate about developing competent practitioners dedicated to service of others and to the profession. Throughout the Masters Dietetic Internship Program, students will be provided with a professional and academic environment in which to develop the skills needed to become competent in the areas of nutrition therapy, community dietetics, food service management and be leaders in the field and /or professional organizations.

The Mission of Marywood University Master’s Dietetic Internship is to prepare well-rounded graduates who are competent entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Graduates are ready to respond to the challenging demands of productive careers in dietetics and nutrition-related fields through a commitment to lifelong learning. They will demonstrate professionalism, self-directedness, evidence-based practice decisions, effective communication, critical thinking, collaboration in their professional community, and active ongoing self-assessment all in the pursuit of meaningful work that makes a positive impact on others.

This is reflective of the Standards of Education from ACEND and the Health Promotion and Wellness concentration of the program, which enables graduates to accept positions in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health in a variety of healthcare and community environments. They will lead and empower individuals, especially those with economic need, to achieve better nutrition and healthier lifestyles.

Program Goal 1

The Marywood University Master’s Dietetic Internship Program will produce graduates who practice competently in positions that address the ongoing/evolving health care demands for wellness promotion, maintenance and restoration of health in the populations they serve. The program will produce graduates who are confident leaders capable of effective advocacy and beneficial service on behalf of the community and field of nutrition and dietetics.

Program Objectives for Goal 1 are measured by the following standards:

Upon completion of the program

1a. At least 80% of program interns complete all program/degree requirements within 33 months (150% of the program length). (RE 2.1.c.1.a)

One-year post completion

1b. On the one‐year post completion employer survey, of those that respond 90% will score “agree or strongly agree” with a mean value of 2.0 or greater regarding graduate’s preparation for entry-level practice. (RE 2.1.c.1.d)

1c. Of graduates who seek employment 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of the program graduation. (RE 2.1.c.1.b)

Over a three-year period

1d. 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%. (RE 2.1.c.1.2)

Program Goal 2

The Marywood University Master’s Dietetic Internship Program will develop graduates to encourage critical thinking and application of the knowledge, and research in food and nutrition science to assess and treat individuals and diverse populations. The program will prepare graduates for expanded professional opportunities and/or for further academic studies, who embrace the ever-changing challenges of the profession and need to be self-directed learners with a commitment to life-long learning as critical to serving the community and the profession.

Program Objectives for Goal 2 are measured by the following standards:

Upon completion of the program

2a. At least 85% of program graduates will take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitians nutritionists within 12 months of program completion. (RE 2.1.c.1.c.1)

2b. On the end of program survey, at least 75% of graduates who respond will “agree or strongly agree” with a mean value of 2.0 or greater regarding the program fostering self-directed learning.

2c. On the three-year post program survey, at least 80% of graduates who respond will “agree or strongly agree” with a mean value of 2.0 or greater regarding leadership service in the dietetics profession and/or the community at large.

2d. On the three-year post program survey, at least 40% of program graduates who respond will indicate they have become a preceptor or mentor dietetic students or interns.

How Can You Become An RDN?

• Currently, by completing a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college or foreign equivalent.
• Earning a Verification Statement through a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) which includes the necessary coursework to meet knowledge requirements set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
• Completing a minimum of 1,000+ hours of supervised practice through an ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program in Dietetics or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) offered through an ACEND accredited program.
• Passing a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  • Similar to other health care professions, RDNs must take and pass a national board registration examination to earn the RDN certification. The RDN exam is a computer-based exam that covers the content in the three major areas of dietetics: clinical, community, and food service. The registration examination is updated every five years to reflect the information that entry-level dietitians should master after completing a Didactic Program in Dietetics and internship. For more information regarding the examination, refer to their website at cdrnet.org.
• Complete continuing professional educational requirements on an ongoing basis in order to maintain the credential of RD or RDN after passing the national registration exam.
• State certification or licensure varies from state to state. Check Licensing & Certification State Board Resources by Program. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to access this section; select "Registered Dietition/Nutritionist" from the accordion menu.)
• Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) In most states, such as Pennsylvania, graduates must also obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND- accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics at Marywood University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program/ apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. 

How can Marywood assist you on your professional journey?

We offer an Accredited Dietetic Internship Program through the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Our program offers both an onsite or distance track.  In addition to our Masters Degree Dietetic Internship we are also able to offer a five-year BS/MS/DI program allowing those that qualify the option to complete their Bachelors, Masters, and Internship all through Marywood enabling them to sit for the RDN Exam in five years.

Marywood offers several program options that lead to the RDN credential. You may choose to earn:

1. A Bachelor’s of Science (BS) in Nutrition and Dietetics degree and your Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement* which provides you eligibility to apply for an accredited Dietetic Internship Program. (DPD-Traditional Option)
2. A BS in Nutrition and Dietetics degree through the Spanish Option and your DPD Verification Statement* which provides you eligibility to apply for an accredited Dietetic Internship Program. (DPD-Spanish Option)
3. A BS in Nutrition and Dietetics degree, your DPD Verification Statement* (through either the DPD-Traditional or DPD-Spanish options), your Master of Science (MS) degree, as well as completion of Marywood's accredited Dietetic Internship Program* in an accelerated time frame (5 years) through a pre-selection process.
4. Your DPD Verification Statement* which provides you eligibility to apply for an accredited Dietetic Internship Program (for those students who have an earned BS/BA), while you also earn your MS degree is in Nutrition or Sports Nutrition Exercise Science. (DPD-Grad Option)
5. Your DPD Verification Statement* (through the DPD-Grad option) which provides you eligibility to apply for an accredited Dietetic Internship Program, as well as completion of Marywood's accredited Dietetic Internship Program* through a pre-selection process while you earn your MS degree is in Nutrition or Sports Nutrition Exercise Science. 
6. A Master of Science degree in Nutrition and your Dietetic Internship Program Verification Statement from either our onsite or distance tracks. 

*All students must apply and be accepted into each ACEND-accredited program and be in good standing in the program to earn a Verification Statement from that program.

Each year Marywood Dietetic Interns participate in various internship experiences.

2022 Highlights

Time and Temperature
Intern Julianna doing in-service training during her food service management rotation.

Meet Intern Emily Brown Truscott!
Emily chose Marywood because this program allows her to pursue a Master’s degree and complete her dietetics internship from anywhere. she loved the freedom she has to be close to her family, connect with her community, and travel all while working to become a registered dietitian. Marywood is a close-knit community, and she always felt supported and empowered by the faculty and her peers. Emily has yet to choose an area of practice, but she knows her internship rotations will help point her in the right direction. She has special interests in pregnancy nutrition, lactation, and advocacy.

Meet Intern Angela Favorite!
Angela was drawn to Marywood University because it is a faith-based university with a mission to serve others, which aligns with her own values. The distance internship has allowed her to stay in her home in Ohio to do her online coursework; while developing professional contacts in her area to build upon for her future work as a practicing dietitian. Angela will be graduating with her master’s in nutrition in May of 2023 and will take the CDR exam in June.

SEE MORE OF OUR INTERNS IN ACTION FOR 2022

2021 Highlights

Julia Child fun Themed Meal

Intern Francesca carried out a Julia Child themed meal for residents at Elmwood Hills Healthcare Center/Northbrook Behavioral Hospital Services, including purchasing, receiving, storing, and inventory. Here you can see the card (pictured bottom) that she included on each tray so that the residents would know what the occasion was. The back of the card included a website link to Julia Child's first time cooking beef bourguignon - which was on the residents' menu that evening!

Zooming into Health

Celene interned at Three Sisters Kitchen, a non-profit community food space in the heart of downtown Albuquerque that aims to create a space where good food, diverse communities, and economic opportunity come together for a healthier and more vibrant city. During her time there she presented a curriculum, created by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Diabetes Prevention Program, after noticing a high prevalence of diabetes risk factors in her community.

Representing the Nutrition Department

Marywood Intern Jessie represents the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center nutrition department at a caregiver fair. The VAMC provides family members or friends of veterans with a stipend in exchange for those persons to serve as the veteran's caregiver and take them to appointments and procedures. These fairs occur to familiarize caregivers with the many services  and specialties that the VAMC offers

SEE MORE OF OUR INTERNS IN ACTION FOR 2021

Computer Match

The Onsite Track and Distance Track slots for the internship are filled through the spring DICAS match process each year. 

First Round Match Process

Candidates that have been successfully matched to the Marywood Dietetic Internship will be notified on the appointment day through the Computer matching process. These candidates must confirm by email with the Program Director that they accept the slot no later than 6 p.m, EST on the appointment day. The Program Director, Stephanie Minkoff, can be reached at sminkoff@marywood.edu. No phone calls or emails from unmatched candidates will be accepted at this time.

DICAS Match Process

The Marywood University Dietetic Internship Program participates in Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) Spring Computer Matching Process in April of each year. See the DICAS Applicant Help Center for an overview of the application process. Our Dietetic Internship program will participate in the April 2023 Dietetic Internship Centralized Application process (DICAS) for the first round. DICAS and D & D Digital deadline is February 15, 2023.

• Information on the Computer Matching Process: DICAS Website.
• Apply through DICAS spring match online. email DICASinfo@DICAS.org.
• Applicants who are not part of the pre-select program must participate in a national computer matching process and must submit a complete electronic (DICAS) internship application.
• Students also need to register online with D&D Digital and enter contact information, program preferences and pay fees with a credit card on or before the deadline date.
• Note: Computer matching to a Dietetic Internship is a two-step process that includes completion of the application through DICAS and registering for computer matching with D&D Digital.
• Please contact D&D Digital for current cost or contact by email at info@dnddigital.com. Additional contact information for D&D Digital Systems, Inc. is 304 Main Street - Suite 301, Ames, IA 50010; Phone 515-292-0490; Fax 515-663-9427.
• Include your GRE Scores (recommended but not required) in the DICAS application. (#2407 Institutional Code). Have your official transcripts and GRE Scores mailed to Mr. Jason Thiel, Graduate Admissions Counselor, Marywood University, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA  18509. Should you have any questions about the graduate application process and/or necessary documents for the Masters DI Program please contact jmthiel@marywood.edu.
• It is not required to have preceptors identified as part of the DICAS application process.

Note: The Marywood University Master's Dietetic Internship program has no additional application fees, specific to the university, beyond the application fees for DICAS and D&D Digital.

Second Round Match Process

Following first round match, typically at 12 pm EST on Thursday of that week, second round match opens - D & D Digital will release the names of the DI programs that did not fill their class. Interested candidates, who have not been matched by D&D Digital in the first round, need to follow this program's criteria as listed below:

1. Unmatched candidates may contact the Dietetic Internship program director and the clinical coordinator when 2nd round match opens at noon EST by submitting their name and contact information along with a copy of their DICAS application as an email attachment to the following email addresses:  sminkoff@marywood.edu, morlowsky@marywood.edu
2. Your downloaded DICAS application must include the list of your DPD courses and grades, work/volunteer experience, and a personal statement.
3. On the DICAS program designations page, there are instructions to download a pdf.  You also have the option to contact the DICAS customer service line at 617-612-2885 to assist you with obtaining a copy of your DICAS application.
4. Marywood University’s Dietetic Internship second round applications will be considered beginning at noon on 2nd round match day until all slots are filled.
5. Please be aware that applications will be reviewed until all slots are filled. The slots could be filled within that first day.  Timely response is crucial to securing a slot if offered.
6. There is no fee to submit an application to Marywood.

Please do not call the DI program director.

If you choose to disregard the above statement and call the Program Director, please note that due the large volume of calls expected, you may receive a “busy” signal and an option to leave a message. There is no guarantee that the Program Director can return your call. 

Important Note:

• Second Round: Be sure to indicate which TRACK of the Dietetic Internship you are interested in if slots are available for both; either ONSITE OR DISTANCE.  Distance track facilities are required to be > 125 miles from Scranton, PA. 

• Please be aware that due to the volume of emails and applications the program director will be unable to confirm receipt of your email or application or let you know if you were not selected.

All students will need to submit a Marywood University Graduate Admissions Application. This is done after you are offered and have accepted a slot in the program through the computer matching process. Acceptance by Graduate Admissions does not guarantee admissions to the internship program. If conditionally accepted you will need to submit your original Verification Statement and final official transcript(s) to the Program Director. 

Note: The Marywood University Master's Dietetic Internship program has no additional application fees, specific to the university, beyond the application fees for DICAS and D&D Digital.

Admission Requirements:

• A Baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited university or college or foreign equivalent as determined by a recognized credentialing agency
• Verification Statement from an ACEND approved Didactic Program in Dietetics within 5 years of application
  • If >5 years please provide results of an upper level nutrition course such as MNT taken within the past 2 years
• Relevant work and/or volunteer experiences
• Minimum DPD GPA of 3.0

Application Requirements:

• Statement of purpose and goals (Personal Statement)
• Three letters of recommendation
• DPD Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent to Complete

The Admissions Decision Is Based On:

• A completed centralized internship application 

Important In your personal statement please indicate if you are applying to the Onsite Track or Distance Track.

You have 60 days to submit all the necessary forms for the program following the acceptance of an internship slot if offered.  Once all the paperwork is accepted and approved by the Program Director you will be permitted to be in the program.

Application Completion

Once your graduate application is completed, you will receive a letter from graduate admissions notifying you of your acceptance. At this point, a $500 non-refundable deposit will be required before you can register for classes. The $500 deposit will be paid through the Marywood University Graduate Admissions portal. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Program Director.

Please note that acceptance into the Graduate School does not imply that you have been accepted into the DI Program. 

You are strongly advised to contact the director of the DI program before applying in order to receive any updated information.

Benefits Of Being A Preceptor For Dietitians And Institutions

• Recruitment: The institution has the advantage of reviewing the students' performance and screening them for a match as future employees.  Since the student is already familiar with the institution, they require less orientation and training upon hire.
• Improved quality of care: A study by Zisberg et al. (2003) found that nurses gave a higher quality of care when working with students than when nurses were not working with students. This might be explained because the staff became more aware of their own performance and focused more intently on the care they were providing when working with the students.
• Professional development:  Student presence and questions stimulate and intellectually challenge staff.  They bring fresh ideas and up-to-date information.  For example, many facilities have received assistance from interns with implementing the Nutrition Care Process.
• Provide assistance with job responsibilities and additional duties:  For example, students can be asked to develop educational materials, analyze menus or teach classes that staff might not have the extra time to complete. 
• Personal satisfaction: Experienced by staff who mentor students.

Free Online Preceptor Training

As of June 1, 2017, preceptors may record a total of 15 CPEUs per 5-year cycle for precepting and/or leadership on your Activity Log. For more information and  visit The Commission on Dietetic Registration which offers a free Online Dietetic Preceptor Training Module worth 8 CPEUs.

Dietetics Preceptor Training Program 

 CDR discussion on Preceptor CPEs

Preceptor Verification Form

Preceptor Material 

Coding and Billing Handbook: A Guide for Program Directors and Preceptors - free for Academy members

This Handbook provides foundation knowledge and suggested supervised practice experiences to help interns become competent in this area. 

Be a Member of the DPG: Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) 

The dietetic education system is multi-tiered; consisting of didactic program instructors and directors, supervised practice program directors and preceptors.  NDEP is the practice group for Dietetic Educators and Preceptors.  

All the faculty in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Marywood University are members and has found their membership as extremely worthwhile. The annual NDEP meeting is usually in the month of April and provides ~ 10 CPEs in 1.5 days.

Preceptor of the Year (2022)

Julie Leonard, RDN, CD of Lourdes Hospital