The University of Minnesota Dietetic Internship is 37 weeks in duration, with two weeks of vacation from late December - early January. The program begins in early September with a two-week orientation, and commences with graduation the end of May.
U of M DI interns need to possess the following personal characteristics to succeed in this fast-paced, multi-disciplinary program:
- Increased maturity level (due to high expectations of program and preceptors)
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills (due to multitude of preceptors and other associated professionals)
- Ability to work well independently and in groups (due to autonomous nature of individual rotation schedules, with opportunities for advanced level of project teamwork)
- Perseverance, adaptability, and flexibility (due to extensive experiences and fast-paced rotations)
Rotations
The master rotation schedule is determined by the program leadership team with assistance from each concentration’s internship coordinator. The schedule is based on factors such as timing, site and preceptor availability. Scheduling of experiences is unique to each facility and will be done by the site preceptor for that facility. This will usually be done at the beginning of a rotation, but may change during the experience. Interns should not commit to other activities before the schedule is known. All schedules and supervised practice experiences are subject to change each year.
Rotations will last anywhere from a few days to multiple weeks. There will be a preceptor for each rotation. Most rotations will be structured and will include homework, assignments and/or projects. Interns should anticipate approximately 40 hours per week, and that weekly schedules will vary and may include some early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday assignments. Interns are expected to be flexible and adapt to each facility.
Holidays
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus holidays may not be time off while in the U of M Dietetic Internship Program. Any requirements for observance of specific religious activities must be communicated in writing to the program prior to orientation. Arrangements will then be negotiated by the intern with the site preceptor in coordination with the Internship Director.
Emergency absences must be communicated to and arranged with the leadership team. If emergency absences exceed three days, additional time in the Dietetic Internship may be required.
Orientation
Prior to rotations, interns participate in two weeks of program orientation. This is a time to become familiar with other interns, the DI team, sites and preceptors while learning about the details of the internship and resources available during the program. To help interns thrive and succeed, we discuss our program handbook along with our policies and procedures manual; thoroughly review our program's online learning management system; as well as allocate time with our partner sites, The Emily Program and M Health Fairview.
Classes (and Workshops)
U of M DI interns will have classes scheduled with one another, in addition to workshops with interns from other internships within the Twin Cities. Topics may include:
- Supervised Practice discussions
- Clinical concepts and Medical Terminology
- Intern Case Study presentations
- Medical Nutrition Therapy presentations
- Nutrition Care Process
- Eating Disorders
- Coding and Billing
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Dysphagia
- Sports Nutrition
- Bariatrics
- RD exam preparation
- Registration and Licensure
- Career Prep Workshop
Interns may also attend state-wide nutrition meetings, conferences, and symposiums whenever possible.
Projects
In addition to the scheduled class times, there will be out-of-class individual and group assignments and projects. These may include:
- Professional portfolio
- Farm tours
- Communications and social media
- Legislative and public policy initiatives