Program Mission
The Program accepts interns who are eligible to be accepted into the Graduate Program in Nutrition, have taken M.S. degree courses or have a M.S. degree. Matriculation into the Graduate Program is mandatory while in the Dietetic Internship Program.
The mission of the Lehman College Dietetic Internship (DI) Program is to provide interns with a comprehensive learning experience through which they can acquire the knowledge, skills and practical training required to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN).
The Lehman College DI Program is designed to be completed in 12 months, over three semesters with supervised practice hours ranging from 30-37.5 hours per week.
M.S. degree transcripts and resumes are reviewed to determine if student is exempt from any M.S. degree courses that are required during the internship year or if student qualifies for prior assessed learning.
Program Goals
Upon completion of the DI, graduates will be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired during the internship, according to the Competencies/Learning Outcomes by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) based on the 2022 Standards for Nutrition and Dietetics Internship programs with particular emphasis on Medical Nutrition Therapy
Goals
To prepare graduates to be competent, ethical and culturally sensitive entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists. Outcome Measures over a 3-year period:
- Program Completion: 80% of interns will complete the DI within 18 months. (150% of program length).
- Graduate Employment: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of program completion.
- Graduate Performance on Registration Exam:
- At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
- Program’ s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration examination within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
Program Specific
- At least 30% of our graduates will represent groups traditionally under-represented in dietetics, including: males, people of color, and speakers of English as a 2nd language.
Graduates will be well-prepared for the practice of nutrition and dietetics in a variety of settings, including Medical Nutrition Therapy. Outcome measure over a 3-year period:
- At least 70% of graduates will find employment in Medical Nutrition Therapy
- At least 70% of graduates will report that they were prepared or well-prepared for their area of practice.
- Employer Satisfaction:
- 75% of employers will rate DI graduates as performing well.
- 75% of employers will rate DI graduates as ethical and culturally sensitive.
In addition, the intern will be able to:
- Integrate knowledge and critical thinking skills with practical experience.
- Become mindful citizens for sustainable, resilient and healthy food and water systems.
- Acquire New York State Certification (CDN) after passing the Registered Dietitian Examination.
Lehman College Dietetic Internship Program outcomes data are available upon request. Please contact the DI Director, Marina Stopler, MS, RD, IBCLC (marina.stopler@lehman.cuny.edu)
