Mission Statement

The Viterbo University dietetic internship provides supervised practice experiences aligned with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Standards of Education to those who have completed didactic program requirements. The program prepares students to be entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who serve as faithful and ethical leaders in the community.

Program Goals and Outcomes

Viterbo's dietetic program monitors quality of its educational experiences through a system of continuous improvement. The program's outcomes data are available upon request. 

Goal 1. The Program will provide quality education to a diverse student body in order to prepare competent entry-level dietitians.

Outcome measures

• 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program. 
• Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• The program's one year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. 
• At one year post program completion, employers will rate graduates as “acceptable” or “outstanding” in 90% of the areas of critical thinking and communication skills.
• At least one minority (including males) will successfully complete the dietetic internship program each year. 
• At least 80% of program interns will complete program requirements within 15 months (150% of program length) 

Goal 2. The Program will prepare graduates who will engage in nutrition specific health promotion activities in their first jobs

Outcome measures:

At one year post program completion, at least 75% of graduates will be involved in providing nutrition specific health promotion services as evidences by at least one of the following:

• The graduate provides nutrition services for an employee wellness program
• The graduate will routinely provide nutrition specific preventative services to individual clients or patients as part of their regular job duties
• The graduate will work with professional and/or volunteer agencies to provide sound nutritional information, especially related to disease prevention and health promotion to the public.

Goal 3. The Program will prepare entry-level dietitians who are able to work with individuals from diverse economic, ethnic, or educational backgrounds

Outcome measures:

• At one year post program completion, at least 80% of graduates will mark they are prepared or well-prepared on the graduate survey in the area of working with diverse population
• At least 80% of graduates will be ranked as satisfied or better by employers on their preparation for an entry-level career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.