Admission Requirements

Program Accreditation

The Missouri State University Dietetic Internship Certificate Program has been granted Full Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered. ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs. Programs meeting those standards are accredited by ACEND.

Program Goals

1. Program graduates will be competent for practice as entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists.
2. Program graduates will demonstrate life-long learning skills which will enhance the dietetic profession and demonstrate leadership in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

Admission Requirements

1. Evidence of meeting the minimum academic requirements from an ACEND-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics by a "Verification Statement" or "Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree" and/or ACEND-approved "Minimum Academic Requirements".
2. Completion of the baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Completion of graduate degree.
4. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 over the last 60 hours of academic work taken.
5. Completed application form.
6. A personal philosophy statement addressing the applicant's professional career goals and how the DI program will help accomplish these goals, in addition to discussing the applicant's strengths and areas of improvement.
7. For international applicants, submission of proof of English proficiency. Refer to both Graduate College and International Services websites.
8. Two written recommendations received with the application must be without significant reservations/concern.
   1. Dietetic academic reference
   2. Work or volunteer reference
9. Resume which includes:
   1. Work or volunteer experience, preferably related to nutrition and dietetics
   2. Involvement in college and/or community activities
10. After the application period closes, the selection committee will review all applications and select students for a virtual interview.

Full admission to the DI program is competitive; not all that apply will be admitted. Students who are not admitted into the program may apply for the next application deadline.

Upon acceptance to the DI, additional requirements include:

1. Meet technical standards of the program in order to successfully undertake the course of study including evidence of good health. These standards are available upon request from the program.
2. Evidence of up-to-date immunizations to include MMR, tetanus, TB test, Hepatitis A, complete Hepatitis B series, and any other vaccinations required by clinical sites.
3. Evidence of health insurance, including hospitalization.
4. Hold and maintain CPR certification valid throughout the DI.
5. Hold ServSafe Certification valid throughout the DI.
6. Student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
7. Interns must enroll on a full-time basis and progress through the program as a cohort group.
8. Follow program provided instructions to complete a drug screening test and criminal record check* and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 324.217 or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered dietitian.

*Students who fail these checks or procedures will be subject to further review by the Nutrition and Dietetic Programs. This may result in dismissal from the program.

Retention requirements

1. Maintain a GPA of 3.00, with no more than 3 semester hours of graduate work of "C+" or lower, and no hours of graduate work below a grade of "C-". Students who do not meet this criterion will need to retake any graduate course that a grade below a "C-" was earned and retake some of the courses where a "C+" or lower was earned if they exceeded the acceptable amount of hours of graduate work below a grade of "C+" in the Program.
2. Receive average (3) or higher rating on all performance evaluations and earn 80% or higher on all coursework that assess the required competencies as set forth by ACEND. Students who do not meet this criterion are to follow the DI performance monitoring and remediation policy found in the student handbook.
3. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of healthcare professionals. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge.

Students who do not meet this criterion are subject to the DI disciplinary and termination policy found in the student handbook.