The KU dietetic internship graduate certificate program provides supervised practice experiences allowing the dietetic intern to practice, develop and apply skills gained in the classroom.

The program allows graduates to meet the supervised practice experience requirements set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The 16 hours of graduate coursework (8 hours didactic, 8 hours practicum) and a minimum of 1,073 hours of supervised practice experiences included in the program contain the required content to meet the required core competencies for entry-level dietitians. The interplay of experiential and didactic learning provides an opportunity for the development of expertise in dietetics and nutrition.

KU's program requires a minimum of 975 hours of supervised practice experiences in the areas of clinical nutrition, food and nutrition management, community nutrition, and a practice area of interest. Course DN 827 Practicum consists of four hours in the fall semester and four hours in the spring semester where students complete supervised practice experiences and projects under the direction of preceptors as well as other assignments and activities requested by the program director and faculty. Courses in medical nutrition therapy and management are also included in the certificate program. Through these courses and other internship experiences, students complete an additional 98 hours of alternative learning experience for a total of 1,073 hours of supervised practice experience.

Academic Plan

The following is an outline of the academic plan for the dietetic internship graduate certificate track program (16 credit hours):

Fall Semester 1: 8 Credit Hours

• DN 825 Medical Nutrition Therapy I (3 credits)
• DN 822 Management Dietetics & Nutrition I (1 credit)
• DN 827 Practicum (4 credits)

Spring Semester 2: 8 Credit Hours

• DN 826 Medical Nutrition Therapy II (3 credits)
• DN 823 Management Dietetics & Nutrition II (1 credit)
• DN 827 Practicum in Dietetics and Nutrition (4 credits)

Course Descriptions

Supervised Practice Experience Rotations

Rotation Selection

The KU dietetic internship program is a campus-based program which either provides or assists in providing rotation sites for all rotations. The program director assigns dietetic interns to rotations based on dietetic interns’ preferences as well as the availability of preceptors. Students receive a list of available rotation sites for supervised practice experiences and have the opportunity to list their top choices. The ability of supervised practice facilities to accept dietetic interns varies from semester to semester and year to year. If an intern has an area of interest in which a rotation is not currently offered, the intern can make recommendations and the program director will work to find a site in that area, when possible.

For the culminating practice area of interest rotation, students design supervised practice experiences with preceptors they select. The program director is available for suggestions, contact information or to initiate the conversation with the potential preceptor. Students may also contact preceptors directly. Should a student struggle to identify a site for the rotation, the program director works with the student to assess interests and to locate a rotation placement so there will not be a delay in meeting program requirements. Since interns are still taking classes during this rotation, most interns complete this rotation within the Kansas City metropolitan area. However, if a student was able to return for classes, this rotation can be completed outside the Kansas City area.

Supervised Practice Rotations:

• Clinical Nutrition I: 200 hours (~7 weeks)
• Clinical Nutrition II: 225 hours (~8 weeks)
• Interprofessional Teaching Clinics: ~ 30 hours
• Food and Nutrition Management: 200 hours (~6-7 weeks)
• Community Nutrition: 200 hours (~6-7 weeks)
• Practice Area of Interest: 120 hours (~4 weeks)

Total: 975 hours (plus alternative learning hours)*

* In addition to the supervised practice hours accumulated through rotations, there will also be hours awarded for alternative learning activities completed during coursework or activities outside regular supervised practice hours to assist with meeting required ACEND competencies. It is estimated that at least 98 additional hours will be received for these activities (case studies, simulations, research project, etc).

Total Supervised Practice Hours – 1,073 hours

Please note: all students should read the health/vaccination information at the bottom of this page and how these may impact the ability to complete all program requirements.

Assessment of Prior Learning/Experience and Transfer Credit

The University of Kansas does not grant exemption from dietetic internship supervised practice experiences or graduate coursework for prior education or employment experiences. The university also does not accept transfer credit for the graduate coursework required for the dietetic internship graduate certificate program.

Class Schedule

Students complete graduate coursework on Mondays. Classes are held at the University of Kansas Medical Center campus located at 3901 Rainbow Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas. Supervised practice experiences are conducted Tuesday through Friday at assigned sites (typically 32 hours per week).

View a sample fall (semester 1) intern schedule (PDF).

View an example supervised practice experience schedule (PDF).

The Dietetic Internship Graduate Certificate program follows the KU Medical Center academic calendar with some minor exceptions. Dietetic internship students will have a reduced winter and spring break to allow for completion of supervised practice hours within the reduced two semester time frame. Please note that should an intern need to makeup missed supervised practice hours or need additional time to meet required competencies, they may be required to complete supervised practice hours during university-designated breaks.

Distance Education Components and Technology Requirements

The dietetic internship graduate certificate program is conducted in-person on campus; however, courses are enhanced with some online content.

Dietetic interns will utilize KU’s learning management system, Blackboard Ultra, throughout the program to enhance the learning experience. Interns are expected to have basic technology skills such that they can complete the following tasks which are incorporated within the curriculum:

• Access the internet.

• Access and download course files (e.g., documents, presentations, videos, etc.).

• Upload assignment files (e.g., documents, presentations, videos, etc.).

• Take quizzes and exams within Blackboard.

• Post to discussion boards.

• Access resources through different browsers.

• Take notes/annotate resources.

• Use a functioning microphone and camera.

• Present student created files/media through a data projector. Our lecture halls and classrooms are equipped with Windows computers for use by presenters.

• Course- or program-related meetings using applications requiring audio and video (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.).

• Use of non-KU Medical Center online learning resources.

Technology Requirements

The School of Health Professions supports either Windows-based computers or Apple/Mac computers. You will not be able to complete your coursework using any of the following as your primary computing device: iPad, Chromebook, Netbook, Linux-based computer, Android tablet, or any type of smartphone.

Students in this program are required to have a computer that meets the minimum software and hardware requirements.

Program Completion Requirements

The program completion requirements include the following:

• Previous completion of a graduate degree.
• Complete required program coursework with a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 for all KU graduate certificate coursework (16 credit hours).
• Be in good academic and ethical standing within the university.
• Successfully complete a minimum of 1,073 hours of supervised practice experience in a variety of settings.
• Receive a passing score on all ACEND core competencies.
• Pass the final exam for the program with a score of 25 and/or 80%.
• Complete all program requirements within four years of beginning the program.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive the following:

• Dietetic internship graduate certificate from the University of Kansas.
• Dietetic internship verification statement, allowing eligibility to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians.