University of Minnesota Dietetic Internship

panorama of the Minneapolis skyline, the Washington Avenue Bridge, and the UMN West Bank

Welcome to the University of Minnesota Dietetic Internship, a pioneer since its establishment in 1917 as one of the nation's first dietetic internship programs. Situated within the vibrant Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, our internship represents a legacy of excellence in nurturing aspiring nutrition professionals. Offering two robust concentration areas—an innovative Eating Disorders concentration in partnership with The Emily Program (ED-TEP) - the first of its kind in the nation, and a Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) concentration in collaboration with M Health Fairview.

Why Choose Our Program:

Throughout our century-long history, the UMN DI program has focused on fostering close relationships with highly qualified Preceptors who oversee diverse field experiences. Our emphasis on advanced academic preparation tailored for supervised practice and careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists equips interns not only to pass the RDN exam but also to thrive across various career paths. We provide a rich, varied hands-on learning experience across diverse practice environments and are committed to offering additional professional development opportunities, personalized leadership, and an inclusive learning environment.

Administered through the University of Minnesota's Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the St. Paul campus, our collaboration with a multitude of partner sites offers a supportive environment for growth and success. Join a program that has consistently set high standards in dietetic education, where you bring your curiosity, skills, and openness to expand your learning, and we provide the opportunities for you to thrive.

Spotlight Video

Our program was recently highlighted because of our leadership in the dietetics field within Minnesota. Watch this short 2024 video featuring our Program Director:

Accreditation

Lawn in front of Coffey Building

This program has been granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for the 2019-2026 period.

ACEND is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) or dietetic technicians, registered (DTR). ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs.

ACEND is recognized by the United States Department of Education affirming that ACEND meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND is also a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) and abides by its code of good practice.

ACEND can be contacted by:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400
International callers: +1-312/899-0040, ext. 5000
Mail:
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995