Our program prepares an intern to progress from a student to a professional by integrating the didactic knowledge of food and nutrition with practical experiences in dietetics. Our interns benefit from a variety of learning environments through graduate coursework and in facilities such as hospitals/medical centers, long-term care facilities, food service operations, ambulatory care and community agencies where the intern can develop critical thinking, clinical expertise, computer and research applications, and effective oral and written communication skills. We believe that learning occurs best in an environment that is supportive of an individual's needs and encourages self-development and life-long learning. Our program keeps pace with the changing dynamics of the nutrition field so that our interns evolve into competent dietetics professionals.

The C. W. Post Dietetic Internship is affiliated with over 90 facilities in Queens and all areas of Long Island. Each intern will experience 7 rotations that are tailor made to each individual’s preference and past experience.

Goals for the Dietetic Internship

• To prepare dietetic interns to meet requirements for entry-level generalist practice
• To provide diverse supervised practice experiences in food service systems management, community nutrition and medical nutrition therapy to meet the competencies for a general emphasis program
• To produce dietetic interns who will achieve competence in the Dietetic Internship graduate courses
• To produce practitioners who will have the necessary skills to contribute to professional practice and who participate in lifelong learning

The Dietetic Internship has been granted accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-4876. Graduates of the internship are eligible to take the Registration Examination established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and apply for active membership in the ADA.

Curriculum

The Dietetic Internship of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University includes graduate coursework and supervised practice experiences that can be completed in two academic semesters.

Graduate Coursework

A 14-Credit Certificate of Advanced Studies:

• HSN 611: Concepts for Nutrition Practice, 1 credit
• HSN 612: Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition, 2 credits
• HSN 613: DI Clinical I, 3 credits
• HSN 614: DI Clinical II, 3 credits
• HSN 615: DI Clinical Seminar I, 1 credit
• HSN 616: DI Clinical Seminar II, 1 credit
• HSN 626: Advanced Counseling Skills, 3 credits

Supervised Practice Experience

This experience is in addition to the graduate coursework and totals 900 hours (30 hours per week for 30 weeks); includes experiences in medical nutrition therapy, food service systems management and community nutrition divided into the following rotations:

Medical Nutrition Therapy

• Clinical/Hospital
• Renal
• Long Term Care
• Ambulatory Care/Outpatient Counseling

Food Service Systems Management

• School Food Service
• Institutional Food Service

Community Nutrition

• Community Agency/Organization

Clinical/Hospital Rotation (10-12 weeks; 300-360 hours)

As an introduction to clinical care, the intern will learn about the role of a registered dietitian in a hospital and/or medical center. Emphasis will be placed on general medicine and surgery, HIV/AIDS, oncology, and nutrition support/critical care. Upon completion of the rotation, the intern will be able to initiate and complete a nutrition screening and assessment, including appropriate chart documentation, and implement appropriate nutrition intervention in a hospital setting.

Renal Rotation (2 weeks; 60 hours)

This experience will be a continuation of medical nutrition therapy in the specialized setting of a dialysis unit in an outpatient setting. Emphasis will be on nutrition care of clients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.

Long Term Care Rotation (4 weeks; 120 hours)

This experience will provide exposure to the role of the dietitian in a long-term care skilled nursing facility. Emphasis will be on identification of the special needs of institutionalized individuals: acute, rehabilitation and long-term care.

Ambulatory Care Rotation (2-4 weeks; 60-120 hours)

This experience will provide the intern with exposure to the role of the dietitian in an outpatient setting. Emphasis will be on nutritional counseling and education of individuals and groups. Some examples of outpatient settings include centers for diabetes, cardiac rehabilitation, adolesent medicine, private practices, pediatrics, fitness centers and campus health service.

Food Service Rotation (6 weeks; 180 hours)

This experience will provide the intern with exposure to all aspects of the food service operation including daily operations as well as the managerial functions of the Food Service Director. The intern will experience institutional (hospital or long-term care) and school food service during this rotation.

Community Rotation (4 weeks; 120 hours)

This experience will provide exposure to the role of the nutritionist in the community. Emphasis will be on nutrition education and communication skills. Some community sites used include: WIC, senior centers, day care centers, AIDS care, food banks, group homes for disabled adults, cooperative extensions, campus health service & dept. of athletics.

Tuition and Fees

C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University: Tuition and Fees for the Dietetic Internship*
Tuition per credit (subject to change)	$790
Tuition for 14-Credit DI Certificate of Advanced Studies	$11,060
Student Activity Fee for DI for two semesters	$98
University Fee for DI for two semesters	$440
Admissions Application Fee	$30
ADA Associate Membership	$43
Books and Supplies (estimate)	$200

Since tuition fees are subject to change each year, the Schedule of Classes Bulletin reflecting current fees will be available to students every semester.

Admission Requirements

Twenty students will be accepted to each Dietetic Internship (DI) class. Candidates seeking admission to the DI Certificate of Advanced Studies must follow the general application procedures for graduate study at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University:

• Long Island University graduate application and fee
• A completed Dietetic Internship application; no additional fee
• Two official copies of undergraduate transcripts for proof of baccalaureate degree
• 3.0 GPA in major
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably one from student's undergraduate nutrition program, one from a work colleague and an additional letter of choice); DI letters will suffice for graduate applications.
• Personal Statement: one page statement about your professional goals, values and reason for choosing the C.W. Post DI.
• One copy of Declaration of Intent to complete the degree and minimal Academic Requirements or two copies of the Verification Statement with original signature
• For entry in the fall semester the deadline is on or around February 15 (post marked)
• Acceptance notifications will be made on or about April 20 each year
• Applicants must submit prioritized mark sense cards mailed directly to D&D Digital Systems; 516-292-0490

Alessandra Sarcona
Director, Dietetic Internship
C.W. Post Campus, Long Island University
720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY 11548
Phone 516-299-3224 | Email: asarcona@liu.edu